How Do I Remove The Inside Mirror From The Mounting Arm Without Cracking The Socket?
 

I have a nearly mint condition inside rear view mirror from a W123 that I wanted to install in my W116 but I found that though the mirror frames are identical, the mounting arm on the W123 mirror is too short to be able to adjust the mirror correctly.

I want to swap the W116 mounting arm onto the W123 mirror frame, but how do I do it without cracking the plastic ball socket? I have tried this in the past and they always crack when trying to remove the mounting arm from the mirror frame. Is there a trick to this?

I've had no problem separating a 124 mirror from the stem and ball. My problem is getting the mirror back on the socket. I'd appreciate some tips for going that direction.

Thanks,
Sixto
87 300D

I had a spare mirror to play around with and tried to reinstall the ball into the socket. Nothing I tried worked, and I was already placing my body weight on the stem so it could pop into the socket.

Good thing it was a spare. Until we figure out a way, the best solution for now seems to be replacing the whole mirror.

You need to apply a lot of force in a short amount of time. That means hammering! Use a 3" diameter tree branch for a hammer. Wrap the mirror's point of impact with rubber so as not to mar it.

That makes sense. If I'm not brave enough to try it then maybe I can find someone who will trade mirrors with me!

I can supply you guys with mirrors and stalk as a unmolested unit.

I pretty much have all the mirrors as complete units back to the 50's.

Send me an picture email to: 4hq1@msn.com

Please put some measurements of the mirror in the email so I don't confuse them.

I know the 116 and 123 are both black.

Really?
 

Well ....

I tried it with the stem on the car....not a good idea. I knocked the stem into the front window. I guess I will be replacing the front glass soon

No bueno!

I just swapped 123 mirror stems, I could not remove the stem from one car, so I popped the mirror off and found that it did not want to pop back on the other stem. I was able to pop a 126 mirror on and off as I had to tighten the ball screw on it, but the 123 mirror was no joy on the reinstall.

I ended up taking a dremel and carefully opening up the top edge, reducing how much of the socket wrapped around the back side of the ball, that, and tapering it to aid in the install.

POP, back together and it works like it should, it moves easer now from the silicone spray, but it is getting tighter as time goes by.

Yes I did. Want to see the pic? I did get the stem in the new mirror with a rap of a wooden mallet on the back of the stem .....naturally the mirror shattered. So, I'm off to the junkyard this weekend.