We have a "98 E320 wagon we bought used last august. I just noticed that the left side view mirror housing is loose. Apparently it is not covered by the Starmark warranty and they want to replace the mirror for $385. I noticed that the spring that holds it snug is not attached. If I could reattach it the mirror would be fine but I can't see how to attach the end that is in the middle of the mirror housing. The end of the spring that attaches to the car is easy to attach. Any advice on this? Thanks.

You can remove the mirror glass to see inside the housing without too much trouble, then maybe you can see to attach the spring. Pull the top edge of the glass (and the plastic backing frame) out and down - there is a straight wire retainer holding it. It will pop off. You can replace it by hooking the wire over the top of a conveniently placed tab (on the plastic backing plate) then attaching the mirror at the bottom edge first then sneaking in with a small tool (I used an ice pick-like tool) to release the wire which catches on the mirror adjusting backing plate. Adjust the mirror as far down as it will go prior to attempting the reattachment.

I just replaced my mirror glass and I knew I should have taken pictures! Doh!

-Tom

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Dan - did anyone help you with this? I have the same problem. I'm afraid the piece inside the mirror, that the spring is supposed to hook to, has broken.

Dan i agree with mbruce, usually is the spring is off the tab is broken, that usually happens when the mirror is hit pretty hard,

so is my only option to buy a new side mirror? Is there no way to fix this?

i would say yes.

It's been over 2 years, but my wife brought the car home with the passenger side mirror literally hanging from the door, held on only by the wire and part of the bracket. I disassembled the housing, following the manual instructions, and was able to use a piece of aluminum (shaped with a file), some pop rivets and JB Weld, to repair the spring bracket. It can be done. However, complete mirror assemblies are always popping up on EBay for reasonable prices. Try and find one that has cosmetic damage for cheap and use the parts you need.

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1986 560SL
2002 Toyota Camry
1993 Lexus

"following the manual instructions"?? where did you get a manual. I've looked, but never found one.

I see from your postings that yours is a 98 E300 TD? I was referring to my '85 380SE shop manual. I got mine on EBay.

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1986 560SL
2002 Toyota Camry
1993 Lexus