Author Topic: Late rear view mirror disassembly  (Read 2172 times)

GM

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Late rear view mirror disassembly
« on: December 21, 2020, 00:40:54 »
I've searched the Tech Manual and all comments on the Forum, but can't seem to find any help for disassembly of my late 280 rear view mirror problem: rattling lever and the day/night mirror doesn't flip.
I can see inside through the lever opening and it looks like there's an internal screw holding the stalk to the mirror which might need tightening, but I can't figure out how to get in there to do it.
The edge of the plastic mirror case halves look to be very tight, and I've seen comments referencing heat, but only generally - nothing specific.
Anyone have any tips/hints about the procedure for how to disassemble the mirror so I can tighten it?
Thanks
Gary
1971 280SL - Sold
(98 from the end of production)
DB180 Silver Gray Metallic
Black MB Tex

col320ce

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Re: Late rear view mirror disassembly
« Reply #1 on: December 21, 2020, 02:16:55 »
Not sure if there is a difference in construction but on my 230sl I used 4 guitar picks to get under the catches to pull it apart. A little fidly but it hard.
Col

1964 230SL
1965 250SE coupe
1993 320CE Sportline

GM

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Re: Late rear view mirror disassembly
« Reply #2 on: December 21, 2020, 04:11:05 »
Thanks, Col.
From what I've read, the 230s are easier to get apart than the later ones.
What a shame, my picks have been abandoned for a while!
Gary
1971 280SL - Sold
(98 from the end of production)
DB180 Silver Gray Metallic
Black MB Tex

WRe

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Re: Late rear view mirror disassembly
« Reply #3 on: December 21, 2020, 08:12:10 »
Hi,
soak the mirror in (60°C) warm water. Push the glass with both thumbs under water in one direction, lift the glass a bit through the resulting slot and push the glass out of the plastic housing in the opposite direction.
Because the fastening ball must be locked in place before inserting the mirror, otherwise the mirror will be broken, as the effort required to enter the ball joint is greater than to remove it.
...WRe

GM

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Re: Late rear view mirror disassembly
« Reply #4 on: December 21, 2020, 17:12:16 »
Thanks, WRe...I think.
Gulp - sounds like a risky job. I need to think about this.
Gary
1971 280SL - Sold
(98 from the end of production)
DB180 Silver Gray Metallic
Black MB Tex

wjsvb ✝︎

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Re: Late rear view mirror disassembly
« Reply #5 on: December 21, 2020, 18:20:07 »
As a temporary (or permanent) fix, a mirror from a 108/109 will work.  It will be slightly larger but snaps right in. 
jon

67 250SL early
12 Jeep GC (gone but not missed)
69 300SEL 6.3 Euro project (gone but not forgotten)
81 280SL Euro 4spd

GM

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Re: Late rear view mirror disassembly
« Reply #6 on: December 21, 2020, 18:49:39 »
Thanks, Jon.
Gary
1971 280SL - Sold
(98 from the end of production)
DB180 Silver Gray Metallic
Black MB Tex