Correct wing mirrors for the w111 coupe

[col320ce]

I have a 250SE/Cp built in Dec 1965 and it has the same mirrors/stalk as the 230SL.  I assume this is correct but I can't find much information on it. It looks as though the design definitely changed around this time.
My drivers mirror is in front of the door ... I need to put the passenger mirror on ... any suggestions as to the correct place?
Thanks ...

[wwheeler]

The early design (not sure when it changed) was on the fender (or wing) and then changed to the door. Any picture of a 250SE I have seen always had the mirror on the door.

I recall some US mandate fo the mirror being on the door and not the fender. The US was forcing Mercedes to put all kinds of stupid things on the car that nobody wanted around this time. My W128 ‘60 220SE has the mirror on the front fender whereas the my early ‘68 280SE is on the door.

So, I would say if your driver is on the door, so should your passenger mirror. They were never different. There is a reinforcing bracket that needs to be installed inside the door for support. I am pretty sure there is a picture of it on this site for the W113 and would be similar. Also, you might want to install the “wide view” mirror that is available as it gives you much better visibility on the passenger side.

[col320ce]

Thanks!
I have already bought the convex glass and I need to manufacture the reinforcing bracket today too...i only have one.

Mines a very early 250 which may explain the "old" positioning.

[hansr433]

The 2nd mirror (left or right, depending on LHD or RHD), if mounted on the fender, needs to be a few cm forward from the other mirror.  They will not be symmetrical since the vent window frame on the passenger side can obscure the view.  In other words, do not measure the distance of the existing mirror to the edge of fender and duplicate on the other side.  For proper installation, sit in driver's seat and have a helper move the new mirror back and forth until you can see it clearly.  If you just copy the same distance, your new mirror will just be a decoration and not a safety feature.  Please don't ask how I know....

[wwheeler]

I am sorry, I misread your initial post. I thought I read your mirror is on the front door. Now I see it is on the fender (wing). So yes, the other would be on the fender as well.

I looked on EPC and sure enough, there are multiple changes during the initial 250SE run. I am not good enough however to decipher at exactly what chassis number. The other interesting thing is that the US models state that for a 250SE, it had the door mounted mirror. The other non-US 250SE models had the fender mount up to a certain chassis number. The early style mirror is a #110... number where as the later style is a #108.... number. In other words, the later mirror was probably started when the W108 production began and that is '65 if I am not mistaken. 

[hansr433]

The 2nd mirror (left or right, depending on LHD or RHD), if mounted on the fender, needs to be a few cm forward from the other mirror.  They will not be symmetrical since the vent window frame on the passenger side can obscure the view.  In other words, do not measure the distance of the existing mirror to the edge of fender and duplicate on the other side.  For proper installation, sit in driver's seat and have a helper move the new mirror back and forth until you can see it clearly.  If you just copy the same distance, your new mirror will just be a decoration and not a safety feature.  Please don't ask how I know....

I am really, really sorry.  The information above is meant for mirrors mounted on the doors.  Mirrors mounted on the fender give a clear view and can be mounted symmetrically left and right.  It is important when mounting passenger side mirrors on the doors that you experiment with your seat and driving position in order to have a clear view.

[col320ce]

It's OK! I haven't drilled anything yet. 
Thanks everyone for the info...

[col320ce]

This was in the classic center email today... It gives chassis numbers that had the early mirror:

 The side mirror fits the 190c, 190Dc, 200 (up to chassis 064074), 200D (up to chassis 358853), 220b, 220Sb, 220SEb (sedan, coupe and convertible), 230 (up to chassis 034216), 230S (up to chassis 049525), 250SE coupe and convertible (up to chassis 088724) and 300SE (sedan, coupe and convertible). Additionally, the mirror also fits the 230SL and 250SL (up to chassis 002979).

[114015]

Well Col...,

Do not fully agree here
but rather with what Wallace stated earlier.
220 SE Coupés had their rearview mirror on the fender the early years. This place changed then to the door design.
Sometime around 1963 or so  - but I am not more sure on this.
Instead, the 250 SE should always have its rearview mirror mounted to the doors, not the fenders anymore.
So, it might be someone before changed that or mounted that incorrectly on your car.
Maybe your Australian (RHD) version was initially delivered without rearview mirror and later on (when the rules mandated that) mounted incorrectly. The datacard will tell you more about this.


Achim

[col320ce]

Hi Achim

That's very interesting.  The door cards are off and there is no evidence that it was ever mounted on the door, however, one of the doors I think has been replaced although I don't know which one... but ...  there are no side mirrors on the data card so they will be an Australian - "put'em where you like" - special. 

[hansr433]

Col, I have a lefthand-drive car and bought the right side mirror off Ebay. The stalk is a mirror image to the lefthand mirror. Quality is very decent.  I compared it with my rusty original and was hard-pressed to spot it as a repro.

[col320ce]

I've now got both the left and right mirrors.  I found a used left one (as there are plenty of the LHD ones around) and will install it after I put the front windscreen back (and the front seat!).  I'll probably mount it on the fender as the right is already mounted this way and the paint is in good condition so I don't want to muck around with bodywork.

[JN]

good luck!

JN