Smokin' Mirrors ('97 W140 S320) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Mino Erhan · #1 11-23-2007, 03:53 PM

I searched the forum for this but came up helpless. I am sure this is a comon problem but I had no luck finding a post.

Pass side mirror will not adjust properly, clicking all the time. This car has the power fold feature also.
When folding or adjusting, a nice blue plume of smoke comes out of it, smelling like the motor or wiring is burning. Something is getting real hot for a brief moment.
The fold motor works just fine.

Questions:
1) Is the adjustment motor replaceable only? If so,
2) How do I get to it?

I watched a video (W210) of the mirror removal, but this one was non power folding. The vertical clip does not seem to facilitate the removal of the cover on mine.

Any help or direction is much appreciated.

mbshop · #2 11-23-2007, 05:54 PM

don't know about the cover. yes, the wire insulation fails and wires touch thus the smoke. the whole mirror has to be replaced. junk yard might be a way to go but you will need to put some sealer or liquid rubber on to help insulate the wires.

george

manny · #3 11-23-2007, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mino Erhan

I searched the forum for this but came up helpless. I am sure this is a comon problem but I had no luck finding a post.

Well, if you searched the forum and came up helpless, does that suggest a " common problem "?

ljackson3 · #4 11-24-2007, 08:36 AM

I had a similar problem with my 97 S320 and it turn out that the wiring harness bad (insulation on wires detorating) and the glass was bad.

The OEM replacement was roughly $500 (glass) but i was able to find a aftermarket for $300. I rewired the harness myself.

The procedure for removing the mirrow wass not difficult and i have listed below (might have left a few steps out

);
1) fold mirrow
2) remove inside cover at base of mirrow (snaps in place)
3) with cover removed you will have access to mounting screws
4) with the mirrow in the fold position you should have access to screws which hold the cover.
5) Once the cover is removed you should have access to wiring harness connector.

Sorry for being somewhat incomplete, memory fading.... smile

Mino Erhan · #5 11-25-2007, 04:34 PM

Thanks for the replies and guidance....
I guess with cover I meant the body colored piece behind the mirror. Once I can remove that, I should be able to get to the adjustment motor.
Basically I am trying to get behind the mirror on the passenger side.
Thanks again...

ljackson3 · #6 11-25-2007, 05:51 PM

Yes the mirrow body cover and once removed and the whole assembly removed from the door you can gain access.

Mino Erhan · #7 11-25-2007, 07:32 PM

Thanks guys, but I guess, somehow I am not clearly explaining the problem.
I know how to take the whole mirror off the car door. I know the wiring and the screws.

Simply put, how do I take the cover off? Just the cover.
Can anyone explain it for a '96-'99 S class mirror with power folding?

mbshop · #8 11-25-2007, 08:10 PM

don't really remember but i think they slide sideways.

george

Dave Horvath · #9 11-26-2007, 12:09 PM

To remove the cover you will have to fold the mirror in. That will get you to the inside. Once there you will find a spring latch. Pry the spring latch and it will release the cover. When my mirror burned out it would not fold. I carefully folded the mirror in by hand. After replacing all the internal parts, all of the features on mine did not work. I burned out a small cuircit inside the memory control board, under passengers foot rest. I replaced the burned curcit and all is well again.