1966 230sl Rear View Mirror Switch

[vande17941]

I have a 66 230sl with original chrome rearview mirror, missing the dimming switch. Does anyone have any experience or any idea where I could get a switch or if there is a workaround fix to get the dimming feature operable?

[66andBlue]

The only way to get this part (plus several associated parts not shown in the photo) is to salvage a used one with a still functional dimming mechanism.

[Panzer82]

I think the way the mirror 'dims' / changes angles when that switch is flipped on the 230s is one of the coolest things about the whole car. The mirror pane actually tilts inside the chrome mirror frame.

The 230SL mirrors are SO much better than the black plastic ones found on 250 and 280SLs. I know one 280SL owner who actually retrofitted his car with a mirror from a 230SL.

Ingenious engineering.

[scoot]

You are likely going to need other parts inside the mirror besides the switch (but maybe not).  My suggestion would be to buy a really crappy one on ebay (fintail mirrors will work too) to use for parts.   Might consider replacing the mirror glass at the same time if yours isn't great.   Someone (sorry, don't know who) was selling new mirror glass for a reasonable price at one point...

[dowsup]

I was unaware that there was a switch because most all of the W113 safety modifications occurred in July 1967.  If you find out differently, please post it.  Many thanks.
Dowsup

[Jonny B]

All the mirrors had the dimming feature (perhaps the very early cars did not??). The big change in mid 1967 (after VIN ending 2980) was all the US mandated safety items, soft (er) surfaces, non chrome parts (reason for the mirror change), soft pockets, no acrylic heater levers, etc.