95 S420, interior rear view mirror and other ?'s

[DanielW]

My rear view mirror (interior) has some looseness which allow it to shake and distort the view when driving over rough surfaces. It still operates from the switch as you would expect--- It just never is tight and steady in any position. Have you solved this on one of your W140 cars?

Can anyone tell me exactly how to remove the center console release handle. I hope to replace this leather covered and soiled handle with one carved from a large block of 30 year old air dried black walnut which has been in my shop since the 1970's.
I tried removing the cup tray, but that didn't give me access to whatever holds the release handle to the two pins. I did discover that the pad below the release handle is just a press on and easily levered up and off two pins. I didn't want to pry too hard until I have some advice from someone who actually knows how these are removed and replaced. These parts are available as "dress up" wood covered pieces from Performance Products, so I know someone may have removed theirs to install the new ones.

Any help appreciated,
DanielW

[KenP]

Daniel,
if you do a search, you'll find a thread about taking these interior mirrors apart and fixing the broken/loose mounting. Its an easy Saturday afternoon job and will save you about a grand. :-)
KenP

[rander]

Daniel:

I had the same problem with my '97 E320 about 2 months ago and it is a easy fix. After you get it off the mount, the mirror can be repaired with a small screw driver, 2 paperclips and a butane lighter.

Russ A.

[DanielW]

Your pictures gave me the courage to lever it open, Thanks. I was really dissapointed after seeing two flimsy attachment spring clips which attach to those tiny little plastic tabs that both broke off probably years ago when someone bumped the mirror or tried to adjust it manually. MB, shame on you for allowing some engineer to make those little tiny plastic tabs which break after heat and age work on them, and those untempered spring clips which bend so easily. The mirror works GREAT in regard to automatic dim feature---and the adjustment motors are fine too. But mechanically someone should have been fired or possibly HUNG ! Just kidding of course, but I really hope they don't still make them so flimsy !!

What I chose to do was do away with the metal clips entirely and used some JB Weld Kwik to attach the mirror to the small plastic front surround border, then after that was set up and firm I used two pieces of double sided foam tape and two small strips of clear silicone glue to attach the back of the mirror to the flat plastic platform that the motors turn. The last step was to snap on the back plastic housing being careful not to unstick my tape and silicon glue which was still curing.

The entire operation took less than an hour and I did not have to take it down from the mounting post or even undo the wiring. Just be gentle with everything and use only 4 small spots of JB Weld about 1/4 wide --- no need for overkill--- you might have to dissemble it at some later time and those spots could be picked out with a sharp pointed knife. The double stick foam tape and the clear silicon could be slowly pryed up if it needed to be removed. Cured JB weld does not conduct electricity enough to make any difference even though you have to place it on the terninal ends to glue the mirror to the front frame. I had tested it earlier with an Ohm meter--- you don't have to worry.

Go ahead and fix your mirror, just work gently.

Thanks again for the help and inspiration I needed to open it up and effect the repair.

Does anyone know about how to remove the center console release handle??? I had posted that question earlier but have not as yet heard from anyone on that.

DanielW

[KenP]

Daniel, happy to hear you fixed your mirror! I think you'd agree.... the toughest part is deciding to do it. Very simple.
You're right, not a very rugged design.

Not familiar with the terminology you're using for the console part... what exactly is the "center console release handle"? Can you better describe or post a pix? If so, I'm sure someone here can help you.

KenP

[DanielW]

KenP, I'm refering to the 1" X 3" wide button that you press to make the center console flip up allowing access to the cup holders and built in phone. It is leather covered and has been soiled so I want to replace it with a hand crafted black walnut one that I will carve and finish. Don't have a digital camer so can't make a photo easily.

I really appreciate the good advise on this forum --- Does anyone have a CD for the W140 cars yet?

Luck to you, DanielW

[KenP]

Daniel,
Now I know the button you mean.. its the release to open the armrest.
I've prowled through everything I have and cannot find a work procedure to specifically go after that part. Sorry. You'll just have to dive in. :-) Maybe somebody else here knows.
To the best of my knowledge, there is no factory service CD for the W140s... I've heard rumor (on this board) that MB is going to release one in the future, but cannot confirm.
In the meantime, Alldata is a good compromise... its about 25 bucks a year. Lots there on console disassembly, but not the specific part you want (unless I simply cannot find it).
That button on my car was also soiled and worn... I bought a leather dye kit and redid it without removal... looks like new. You might try that unless you have a craving to do the woodwork...
KenP