Side View Mirror
 

Drivers side view mirror is fixed on night mode. Would anyone know the reason
for this?

Year and model helps.

If it is dark with the key off, the element is toast.

sorry c280 1998. mirror is not dark, more like a yellow tint, just not clear white like the passenger side.
if element burnt out, can the mirror just be replaced?

Yellow probably means that the seal is breached and the EC fluid has oxydized. Unfortunately, it will start to leak soon, eventually you'll see a "water line" across as it leaks out.

You need a new mirror element, which will have the heater on the back already.

thanks for your analysis. is it just the lens I buy with auto dimming element

When you order/buy the mirror element, it is a bonded assembly with mirror/electrochromics, heater, thermoswitch, bezel, wires, and mount/clips.

Made in Michigan.

is this what I need to buy?

ULO Driver Side Outer Mirror Glass - Direct OE Replacement
1997-2000 Mercedes Benz C280
Fits: For models with auto dimming..
Location: Driver Side Outer
Type: Direct Oe ReplacementFree Shipping on Orders Over $50
Availability: In Stock

FITS (Engine/Chassis) SKU PRICE QTY
1997-2000 Mercedes Benz C280 W0133-1603066 $219.36

Eventually the electrochromatic gel will leak out, and it can damage the paint. So replacement is ahead of time is recommended.

Sounds like the correct application, I don't know about ULO though. The OE element is made by: Gentex in Michigan, or Magna/Donnelly in Michigan not China. The seal technology is a closely-guarded trade secret that has taken millions of mirrors and 20years of development, I wouldn't buy it if it doesn't say R&S on the back or have a Mercedes logo and part number, you'll have an early seal failure.