Interior Rear View Mirror 280SL

[zoegrlh]

Has anyone ever taken off your interior rear view mirror?  I am trying to replace the windshield surround with new leather and need to get the mirror off my 280SL so I can take the top surround pieces off from around the interior of the windshield.  How does the mirror come off? I see that there are two pieces, a base and the goose neck w/mirror, but no screws in gooseneck.  I can only assume that the gooseneck piece slides off of the base plate, but how?  Is there clips that must be released?  I don't want to pry at it until I know how it comes off.  Your help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob

Robert Hyatt
Williamsburg, VA.

1970 280SL, Red on Silver,4-speed, Euro spec; 1999 C230 Kompresser Sport, Black on Black; 1990 Miata, Black on Red, 5 Speed

[mdsalemi]

Robert--

It's held in place by spring tension.  Grab the base--not the mirror itself, and yank sharply.

Designed to break away lest it get imbedded in your head in a crash.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America

[psmith]

As I understand it there are springs that push against a ball on the left and right that seat in a cup in the windshield frame, is that correct?  I have pulled on my mirror, but it refuses to budge.  Does it matter, or help, in which direction you pull?

Pete S.

[hkollan]

Hi,

As Michael said, grab the neck/base of the mirror and yank it forcefully towards the back of the car. If it still doesn't come out, repeat operation using even more force.



Hans Kollandsrud

Cuenca, Spain

1968 280 SL 387 Blue met. w/parchment leather - Aut.
1971 280 SL 050 White w/blue leather - Man.
1971 280 SL 462 Beige met. w/brown leather Aut.  Under restoration
1968 280 SL 180 Silver w/Red Leather - Man. To be restored

[psmith]

Thanks, it helps to see a picture to understand how it comes off.  I was afraid I would break it, but I'll eat my spinach and try again.

Pete S.

[68_white]

Robert:

Try this:  While holding and pulling on the goose neck, twist at the same time. Good luck.

HARRY

68_WHITE

[bpossel]

Is there a trick to re-installing the mirror, once off?
I recall the last time I installed mine, it was very hard!!!
They must have had a procedure for this when the cars were rolling down the line....
Thanks!
Bob

bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[68_white]

To re-install the mirror insert one ball end into the base and with a flat screwdriver press the other ball end and push simultaneously.

HARRY

68_WHITE

[zoegrlh]

Thanks everyone, I got it off very easily, and I will try the flat screwdriver method to re-install.  Just completed new leathesr for windsheld surround.
Bob

Robert Hyatt
Williamsburg, VA.

1970 280SL, Red on Silver,4-speed, Euro spec; 1999 C230 Kompresser Sport, Black on Black; 1990 Miata, Black on Red, 5 Speed

[KUMARB]

I wish to thank all the folks who gave suggestions here. They were very useful to me

It was bewildering when I was trying to remove the mirror until I saw this thread. I was looking for screws which I thought  held the mirror goose neck to the window. It never occurred to me to yank it out. Thanks again.

Now, how do I separate the goose neck from the mirror?  I have a little a play at the joint.

Thanks.

[hkollan]

By very carefully heating  up the plastic where the gooseneck enters in the black plastic backside, you will be able to pull out the gooseneck.
The plastic will melt pretty easily with to much heat applied so some feel is needed. If it doesn't budge the glass can be removed and you can get to it from the inside. But that is quite tricky and is risky when it comes to either breaking the white plastic ring surround or the mirrorglass itself. (or both :-))