Is a '99 ML430 prewired for the auto-dimming side view mirror? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Madd_Scientist · #1 11-30-2004, 12:31 PM

Gilly,

The auto-dimming driver-side mirror wasn't available until the 2000 ML430 came out, however I was wondering if a '99 is prewired for it, and if it IS, is it just a simple mirror replacement and possible software activation?

If it's not prewired, what wiring do you need to tap into to add the leads to connect to the dimming mirror?

Thanks all!

Gilly · #2 12-01-2004, 08:25 AM

The signal comes from the interior rearview mirror. I don't believe any prewiring exists. Is the interior mirror auto-dimming on your 99?
Gilly

Madd_Scientist · #3 12-02-2004, 07:04 AM

Yes sir, it sure is. Do I need to tap onto that signal wire you mentioned? If so, do you know where is the best place to do so (i.e. directly inside the interior rearview mirror housing, or at the fuse panel or whatever).

Thanks much!

Gilly · #4 12-02-2004, 08:50 AM

The whole problem is even though the interior mirror is auto-dimming, if the outside auto-dimming wasn't yet available, did they even have a provision to relay the auto-dimming signal externally out of the interior mirror? It may be just kept internal.
Gilly

Madd_Scientist · #5 12-02-2004, 08:54 AM

It would be interesting to compare the electrical wiring diagrams for the 1999-vs-2000 for that particular circuit. Do you have access to those? I have a membership with alldatadiy.com for my '99, but would hate to have to pay another $15 just to add the 2000 model to my membership for one little diagram.

Thanks!

Gilly · #6 12-02-2004, 07:08 PM

No, I don't. I have various training materials here I can try to look through. Maybe if you look through your alldata info there will be some "bleed-over" 2000 info in the diagrams.
Or else you can get the info from Startekinfo.com. but I think it's be over $15, I think it's more like $20/day.
Gilly

Gilly · #7 12-02-2004, 07:27 PM

After a little research, I now realize this probably won't work.
The electrical system was changed alot in model year 2000, especially when it comes to electrical operation of the body electrical system. Main thing is that the AAM was split into 2 seperate components, the AAM and the EAM.
The EAM is used to operate the outside mirror. One critical item is that the outside mirror should never be dim in reverse (safety reasons), and the EAM ensures that the dimming is disabled in reverse. There is no EAM on a 99. Also the reverse gear input comes from the newer style of shifter used in 2000, so that would present a problem as well. Unless you could get the dimming signal sent directly to the glass from the mirror I'd say you're out of luck.
Gilly