Getting into the rear view mirror housing? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

The Warden · #1 06-14-2002, 05:59 AM

On the outside rearview mirrors, how difficult is it to remove the mirror itself to have access to the inside of the housing?

I'd like to put in side blinkers, similar to what a lot of newer cars have, and was thinking of taking a small light (don't remember the model number, but know what I want to use; it's maybe 1"x2" with a chrome housing) and mounting it to the bottom or outboard side of the housing, but if I did so, I'd want to bolt it in and have a washer and a nut on the inside. Also, I might want to look into putting a small bracket in so I can put a small external "fisheye" mirror on the outside of the housing (I've got trucking in my blood, and part of that's a bit of a paranoia of trying ot minimize blind spots as much as possible; you should see the mirrors on my F-series

)...

Just wondering. Thanks!

The Warden · #2 06-15-2002, 04:29 AM

...anyone?

omegabenz · #3 06-15-2002, 05:09 AM

I cant figure out which model you have. Your post doesnt have it, nor does your signature. It just talks about fords =). I like my dads new F350 extended mirrors those are really nice for fords.

On your mercedes I think you might have trouble getting the wires for the lights into the cabin through the mirror holder. If you search some posts about W123 coupe mirrors someone describes how to get them off. Try that. Then read what I said about blind spots in the same thread. (use side mirros for bind spots and not looking backwards)

ML mirrors are pretty cheap, they already have turn signals in them, why dont you try to mount those on your car.

Austin

The Warden · #4 06-15-2002, 01:03 PM

Austin, my signature doesn't mention "my" Benz simply 'cause I don't have one yet.

As soon as my van sells (probably soon), I've been speaking to a board member about buying his '85 300D (W123), so I've been acting under the assumption that I'll be getting that car.

Also, how cheap is "cheap"? And are they a bolt-on-bolt swap?

BTW, I ask all these questions just 'cause I"m trying to learn about these cars as much as possible...especially before I get one. I'd just like to know how feasible doing this will be once I get my car.

AMGmercedes · #5 06-15-2002, 01:47 PM

you need to take something like a flat plastic or wood piece that is a little wide so as to distribute the force and place it on the outside side of the mirror, between the mirror and housing, then gently pry. There is a ball and socket type fixture holding it in and then just tilt it toward you and pull it out. I am pretty sure there is enough room in there to do what you want. You would have to take the door panel off and run the wire down to the flexible hose the carries all the other wiring. There is a hole in the middle of both mirror mountings on the door to run a wire through and the passenger side mirror will be power so you can just run it in with them. The drivers side mirror you may have to drill a small hole to fit the wire. Over all not very hard, the fun part will be making your turn signal lenses look nice and running the wiring neatly. Also the mirrors are held in place by 3 screws from the inside of the car. Take a similar prying tool and pry about an inch down from the top of the chrome plastic triangle, then you will see the 3 screws to take the mirror off.

The Warden · #6 06-15-2002, 02:38 PM

Is the driver's side mirror not power? I'm just wondering...if it isn't, is it moved with an interior lever, or do you reach out and physically move the mirror itself?

I had assumed that, since the passenger's side mirror is powe,r the driver's side would be too...

BTW, here's the light I'm thinking on using...again, either on the bottom or the side. It's about 1 1/2" long, I think...and, offhand, I think it will complement the mirror and the rest of the car well. Also, I will NOT be buying the light from the place where I got that URL from; it's available at most truck stops too, at a much cheaper price

AMGmercedes · #7 06-15-2002, 03:40 PM

The drivers side mirror has a lever inside for adjustment. Mercedes likes this as its also that way on the w201, w124, and w126. The power drivers side mirrors came out on I think the w140(92+ S class) and has been on all the models since. That light looks good. Something tells me mounting it on the bottom wont work as there isnt much room there, but on the flat chrome face I think you should have no problem.