W124 door mirror - how to disassemble?

[gsxr]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to figure out how the W124 door mirrors come apart. The rear housing is 2 separate pieces, which are painted body color on 1990-up models. See callout #23 in the diagram below.

I need to get these painted on my '93 300D, they look terrible (paint peeling, etc). Problem is, I can't figure out what the trick is to detaching them from the mirror assembly without damaging anything. Has anyone BT and DT, who could share some tips? Any information would be greatly appreciated!

[MTI]

To disassemble the housing, you'll need to "pop" the mirror out of the ball socket that holds it in place using a plastic wedge, like a stiff plastic putty knife. Once the mirror is out, you'll be able to access some screws and the plastic tabs that hold the mirror housing together.

[deanyel]

I've painted several but never once saw the need to take it apart.

[gsxr]

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately, with the glass removed, there is zero access to the tabs which lock the 2 rear housing pieces to the main assembly, on the W124 mirrors (at least on the passenger side - haven't taken apart a driver mirror yet). I have a feeling it may just take some careful prying starting in the correct spot, but I've yet to figure out where that is.


Deanyel, if the mirrors are not taken apart, you end up with a mediocre paint job. And the paint will fill the valley between the two halves, effectively gluing them together. Also, I'd prefer not to give the paint shop the entire mirror assembly. The pieces do come apart, and I'd prefer to do it right. Another reason is that the rubber boot around the mechanism needs to be replaced. If I replace it after they're painted in-situ, I risk scratching fresh paint. If I replace them before painting, I risk the shop getting overspray on the (expensive!) rubber boots. If I can get them apart, all those things are non-issues.

BTW - there was ZERO information in either the CD service manual or the WIS.

[MTI]

Yes, no info in the WIS or the Chassis & Body manuals since the mirror shells aren't considered a service item, just replace.

[deanyel]

Indeed, it wouldn't even occur to me to send a 124 mirror out to a paint shop. I have the equipment and do all my own work. Many a fine paint job has taped mirrors - but go for it.

[Jettpilot]

Dave

Check out my post here-

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w124-e-ce-d-td-class/1376286-how-remove-cover-side-mirrors.html


Sam

[gsxr]

PERFECT! Thanks a bunch, Sam... that's exactly what I was looking for. I'll try it out later this week!