It just so happens that I worked on the mirror on my '85 380SL this weekend and discovered that the mirror and the motor are the same as in the '85 300D. So after I swapped out the one from the 123 into the 107 I decided to see if I could pull the bad one apart and see what was inside.

It was an absolute bear to get the device open. I put the thing in a vice and lightly hammered a knife on the seam until it started to crack open. Then it was a matter of prying and pulling until it finally gave in.

Here's what the unit looks like inside for anyone thinking about cracking one open.

From what I can tell there is no lubrication inside, just nylon self-lubricating gears. There would be nothing to be gained by opening one up to try to "fix" it as the only real thing to fail (assuming the gears aren't stripped) is one of the actual motors. Either way, you'd probably have to crack open a working motor to get the parts, so why wouldn't you just use the good one itself?

Great engineering and a really nice design.

Attached Thumbnails

   

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Current Stable

• 380SL (diesel)
• Corvette C5
• Manx
• Baja Bug
• F350 Powerstroke
• Auburn Boattail Speedster replica

Thankyou mach4. I also agree that it's a bear to get apart. Yesterday I tried the same, ie to split the casing to do the same investigation as you. My approach was to pry the casing open starting at the power cord end. After removing the grommet with a pick and trying to pry open the case using leverage of a pocket-size snap-on screw driver, the casing started to split, but not along the seam line.
I had some time yesterday so I took the motor which I had removed the scew-adjusters from and attempted to get the motor to run up/down left/right in a no-load senario. It worked flawlessly doing the left/right but up/down worked temorarily and then stopped. Motor appeared to have stopped and would not work in either direction. After jabbing the screwdriver into my hand and seeing a little blood, I started to come to my sences and came to the same conslussion that Mach4 did, this probably isn't worth fixing for it's not meant to be a servicable unit!

Interesting but I think you could service them if you really need to......get a dermel and use the small cutting disc to cut the case apart.....then move to the motors.....chances are they are gummed up.....disassembling the motors, cleaning and lubing them I would think would make them work.....next use super glue to re attach the housing.....but as was suggest, it is usually easier to get a replacement motor....I am lucky in this sense, because I have manual mirrors.....

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Cooljay, that's an interesting thought. Due to a massive set of house projects that need to be completed prior to winter setting in on the east coast, I don't have the time at this moment. OK, this winter when I can't go outside due to snow, I'll tackle that.