Our rear view mirror is now loose and feels like it has come out of or broken the swivel socket that holds it firm. How can I take it off and/or open it to inspect it and/or repair it without tearing it up? If necessary, where can I get another one?

Do you have the self dimming mirror or the non-electronic, manual mirror. Are you in Europe or the US? Several types of electronic self dimming mirrors were used, and I have instructuions and links to photos that show how they are taken off the car for repair. I also have an extra self dimming mirror for a 1998 C230 I can sell. Finally, the links below show the parts numbers, including for the manual dimming version - several hundred dollars less expensive than the self dimming mirrors. Both types of mirrors should be available from Fastlane at the top of the page as well as PartsShop or the dealer. Post the type mirror you have and your location, and I can post or email you the photos. (The instructions, photos, and drawings I posted at the links went away when my ISP's server died but I can rescan them if needed) Previous links on this are at:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=44833&highlight=mirror

1998 W202/C230 self dimming mirror

__________________
John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E

Thanks John;

I'm in the USA and mine is the self-dimming which looks like the bracket and housing are one piece where the mirror mounts to the roof, just forward of a square interior lights/sunroof switch panel. It is all black and the mirror itself have front and back sections with the red/green light indicator housing mounted to the bottom of the mirror housing.

I did a search on this sight which turned-up a mirror that sounds like it but is easier to remove than mine, like taking off a trim cap at the roof and then removing a clip that holds the whole mirror assembly to the roof. My bracket/swivel housing is a molded piece which is shaped/sculpted up to the roof. I hope my pictures show up o.k. Any further help/instructions/diagrams are helpful.

John

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well, this sounds like i might find some answers here about my mirror in a 1997 s500c.

it doesn't appear to be as large and complex as the one in the pix, but it must dim automatically. also it has 3 homelink buttons.

it needs to be replaced or repaired[if possible] because it has become floppy. if repair is impossible, then if i am going to replace it i want to substitute the later version with a rolling code homelink gadget.

any experience with changing out this w140 mirror?

all ears

OK, I see that most of the pics don't show on the threads above, so I rescanned several items. My mirror on the 98C230 is a bit different - it doesn't have the red and green LED assembly on the bottom like your pics. But the following may be helpful.

First are the 2 pics MBenzNL sent me showing the inside of a Euro mirror (which has LED display digits - for temp?):






Next is the inside view of the mirror base showing the horizontal pins and coil spring assembly that holds it to the roof:




Next are pics of the instruction manual that came with my replacement (1998 C230) mirror, telling how to remove the mirror from the car:







Finally is my crude drawing showing the insides, and the 2 spring clips that had weakened and allowed the mirror to flop around. Bending the springs slightly into a sharper 'V' shape fixed the problem for me.



The Euro mirror MBenzNL worked on had a different spring system - a friction collar I believe. But my mirror came apart just as he stated it would (carefully, not breaking any locator plastic tabs, glass surface face down on a cloth covered surface because everything is attached to the glass side of the mirror housing on mine). I don't know what you will find inside your 1994 C220, or if the S class removes/comes apart in the same manner, but the fix was very simple on mine, and if I had known about it before I bought the replacement mirror, I would have saved $300!!!

__________________
John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E