Replacement for self-dimming mirror
 

Hi folks;

My 1999 C230k (W202) has the driver's side door mirror leaking. I also have the paint stain as a result of the leak.

I don't want to replace with another self-dimming mirror as I didn't like the feature and the inside rear view mirror (also self-dimming) is also an unwanted feature. I simply prefer to make the adjustment manually. Simple, effective, cheaper, longer lasting.

My question is did MB sell the W202 with normal glass mirrors? I would expect that the self-dimming feature to be optional considering the cost of replacement. Probably this would be available in the non-USA/Canada market.

Thanks for any help!

When I replaced it on my '99 E430 about 5 years ago, there were non-self-dimming replacements available on ebay and elsewhere. I wouldn't obsess if I couldn't find one though. The original lasted 18 years.

For the W210 most 96-97 driver side mirrors aren't self-dimming and appear to fit the case. For the W202, it's possible non dimming mirrors from '94 to maybe '97 fit the case. As well for the interior mirror. An option for the interior mirror is to block the light sensor. I don't know where it is if it isn't an obvious lens in the mirror surface. A really quick option for the driver mirror is to get a generic and likely optical distorted mirror from an auto parts store to stick over the failed dimming mirror. It can be a stopgap while investigating a mirror from an older W202.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

I just had the passenger side mirror apart on my 97 C280, it has 2 wires leading to the back of glass. I'm not sure if this is for dimming or heat.

Self-dimming mirrors.
 

Thank you. I'll look at the earlier W202 and W210 models for replacement options. I would have thought there would be standard mirrors on the European models (self-dimming feature as an option) and therefore MB part numbers for them.

I'm not saying an older 202 mirror or early 210 mirror will fit. Just giving you a starting point to investigate. I don't like glare so the wagon's failed driver mirror with permanent yellow tint is tolerable during the day and very welcome at night since everyone here drives SUVs.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

Ebay seller(s) in Europe sell replacement mirrors though usually without the dimming
feature. the technology doesn't seem to be worth it for them and it's simple enough to
provide a tint (of sorts). they also can provide wider angle glass, though i don't think
the aspheric design that the factory sells. the $20 or so price for the knock offs are a great
and viable option if you don't require auto-dimming.

my wild guess is that plain (no dim) glass would be available for left wing mirror for the
simple reason that in Europe (right hand drive) that would be the passenger side which
would otherwise be undimmed, unheated.

??? Most of Europe is LHD. Germany is LHD.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

i got up on the wrong side... :) regardless, you'll see that the basis for that left side offering
plain jane version holds true if you view the the MB parts catalog