S-Class (W221) 2007-2013: S 320 CDI, S 350, S 450, S 500, S 550, S 420 CDI, S 600

Inquiry + problem about Side Mirrors

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Old Apr 21, 2026 | 10:15 AM
  #1  
Vinnie P.B.'s Avatar
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From: Europe
MB S550 2008 4MATIC (V221) M273 412Hp
Arrow Inquiry + problem about Side Mirrors

Hello, I have a question about maintaining my car's side mirrors. While it may not be a major issue, I would like to know whether I can perform preventive maintenance or tests myself and whether repair of the two side mirrors is necessary. I frequently experience a serious problem with the right mirror, which does not unfold or open after I use the central locking system and open the door. However, it consistently retracts or folds without any issues.

Currently, I have disabled the automatic folding feature from the menu, so the mirrors remain open at all times. While I appreciate this feature, it feels incomplete since it doesn’t function properly. Additionally, I’m more cautious now, as there are many people who might inadvertently damage the mirrors in parking lots and on the road.

I’ve received two different offers regarding this issue: one place suggested replacing the mirror with a donor part, while another offered to repair the existing one only with the software intervention?!

Thank you for your assistance!
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Old Apr 21, 2026 | 11:33 AM
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leaving enabled the auto fold destroy the gears that operate the folding mirrors - does as written

as they are so costly and so fragile I don't understand why people use the pointless feature - if you park where they need to be folded do it manually - I do not recommend buying secondhand mirrors trying to get spares to try a rebuild as most are likely worse than you have

mate with a CL has worn his out and yet he still swears if the battery is tip top or he's just run diagnostics they behave - I do not share his optimism, its a long standing wear issue with any folding mirror - if the gears survive the wires usually break anyway - the idea is not a convenience feature its a method motor manufacturers use to extort money

I do not see clearly in this the actual folding element - unless 10 gets you it

https://nemigaparts.com/cat_spares/e...71/63v/72/331/

Last edited by BOTUS; Apr 21, 2026 at 11:37 AM.
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Old Apr 21, 2026 | 01:36 PM
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W221 S500
Originally Posted by BOTUS
leaving enabled the auto fold destroy the gears that operate the folding mirrors - does as written

as they are so costly and so fragile I don't understand why people use the pointless feature - if you park where they need to be folded do it manually - I do not recommend buying secondhand mirrors trying to get spares to try a rebuild as most are likely worse than you have

mate with a CL has worn his out and yet he still swears if the battery is tip top or he's just run diagnostics they behave - I do not share his optimism, its a long standing wear issue with any folding mirror - if the gears survive the wires usually break anyway - the idea is not a convenience feature its a method motor manufacturers use to extort money

I do not see clearly in this the actual folding element - unless 10 gets you it

https://nemigaparts.com/cat_spares/e...71/63v/72/331/
It will be the $791 part.

Mine occasionally does the same thing, but it's not consistent side to side. I suspect that it's a corrupted Canbus signal/software as both mirrors fold without unusual noise or binding.

Also they're considered a convenience feature and as such will misbehave if the voltage isn't spot on.

Last edited by AL5461; Apr 21, 2026 at 01:38 PM.
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Old Apr 23, 2026 | 07:20 PM
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1983 Nissan Shltbox
Could be sticky door switch. My interior lights don't immediately illuminate upon opening the driver door if I don't drive the car for a while. Probably another gremlin born of non-use. Another example being my driver chair hiccups when sliding forward automatically once I get in and close the door if I don't drive it for a while. If I drive it frequently these things go away until I come back to it the next time after parking it for a while. I'll often go a month or even more without driving it. They're old cars now with a bunch of tech that hates to sit for too long. These cars must be exercised. Or exorcised, I"m not sure yet.
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Old Apr 25, 2026 | 08:38 PM
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W204 2010 C300 4matic Sport M272
Looks like the drivers side front door control unit is responsible for transmitting the signal over to the passenger side front door control unit telling it to open/close the mirror.

Have to figure out where the issue is. Is the drivers door control unit sending the signal, is the passenger side control unit receiving the signal and not doing anything with it?

I dont have electric folding mirrors so i cant check. But i do have heated mirrors and with my Foxwell obd scanner im able to function test them.

I have limited electrical experience though know how to test for voltage. I'm unsure how to test for can-bus signals.



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Old Apr 27, 2026 | 11:07 PM
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2008 S550
I had the same issue with the mirrors, so I also turned off the folding feature upon locking. It's "cute" I guess but not necessary and I don't miss it.
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