I just discovered that the outside mirrors (on the W210, at least) are "first surface" mirrors -- the reflective coating is on the outside of the glass. As any astronomer will tell you, this is great for reflection control but not so great if, in your enthusiasm for removing water spots, you polish through the reflective coating, as I just did.

My "wanted" notice appears in the Parts section of this forum.

Jeremy

PS -- Holmes, the mirrors have power anytime the key is on. In the '87 300D Turbo, fuse "B" controls.

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

Yep the PO of my SD steel wooled the mirror on my right. Bothered me forever then I just kinda forgot about it. I got a replacement at the pnp and noticed that it was heated (had a connector on the back). I never installed it and lost it so I have no idea whether my 81 has heated mirrors. If anyone knows i would love to know. The w126 does have heated windshield cleaner nozzles though. What turns them on? I Have to fix the wiring on mine but Im curious how they turn on. My friend and fellow forum member nick thinks that they probably heat only when you use them which makes sense to me. Id like to know...

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1981 300SD 512k OM603

If you are destined to break a mirror on a 210, I would strongly suggest the curb side mirror.
I did recently and walking into the dealer, three of my buddies quickly asked "Which Side??"
The curb side lists for nearly $ 100. where as the driver's is about $ 475. The latter is heated & dims with oncoming headlights.

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Gary
Experience is something you get, Just after you needed it....
'99 E300 295K, '83 300D 220K, '75 240D 185K sold
'80 MCI Bus Conv DD 6V92TA, w/4 cyl. Kubota diesel GenSet 12.5KW