SL/R129: Whats up with those rear-view mirrors ?
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2004
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Whats up with those rear-view mirrors ?
ok - so I just bought a 1998 SL600 with less than 30k on the dial. I love it - its a silver arrow and has the tan interior - and I spent a year looking for it.
But the previous owner seems to have loved to hang off the rear-view mirror. Whatever cheap piece of plastic is internal to the darn thing is broken, and the mirror flops all over the place.
I spoke to my mechanic - who told me to deal with it, since a replacement is like $850 !!! So whats up with this badly designed expensive piece of engineering ? Evidently its a common problem ?
Secondly - anyone know of an aftermarket replacement ? I believe I saw an SL with a radar detector built into the rear-view mirror once - i've scoured the internet to no avail - but I wouldn't mind putting out a few dollars for something that is actually worth the money. In the meantime, wads of dollar bills are keeping the mirror relatively stable (!)
But the previous owner seems to have loved to hang off the rear-view mirror. Whatever cheap piece of plastic is internal to the darn thing is broken, and the mirror flops all over the place.
I spoke to my mechanic - who told me to deal with it, since a replacement is like $850 !!! So whats up with this badly designed expensive piece of engineering ? Evidently its a common problem ?
Secondly - anyone know of an aftermarket replacement ? I believe I saw an SL with a radar detector built into the rear-view mirror once - i've scoured the internet to no avail - but I wouldn't mind putting out a few dollars for something that is actually worth the money. In the meantime, wads of dollar bills are keeping the mirror relatively stable (!)
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Adjusting the mirror by hand will result in the breaking little plastic gears that drive the eleectric adjustment.
I cured the looseness with a rubber seal around the post, where it attaches to the top of the mirror.
Later, I found that moving the electric adjustment forward (for mirror up) and backward (for mirror down) slowly, took the play out of the mirror! It was never like new, but it no longer flopped around. Good luck. rg
I cured the looseness with a rubber seal around the post, where it attaches to the top of the mirror.
Later, I found that moving the electric adjustment forward (for mirror up) and backward (for mirror down) slowly, took the play out of the mirror! It was never like new, but it no longer flopped around. Good luck. rg
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
Internally, the mirror is secured to its base with a pair of metal clips. The clips are retained by plastic tabs molded into the frame around the mirror. The clips break too easily; and when they do, the mirror wobbles.
I have repaired two of these mirrors. In one case, the broken plastic tab was loose in the mirror, and I simply epoxied it back into place. But with the other broken mirror it was gone. In that case I straightened the end of the clip (the end is bent 90-degrees to engage the plastic tab), heated it with a soldering iron, and pushed it into the plastic where the retaining tab had broken so that it was anchored in the frame. If you were to take yours apart, then I think you would see what I mean.
I have repaired two of these mirrors. In one case, the broken plastic tab was loose in the mirror, and I simply epoxied it back into place. But with the other broken mirror it was gone. In that case I straightened the end of the clip (the end is bent 90-degrees to engage the plastic tab), heated it with a soldering iron, and pushed it into the plastic where the retaining tab had broken so that it was anchored in the frame. If you were to take yours apart, then I think you would see what I mean.
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 123
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From: Iowa
2022 GLC 300
I also have repaired this mirror. I'd consider disassembling the black, 2-motor assembly from the mirror itself and epoxy-ing the base to the mirror. I don't think those plastic/metal clip setups are long for this world. Now, I'm solid and wiggle free (the mirror, not me, actually)
HTH,
Phil
1994 SL500
HTH,
Phil
1994 SL500
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,875
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From: Tallahassee, Florida
2006 SL600, 2001 S500, 1996 SL320
Dealer
Dealer fixed mine, I will take a picture tomorrow and show you how they did it. They said the replacement mirror was too expensive and their fix works. After two years I still agree with them that it does.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 290
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he has a 98, pretty sure he doesn't have a power rear view mirror.
I have the same problem with my 97, I just stuck a dime in between. it doesn't fix it, but it makes it a little better. I have yet to remove it and investigate to try and come up with a solution.
I have the same problem with my 97, I just stuck a dime in between. it doesn't fix it, but it makes it a little better. I have yet to remove it and investigate to try and come up with a solution.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 591
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From: Covington, WA
'96 SL600, '05 S55 AMG, '06 C230
To those who swear by Mercedes engineering in all things, I've always wanted to point to the R129 rear view mirror as an example of very poor Mercedes engineering. The one in my '96 SL600 flopped around like crazy. I was able to disassemble it and sandwich a rubber pad between the mirror itself and the mounting bracket. Required 3 hands to reassemble, but it is far, far better than it was - not perfect, just better. And I saved a ton of money!
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Denver, Colorado and Mexicali, BC, Mexico
1998 SL500 White, Tan (Purchased June 2007), 2002 Ford F150 4x4 Blue over Charcoal (Work)
Lucked Out
I have had my SL500 for 2 weeks and I am extemely happy thus far.
Driving back from San Diego, the first thing that I noticed was a wobbly rearview. After seeing this thread a day or two later, I figured that it would just be a problem that I would have to live with or attempt one of the fixes above.
I tore into it today and found only that the large nut in the base next to the spring loaded mounting lugs (through which all of the small wires go) was just ever so slightly loose. Tightened it up and all is well. None of the plastic parts or tabs appear to be broken.
Other than cracks in the plastic mounts for the visors, and cracks in the plastic cover around the rearview assy, I have yet to find a single thing broken or not functioning in this great car. Not too bad for 10 years old. Not to mention that it is a blast and pure pleasure to drive.
Driving back from San Diego, the first thing that I noticed was a wobbly rearview. After seeing this thread a day or two later, I figured that it would just be a problem that I would have to live with or attempt one of the fixes above.
I tore into it today and found only that the large nut in the base next to the spring loaded mounting lugs (through which all of the small wires go) was just ever so slightly loose. Tightened it up and all is well. None of the plastic parts or tabs appear to be broken.
Other than cracks in the plastic mounts for the visors, and cracks in the plastic cover around the rearview assy, I have yet to find a single thing broken or not functioning in this great car. Not too bad for 10 years old. Not to mention that it is a blast and pure pleasure to drive.
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Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: North Hollywood, CA
1996 SL500 Sport
How did you "tear into it", dam?
I have a 96 SL500 with the same problem...except for MY model year, athough it does NOT have the electric motor running it...it DOES have the red ball (for the remote locking-unlocking gizmo) on it...and I would need to be VERY careful with it. Can you describe how it dis-assembles please?
I just got done replacing one of the bulbs in my third-brake light array on the trunk...what a nasty job THAT was! I'm STILL bleeding!
I have a 96 SL500 with the same problem...except for MY model year, athough it does NOT have the electric motor running it...it DOES have the red ball (for the remote locking-unlocking gizmo) on it...and I would need to be VERY careful with it. Can you describe how it dis-assembles please?
I just got done replacing one of the bulbs in my third-brake light array on the trunk...what a nasty job THAT was! I'm STILL bleeding!
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 393
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From: Mesa, AZ
2011 E350 Bluetec, 1996 S320 & 2006 E320 CDI Sold to my son & 2017 GMC 2500 Diesel Pick up
S Class
My '96 S320 had the same problem, same crazy price for new. After calling & emailing wrecking yards all over the country I turned to ebay next. It took 4-6 months but I ended up with one for $150 in good condition. I'm very careful with it and it has been good for over two years. I thought I would not be able to use the remote but that must just read the signal since it all worked with my old remote.
Newbie
Joined: May 2014
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2003 s430 4 matic 4.3
I just picked up a clean 1996 Sl500,, only a few issues,, yup one a little loose not that bad rear view mirror,, so thank you for the feedback,, and yes the 3rd brake light on Lid doesn't work... should I attempt or let sleeping dogs lie,lol I understand it could be a fuse which i saw is a designated fuse for just the third brake light
