The W123 Coupe passenger-side mirrors? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Holson Adi · #1 06-12-2002, 01:03 AM

Hi,

I seem to have a slight problem with my passenger side mirror. No matter how far in I try to adjust it, I just can't seem to see close enough to my car's side. Is it meant to be that way?

It's not a problem, I mean I rarely use that mirror anyway.

Does anyone have a part number off their W123 coupe passenger side mirror? I just wanna confirm it.

Thanks!
-Holson-

omegabenz · #2 06-12-2002, 04:41 AM

Holson, I had the same problem, but actuall think about this. SIde mirrors should be used to see your blindspots and not your side quarterpannel. The rear view is for looking backwards.

This is the procedure. Position your head against the drivers side window and adjust the mirror out til you just cant see the side of your car, and then for the passenger side put your head in the middle of the car, then adjust it out past the side of the car, then look at the mirrors to see that you have full coverage from a rear approaching vehicle from your rearview, transition to your side mirror for blind spots, then right when you cant see them in your blind spot mirror (side mirror, they should be next to you). Watch out for motorcycles and small cars, always check eventhough the mirrors should cover your sides, and rear.

Good luck,

Austin

PS I got that tip out of the STAR magazine, and the article about a guy that writes books on how to drive.

#3 06-12-2002, 09:47 AM

The passenger mirror on my 85 300CD comes all the way in so I can see the side of the car (if I wanted to do that).

nellotare · #4 06-12-2002, 11:40 AM

I have the problem with my drivers side mirror. It would only "look" down the side of the car. Through much pushing and brute force it now angles out a bit more, but I still have a blind spot. I too look for help on this matter.. I don't want to "force" the mirror any more for fear of breaking something. Is there a lubricant or some trick to adjusting these mirrors easily?

#5 06-12-2002, 03:35 PM

Hey Holson,
I just replaced my mirrors (2) . I had the same problem after the installation. This should be the problem for NELLOTARE but your passenger mirror may be power so this may not apply, but check just in case.
THIS PROCEDURE IS FOR MANUAL MIRRORS ONLY! The mirrors are held in by a small ball joint, like the throttle linkage. the ball joint is to the far side of the mirror(away from car. The nearside of the mirror has a channel that sits in a guide. The guide is what is hooked to the manual adjustment lever on the inside of the door. There is also a guide above the ball joint that rests upon(low side) a groove inside the housing. When I installed the mirrors I did not put the guide below the groove, this is why the mirrors cause the askewed views.
To remove the mirror, adjust it with your hands to get the far lower side of the mirror sticking out, you will be able to see the ball joint with a flashlight. grab the edge of the mirror glass and pull away from the mirror housing ( towards the rear of the car.) Before installing the mirror correctly, lube the ball joint, groove, and remote channel guide for future smooth operation. Slide the channel on back side of mirror glass, into the guide in the mirror housing, then get ready to line up the ball joint but make sure the guide (above ball joint receiver) stays below the groove in the housing, and give it a flat handed pinch to snap the mirror back on to the ball joint. Check to see if this solves the problems and let us know. I hope this isn't too confusing, it's hard to describe dooflachies and thingamajiggies. Holson if your passenger side mirror is power let me know, different procedure and keep that CD running! TO ALL GOOD LUCK!
P.S. I hope no one has been juiced at the dealer for new mirror assemblies they are over $250.00 apiece. CD in S.C.

nellotare · #6 06-12-2002, 03:50 PM

thanks CD.

I do understand your directions and will try all that tomorrow. Yes, it seems the lubricant would put the mirror back to "normal" operation.. it is a 20 year old car and probably has never had any attention given to the mirror. Oh, for the record my '82 has manual mirrors, I think they started in '83 with the remote passenger side control.

Thanks again!

Holson Adi · #7 06-13-2002, 10:40 AM

Thanks for all the responses. I guess I'm just going to leave it alone. Just because I can see enough and because the W123 is so easy to look out of (I think.. compared to a Mercury Sable I drove the other day) it doesn't matter.

Now... if only i could find a way to make the mirror backs shine again. (It's badly pitted...)