300 SE Side MIrror

[MB Neo]

My side mirror on my 1989 300SE does not mork properly. The motor repsonds to the switch, but the mirror does not move like something is disconnected behind the mirror. How can I take the housing off to inspect? Any other thoughts as to what I might find will be helpful.

[mbdoc]

The mirror glass comes off easily, but the cover is complicated & comes off in sections.

[Lenny Lipscomb]

I had an 88 300SEL and the way to get to the guts behind the mirror was to pry the mirror off (the glass part). This was shown as the approved method in the factoiry manual. However, knowning MB they may have changed something from 88-89 so be careful these mirror assemblies are very expensive. Try to get your hands on a manual.

[MB Neo]

Thanks for the advice. Do I just pull on the mirror? It looks like I should use tools of some sort since I can't get my hands on it other then one side.

[Lenny Lipscomb]

The manual shows the use of a plastic wedge to pry the mirror out. This is most likely a special MB tool. What ever you use should be non metallic - something that won't damage the glass.

[tinypanzer]

Yeah, that one's a real pain.

To get the mirror off, there are 3 screws behind the triangular cover plate inside the car. This plate will crack very easily, so be gentle as you remove it. The screws are frequently installed with loc-tite. Unplug the wiring for the heater and motor, take the screws off, and the mirror is off. Don't let it fall to the ground when you get that last screw out!

Then, as previously posted here, you need to pry the glass off. Nerve racking. Definitely use a hard plastic tool, metal will get you into trouble.

Good luck.

[MB Neo]

How do I remove that plate? Does it slide in a certain direction or do I use a small screwdrive and pry off gently?