Mercedes-Benz E-Class and E-Class AMG: How to Replace Side Mirror

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and E-Class AMG (2002-2009).

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a variety of side mirror styles, but most will be similar to the common style shown below. This article takes into account that you may be replacing the entire assembly or just a few components of it, such as the fairing or lighting units. You may need to buy the Torx security driver, but it is an easy tool to find and very useful on most German cars. Autozone usually offers free tool rentals, so that's an option you may want to consider when working on your car.

Note about Torx Security Screws

Torx security screws are designed to make it difficult to steal your expensive E-Class side mirrors. The screw has a center post that prevents a standard Torx driver from being inserted into the screw. The Torx Security driver has a hollow point that slips over the center post and into the screw. The Torx T20 security driver can be purchased online or at most auto parts stores.

Step 1 – Remove the mirror fairing

The mirror housing is held in the normal position by a strong spring. It must be folded backward and held against the force of this spring. It will be necessary to either hold the housing folded against the spring force, or use a brace to prop the housing in the folded position. The brace can be made of 1/2" x 2" steel rod stock or any large, deep socket about 2" long.

1. Cover the mirror glass with blue painter's tape to protect it. This will remove easily and leave no residue.
2. Using the electric switch, operate the mirror tilt so that the inboard edge of the mirror glass is clear of the inboard side of the fairing bezel.
3. Fold the mirror housing backward approximately 90 degrees against the car.
4. Brace the housing with the deep socket or metal rod. Otherwise, hold the housing firmly in the folded position.
5. Using the flat head screwdriver, press inboard on the spring-clip to release the fairing, and slide the fairing about 1/4" away from the hinge. See Figure 3. for the location and inside view of the spring-clip.
6. While restraining the housing, remove the brace and gently return the housing to normal position.
7. Slide the fairing straight away from the hinge and off the car. Ensure that the inboard fairing bezel does not catch on the mirror glass.

Step 2 – Replacing lighting units

If you are replacing lighting units, it is only necessary to remove the fairing. The turn signal and courtesy lights are both attached to the inside of the fairing as shown in Figure 2.

Step 3 – Remove the mirror assembly

• Fold the mirror frame as needed to access the Torx screws.
• Support the mirror assembly and using a T20 security Torx driver, remove the three T20 security Torx screws.
• Disconnect the two electrical connectors by pressing the tabs and pulling the connectors apart.

Step 4 – Install the new mirror assembly

• Snap the two electrical connectors together.
• Position the mirror assembly and install the three T20 security Torx screws.
• Slide the fairing over the mirror assembly and press gently inboard until the spring-clip clicks into place.
• Remove the blue painter's tape from the mirror glass.

Featured Video: 2006 Mercedes: How to Change the Side Mirror

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