Side mirror repair on 280SL

[cospinner]

My passenger side mirror recently got bumped and the spring inside apparently broke, so now it just dangles on the door.  I included 2 images, one with the working drivers side mirror and the other with the broken passenger mirror.  These are mounted on my 1970 280SL Euro version, and may or may not have been original.  The car was originally titled in Nice, France.  I was wondering if anyone knows if these can be repaired, as the mirror itself is in great shape otherwise...the mirror silver is not tarnished at all.  I assume I would have to pull the door panel to remove it and get to the inner workings.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Chip

[Jonny B]

Most interesting mirror. See attached picture from my 1970 280 SL. This mirror is a single piece up to the mirror itself. Will be curious to see from others. Perhaps an opportunity for a change??

[hkollan]

Hi,

I believe those mirrors to be original on French delivery cars. Apparently due to french law requiring the mirrors to flex upon impact.(they where ahead of time). Not only French w113s but also w108,w109s from  around 1970 had similar mirrors. I'm sure someone from France can supply more info on this subject.
As they are original, rare and pretty cool in my opinion I would try repair it instead of looking for a std.  w113 mirror as shown in the previous post by Jonny B.  Not sure how to repair it though, as the one I have on my "French" 6,3 is fine.

Hans

[66andBlue]

It looks like a French mirror. See: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=12279
I agree with Hans, have it repaired.

[AMF]

Remove the door panel in order to remove the side view mirror. Remove the glass by gently squeezing the white plastic surrounding the glass. The mirror is held in place by pressure between the plastic surrounding the glass and inner rubber bumper. Replacing the spring is very difficult. Gernold from Maine repaired mine a few years ago. You can try to buy a new one on ebay or from the MBCC in Irvine, Ca. This elegant mirror is correct for French delivery cars. My French delivery 1969 280SL has the same mirror.

[cospinner]

AMF and all,
     Thanks for your input and comments.  This forum is a great resource.  AMF, you mentioned that "Gernold from Maine" did a repair on your mirror a few years ago.  Would you mind sending me his contact information?

Thanks.

[66andBlue]

In the technical manual there is a vendor list:
http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Suppliers/Start
you'll find him under "SL-Tech".