Mirror fell off mirror assembly. How to reattach if heated mirror?
 

The glass mirror fell off of the driver's side mirror. Wow, that was fast. Took it for a drive today, 5 miles, and the mirror was shaking a bit. Got to my destination, closed the door, and heard something loose, but didn't know what it was. Finished eating, got in the car, closed the door, and the mirror was hanging on just by a bit. I was lucky I was able to get it, as opposed to it falling off while driving.

On the back of the mirror glass, is this high falutin' plastic mesh grid type of a thing, onto the sticky back of the mirror. Someone said it could be from a heated mirror, so I guess that's what it is. How do I properly reattach this, and/or I guess I'll have to buy new mirror glass since this grid is kind of messed up.

jeff 1991 300d, 180k

I've never seen the glass come off of the backing but obviously it's possible, as you have just demonstrated. AFAIK all US-destined 124s had heated mirrors both sides. They are expensive new (~US$100 just for the glass/backing plate) but cheap at a junkyard (my last was US$5.49). The glass just pops out and the wiring can be unplugged.

Remember that the driver-side mirror is manual-adjust on early 124s and electric-adjust on the later 124s. The mirror glass is different.

Jeremy

Probably have to get a used entire mirror assembly
 

Not even sure how this attaches back on. It's not like I can glue it, that would probably mess up the electronic grid thing. I'll probably have to just buy a used entire mirror assembly.

You don't need the entire assembly, just the mirror with its plastic backing (the part that fell off of yours) with the electrical connection for the heater. The mirror attaches to the movement linkage with two ball sockets. I'll post a photo.

Jeremy

It's worth to take a chance on spending $5-$10 for a glass shop using a urethane adhesive to glue it on. I had my local shop glue on my heated mirrors a few times on other cars and turned out fine. If it doesn't defrost the mirror properly during winter, then source a new mirror.



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How to attach on back?
 

Jeremy, are you suggesting I try to buy a new mirror with the plastic grid (or perhaps I should say plastic electric grid) on the back? My plastic grid that sticks on, is ripped in at least one spot. I have no way of putting the mirror back on, unless I use a glue or caulk. The mirror back has sticky stuff on it to adhere to the rest of the assembly.

Mirror
 

All you need to replace is the mirror glass with its plastic backing. New ones are expensive -- about $100 -- but you should be able to get a junkyard mirror for $10 or so. Don't buy the entire mirror assembly, just the glass/plastic. It will pop out of the housing and the electric cable can be unplugged. Use a plastic wedge not a screwdriver.

Practicing on a junkyard car is much less expensive than damaging your own car. Try to get a mirror without a lot of water spots and be careful cleaning, the mirrors are typically first surface; scrub too hard and the reflective material comes off (don't ask how I know).

Remember to get a mirror from the same kind of car you have -- manual or electric adjust. Left and right are different, I'm sure you know that. Picture is the left spare for my '95, it is electric adjust, I think yours is manual, different part #.

Jeremy

Even less than that picture shown, came off of mine
 

The part that fell off mine was the glass mirror that attaches to the front of that piece that you show. I'm trying to find a new mirror; I broke off my handle anyways.

Thanks.

The plastic piece in the picture includes the mirror but you can't see it because of the camera angle. That is all one piece when you buy it whether dealer or junkyard only the price changes. The entire assembly is about $35 at a junkyard but then you have to find one the right color.

Jeremy