suggestions for Dad's 240D
 

Hello!

My Dad's got a pristine '80 240D 4spd....I don't get to see him very often but last time I went to see him I recall his merc had no passenger side mirror. He bought the car in '80 in Frankfurt and I believe it came that way. Is there someplace I can get a mirror to install there that will look like it belongs there (ie perfect match) ? ts been awhile but the car is silver and I think the mirror (drivers side) is Black????

His car is bone stock, are there other things that might make the car safer/more enjoyable. Not looking for "bling" just looking for practicality. He hardly drives but when he bought the car he said it was the last car he was going to buy, and I can't convince him to sell it to me.....I'm going to see him in 8 days or so so I can either A) have the mirror delivered and install it when I get there (if he wants me to) or B) get more info. on the car while I'm there.....

Thanks for any assistance you can provide....
Rob M Concord, MA USA
2001 VW golf TDI (up for sale if/when I find the right 240 or 300 diesel mercedes)

I bought one from Silver Star Recycling. Be aware that right side mirrors are in high demand, so they are kind of expensive. It didn't come with the trim plate for the inside, so I had to buy a new one separately. The final disappointment is that the mirror glass is flat, so it turned out to be of very little use. Just makes the car look complete.

Thanks for the info. Rick! IF I source and obtain the parts is this a difficult thing to do? (I can't imagine that it is)
Rob M concord, MA USA

The trim plate can be tricky, but the mirror itself is a piece o' cake. To remove the existing trim plate on the inside, pry away from the door frame at the top of the triangle, then lift. The bottom is held with two tabs in slots.

Cool. I can see it now I show up with a mirror and break the trim plate inside DOH! Thanks again....Rob M

Well, you won't be using the one that is there now. You'll need to get a new one that has the hole for the adjusting knob. Speaking of which, make sure to get a manual mirror, not an electric one. For the electric version, you'd need the wiring harness and the switch in the console. Much more bother than it is worth.

I found one on E-Bay last month or so. I got it for about $20 complete with cover plate. Install was a snap. Try doing a search at E-Bay motors for "W123". I have seen some lately, but not nearly as cheap.

Good Luck!
George

There is a forum member "Jim" that sells lots of parts for the older mercedes. He is a very honest person. I've bought things from him for my mom's 240D. Look in the parts section of this forum.

Good luck.

A manual right side mirror for a 240D would be pretty scarce, but well worth having if you can find one. I don't know how people can change lanes safely without one.

easy!
 

go and get one atyour local boneyard...........if you can ONLY find an electric one from a 300............NO BIG DEAL!......CUT the wire harness, use the EXISTING interior cover plate and adjust the mirror MANUALLY from the OUTSIDE...ie: as if the switch was dead.
This should cost next to nothing and function reasonably well.
How often will you ACTUALLY need to adjust said mirror? Be the ONLY driver.:D ....,enough said.
spo out:cool:

Paul, I thought all the 123 right rear mirrors would fit.... I was planning on putting the one off my 79 wagon on my 80 240... Do you have contrary info on that ?

Hey Greg

Of course that should fit.

I guess I should have explained better.

Most of the 300D's, or at least the later ones, came with electric mirrors. Most of the 240D's came without any right side mirrors, therefore spare manual right side mirrors are scarce because there weren't many of them to start with.

Now go put your mirror on. I guarantee you will like it.

Nelliebelle didn't have a right side mirror when I got her, and I felt it was downright dangerous. I got lucky and found one on another MB forum for that car. (Thanks Napoleon!)

The 280CE & 300CD uses a different right (pass) side mirror. The rest of the w123's use the same mirror...
Mirror glass is different in the manual vs. electric mirrors, they mount differently. The mirrors scratch very easily, I think the reflective coating is on the outside of the glass......

WHEW ! You had me worried there Paul, I too think absence of a right side mirror is dangerous.... am looking forward to getting my 240 road worthy.... the mirror and the AC are the only sticking points...

As for being unsafe without the passenger side mirror.....How often is a 240D out of the far right lane and needing to shift right anyway??? I AM KIDDING!!!!!! Thanks to all for the good info. I'm going to resolve to casually search for a mirror and gauge my Dad's interest when I see him next weekend....
Cheers
Rob M Concord, MA USA
curiouser and curioser about delving into the sordid world of MB diesels....

on a sightly more serious note re: mirrors. Some people need to increase the use of the swivel between their head and shoulders and use the mirror in conjunction with looking, before lane changes etc...Being alert isn't just a moniker..........