side view mirror spring on E320? How do you do it?

We have a "98 E320 wagon we bought used last august. I just noticed that the left side view mirror housing is loose. Apparently it is not covered by the Starmark warranty and they want to replace the mirror for $385. I noticed that the spring that holds it snug is not attached. If I could reattach it the mirror would be fine but I can't see how to attach the end that is in the middle of the mirror housing. The end of the spring that attaches to the car is easy to attach. Any advice on this? Thanks.

[aTOMic]

You can remove the mirror glass to see inside the housing without too much trouble, then maybe you can see to attach the spring. Pull the top edge of the glass (and the plastic backing frame) out and down - there is a straight wire retainer holding it. It will pop off. You can replace it by hooking the wire over the top of a conveniently placed tab (on the plastic backing plate) then attaching the mirror at the bottom edge first then sneaking in with a small tool (I used an ice pick-like tool) to release the wire which catches on the mirror adjusting backing plate. Adjust the mirror as far down as it will go prior to attempting the reattachment.

I just replaced my mirror glass and I knew I should have taken pictures! Doh!

-Tom

[mbruce]

Dan - did anyone help you with this? I have the same problem. I'm afraid the piece inside the mirror, that the spring is supposed to hook to, has broken.

Originally Posted by mbruce

Dan - did anyone help you with this? I have the same problem. I'm afraid the piece inside the mirror, that the spring is supposed to hook to, has broken.

Dan i agree with mbruce, usually is the spring is off the tab is broken, that usually happens when the mirror is hit pretty hard,

[mbruce]

so is my only option to buy a new side mirror? Is there no way to fix this?

Originally Posted by mbruce

so is my only option to buy a new side mirror? Is there no way to fix this?

i would say yes.