pjb89

Hi all

I am a newby to Mercedes, and have been lusting for one of my own for a number of years. We recently returned to Australia after working internationally for a number of years and decided to buy the ML250 BlueTEC. I note from a number of threads that there are delays in delivery, which is the same story that my MB dealer is telling me here in Perth. They only had one ML250 that was the colour and spec (almost) that was on the water and would be arriving in the first week of January, or we could order exactly what we wanted, but wait till June 2013!

As this is my wife's car and she didn't want to wait, the deposit was paid and we are hopeful of taking delivery of the new member in our family in the next few days.

Anyway, I have been reading the huge amount of information that this terrific forum has collated, and have a question that does not seem to have been asked before (for the ML250) that I hope can be answered...

The ML that we are purchasing does not have the electric folding exterior rear view mirrors. Don't ask me why, when you spend ~$100K on a car that this basic feature is not standard, but anyway... I have spoken to the MB dealer about retrofitting the electric motor in the mirror housing and wiring/switch etc, but they have point blank said NO it can't be done. I have checked out other ML's on the lot that have the electric mirrors and the only visual difference is the (centre) button on the controller unit on the door. Can anyone shed some hopefully positive light on my problem?

Thanks

Peter

fabbrisd1

Sorry, cannot be retrofitted

Nobita57

cannot be retrofitted?? Are you sure??

xxGenericSNxx

Yes it's possible but be prepared to pay lots of money to do it. Contact MBenzNL if you're serious, he can retrofit pretty much anything.

It's not as simple as "adding the button" you'll need the motors for the mirrors and possibly new mirror housings. You might also need to add a memory feature for the mirrors if you don't already have it and other hidden modules. But like I said if you're serious look into the above option, I retrofitted my active ventilated front seats through him. Something I suspect many people would say is "impossible."

YYZ-E55

I retrofitted PFM into my 2010 E550 Coupe.

Assuming the wiring is in place, you'll need the mirror housings with the power folding motor and a replacement switch panel. The E-Coupe was pre-wired and the mirrors worked right away (no coding required), but they weren't recognized in the IC and therefore I couldn't enable auto power folding when the vehicle was locked.

fabbrisd1

Sorry, but the ML/GL is not pre-wired for mirrors - as a matter of fact a lot of "pre-wiring" has gone by the wayside to maximize material savings

YYZ-E55

He's in Australia, where PFM are available as an option. I wouldn't be surprised if the wiring is there.

iankayem

Anything is always possible. But somethings are very troublesome (and costly).

To do a genuine retrofit would involve so many replacement parts and reprogramming that it would be totally unfeasible and cost efficient.

However there may be some speciallist who can do an aftermarket conversion even if genuine pivoting mirrors need to be purchased. I cannot recommend anyone on the West coast, but try the blokes who do reverse cameras, central locking etc.

Regardless, enjoy your ride.

pjb89

All - Thanks for your valuable comments so far...I will consider these once the car is delivered. How can I ascertain whether or not the car has been pre-wired, is this on the build sheet that the dealer has?

iankayem

Just another thought, if you are paying $100k for an ML250, it is too much. The WA RRP is $90,925.76 on road, and you should get something off that.

Perhaps it has some extras, most probably the EX1 pack $10,900 which includes the Mirror pack. Check around the dealers, if its not too late. there could still be one available or nearby.

xxGenericSNxx

They won't know jack. You'll really need to contact someone who's an expert in this field and not Joe Blow at the audio shop.

pjb89

We checked both MB dealers in Perth before pressing the 'go' button. This was the only ML that had the colour and options (apart from the electric mirrors) we wanted, or order the car and wait till mid 2013 . The car comes with the Convenience Pack (CV1), Light Package and 20 inch (5 twin-spoke) wheels...

Pitazorro

Sorry but did I miss something? My father has a new VW Passat and nearly a full package. He has folding mirrors by a button on the door but not automatic folding mirrors when you lock the car with remote control. So, the mirrors have motors but just no connection with the central locking system. I think wiring solves this but they do such wiring while they are putting the car together during the build period.
You know, we have a choice in the control menu to choose automatic folding or not. I have an ML250, this option is standard.

xxGenericSNxx

Yes you're missing something. I believe the car does not have power folding mirrors period. MB's power mirrors can be tied into the central locking, but of course only if the car is equipped with them.