Side mirrors obscure view on turns
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: los angeles ca
SL 550
Side mirrors obscure view on turns
Just got a new 2019 E300 after having a 2016 E350. Love the new car except for one glaring design failure - the placement of the side view mirrors. The mirror housings literally block any view of the side of the road ahead when turning - worse on left turns but true on right turns as well.
I've tried adjusting the seats, mirrors, etc but no help. Its especially bad when turning left onto a road that has a curb on the left side of the lane you are turning into as you cannot see that curb at all. I can't believe MB could have such a significant defect that has not been noticed by its customers.
Any thoughts appreciated.
I've tried adjusting the seats, mirrors, etc but no help. Its especially bad when turning left onto a road that has a curb on the left side of the lane you are turning into as you cannot see that curb at all. I can't believe MB could have such a significant defect that has not been noticed by its customers.
Any thoughts appreciated.
Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 195
Likes: 60
From: SoCal
2020 SL550. 2018 E400S4. 2014 CLS550
I thought I was the only one bothered by this. Same situation with our CLS - between the A pillar and left side mirror there is a big area to the left I can't see well.
Last edited by allfortheunion; Jan 11, 2019 at 11:07 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 669
Likes: 142
From: Hermosa Beach, California
2018 E400 Coupe
I find it to be a problem only when I'm going uphill on a narrow road near my home when making a right turn onto an even narrower alley that slopes downhill. Maybe the driver's height has something to do with it? I'm 5'11".
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 746
Likes: 178
From: NorCal
2015 ML350+2025 E350
Seat height and driving position as well IMO. I like to sit a little lower and with me legs extended rather than as if sitting in a chair with knees bent. On left turns where there is a curb it's nearly impossible to see it throughout the turn.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Tampa, FL
2019 E450 4Matic & 2018 E400 4Matic
Guess there's something wrong with me. I've not noticed any issue with turns and the side mirrors blocking my view at all. I tend to sit higher and I'm 5'9" and getting shorter every year 
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
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.
I have no visibility issues. I drive with the seat not quite as low as it will go and as far back it will go. I wish that there was 2" more leg room for the driver. I'm slightly less than a 6 footer who is also getting shorter each year size with a 32" inseam. I drive in an Italian arms out style for better steering control.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 333
From: Tampa, FL
2019 E450 4Matic & 2018 E400 4Matic
I have no visibility issues. I drive with the seat not quite as low as it will go and as far back it will go. I wish that there was 2" more leg room for the driver. I'm slightly less than a 6 footer who is also getting shorter each year size with a 32" inseam. I drive in an Italian arms out style for better steering control.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 746
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From: NorCal
2015 ML350+2025 E350
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 45
Likes: 6
2017 C43 Sedan and 2018 E300 Sedan. 2015 S550 gone.
Indisputable. Sit in any other MB sedan and you'll see the problem with the E immediately. Aside from that however, it is one great ride.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 288
Likes: 45
From: UK
E Class Estate S213
I’m with you - not noticed any issues at all and I came over from a BMW X5 which also had great visibility. Perhaps it’s just seating position?
Member
Joined: Mar 2018
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E250
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,447
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From: Tampa, FL
2019 E450 4Matic & 2018 E400 4Matic
"Waiter, I'll have what he's having!" LMAO
Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 140
Likes: 10
From: Las Vegas, NV
2017 E300
Coming straight from w211 which the side mirrors are right on the doors I find this annoying also. Every time I'm turning left I can not see the median. I guess it's the only way for Mercedes to accomplish the folding side mirror design.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 361
Likes: 28
Past 03 SL500,03 C240, 07 E350, 07 ML350, 10 ML350,11&14 E350 X2 2017 E300, 2017 C350e & 2000 S500
ive almost ran over 4 people, the belt line being higher and windows smaller is a big issue on this car. I can t see the curb when making a right hand turn. I am 6'2 and this cars got a huge blind spot problem.
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 190
Likes: 22
E class, C class
I too am coming straight from the W211 and I have the same issue with the mirrors obscuring my view when I am about to turn into the side street.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 577
Likes: 76
From: New York, NY
2021 Mercedes Benz e450 Wagon
No issues whatsoever. I'm 6'1" and sit on the bottom, with no blockage. If you're shorter, the recommendation is to raise the seat and adjust the steering wheel. Make your seat higher so that your head is near the ceiling. I notice way too many people sit way too low.
As or the mirrors themselves, do this: https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...d-blind-spots/
As or the mirrors themselves, do this: https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...d-blind-spots/
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 299
Likes: 23
2019 E450 sedan
No issues whatsoever. I'm 6'1" and sit on the bottom, with no blockage. If you're shorter, the recommendation is to raise the seat and adjust the steering wheel. Make your seat higher so that your head is near the ceiling. I notice way too many people sit way too low.
As or the mirrors themselves, do this: https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...d-blind-spots/
As or the mirrors themselves, do this: https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...d-blind-spots/
There is a lot lacking in our driver training in this country. (USA)
Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 195
Likes: 60
From: SoCal
2020 SL550. 2018 E400S4. 2014 CLS550
I have been doing this for 30+ years. If adjusted properly there is no blindspot and you can watch a passing car go from the rear view mirror, to the left side mirror, to being next to you in your peripheral vision.
There is a lot lacking in our driver training in this country. (USA)
There is a lot lacking in our driver training in this country. (USA)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 333
From: Tampa, FL
2019 E450 4Matic & 2018 E400 4Matic
And I still don't get it. I was paying extra attention this morning and simply don't have any issues with seeing where I'm going when turning right or left. It may be because my seat position if pretty high, but I just don't quite get this thread, tbh. If someone has an issue with visibility, this is why Mercedes seats are extremely adjustable. If you can't see, adjust your seats so you can see.
Last edited by rbrylaw; Jan 14, 2019 at 02:32 PM.
