What the hell happened to my side mirror?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 604
Likes: 16
From: Atlanta, GA
2001 S500 (W220) / 2007 GL450 (X164)
What the hell happened to my side mirror?
I have had an issue with the drivers side mirror since I got the car where it would clap against the side of the car every time I fold the mirrors. I got my TPMS sensor changed at the shop & they told me that my mirror is not staying open now. He said that there is some pin that goes in the gear that he thinks is missing. I thought I would see if anybody here recognizes the problem.
thanks in advance
thanks in advance
Last edited by Mikchek; Dec 6, 2020 at 04:08 PM. Reason: Add video
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 604
Likes: 16
From: Atlanta, GA
2001 S500 (W220) / 2007 GL450 (X164)
I knew it had the “clapping” issue which is why I never folded them but I didn’t know if I did something by folding them after he told me.
it just folds in while driving now if there is enough force from the wind which it never did before.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 625
Likes: 82
From: Germantown, MD
'07 GL450
It would seem to me that you are missing the tension spring (shown in the following video at the 2:46 time mark, top of frame), and/or one of the tension spring support clips has broken off.
Remove the housing and check the spring. The removal procedure shown may not apply to your x164, but it should be similar.
Remove the housing and check the spring. The removal procedure shown may not apply to your x164, but it should be similar.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 604
Likes: 16
From: Atlanta, GA
2001 S500 (W220) / 2007 GL450 (X164)
It would seem to me that you are missing the tension spring (shown in the following video at the 2:46 time mark, top of frame), and/or one of the tension spring support clips has broken off.
Remove the housing and check the spring. The removal procedure shown may not apply to your x164, but it should be similar.
Change Right Door Mirror Cover with Light Indicator for Mercedes | W164 | ML Class
Remove the housing and check the spring. The removal procedure shown may not apply to your x164, but it should be similar.
Change Right Door Mirror Cover with Light Indicator for Mercedes | W164 | ML Class
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 625
Likes: 82
From: Germantown, MD
'07 GL450
A quick online search did not yield results for the spring. However, you could always remove the spring from the functioning mirror and take it to your local hardware store (Home Depot?) or automotive supply store (Advanced Auto Parts?) and find one that closely matches the tension of the current spring.
If nothing else, it just needs to hold/pull the mirror open; the motor forces it to fold. If the replacement spring is too strong, you will burn out the motor or grind the motor gears which may result in the clapping you referenced (at which point you'd need to replace the mirror motor).
If nothing else, it just needs to hold/pull the mirror open; the motor forces it to fold. If the replacement spring is too strong, you will burn out the motor or grind the motor gears which may result in the clapping you referenced (at which point you'd need to replace the mirror motor).
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 604
Likes: 16
From: Atlanta, GA
2001 S500 (W220) / 2007 GL450 (X164)
A quick online search did not yield results for the spring. However, you could always remove the spring from the functioning mirror and take it to your local hardware store (Home Depot?) or automotive supply store (Advanced Auto Parts?) and find one that closely matches the tension of the current spring.
If nothing else, it just needs to hold/pull the mirror open; the motor forces it to fold. If the replacement spring is too strong, you will burn out the motor or grind the motor gears which may result in the clapping you referenced (at which point you'd need to replace the mirror motor).
If nothing else, it just needs to hold/pull the mirror open; the motor forces it to fold. If the replacement spring is too strong, you will burn out the motor or grind the motor gears which may result in the clapping you referenced (at which point you'd need to replace the mirror motor).
I found a mirror for $100. I am just gonna grab it and put it on...
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MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
Man, there's nothing more frustrating than having a new issue AFTER leaving the shop! You think you're getting something fixed.....and leave with a new problem and notice it after the fact! I don't have a solution; just wanted to share in your annoyance! Hope you find out how to fix it! GL Sir 
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