CLS headlights questions - no, I don't want to fit HIDs!!

[b1g1an]

Thanks gIzzE. I did search eBay but was searching specifically for CLS. Apparently the W210 is a different housing (although, as you say, that could be changed) but the W211 is supposed to be the same part. Now I just have to pull my mirror off to check for wiring...

There is a w211 one listed from the same guys gizze linked to for £20. Doesn't specifically say auto dim but the picture shows it is one.

 

[Reefergeezer]

Thanks. I'm assuming that the bit to look out for is the little dot which should be the sensor? I've found a cream one in London so might drive down there later

 

[Reefergeezer]

I think the main problem is the connector, the bit that attaches to the windscreeen, as long as that is the same you should be fine.
The mirrors will all be slightly different shapes, but who cares about that.

Yes, don't care about the shape as long as it all fits together properly and gives me auto-dimming!

Easy retro-fit as there will be a spare connector in the OCP ready for it.

I tok the OCP apart this afternoon. By 'spare connector' I initially assumed that the auto-dimming would have more wires than the current one hence the spare connector for extra wiring. However, the mirror I have been looking at has the same number of wires, and the inside of my OCP looks like this....or it would if I could upload a picture

There seems to be a space in the OCP for another small electrical connection - will try getting pic up later once I've spent time with the missus. She beckons...!!

Also, no joy with headlight levelling. Checked all the fuses (I mean each and every one!) but they all seem OK. As well as the levelling, noticed the glovebox light was out too despite the bulb being good, so double checked the fuses these two have in common but as I said, all fuses were good. Am I about to spend a fortune?

Back with pics of OCP/mirror later!

 

[whitenemesis]

Why would your current non-autodimming mirror have any wires? Do you have phone pre-wire?

I should have said the OCP would have a spare socket.

 

[Dieselman]

The photo-chromatic mirror just needs +12v to work.

 

[gIzzE]

I think there are little ambience lights in the mirror, so already has 12v running to it.

 

[Reefergeezer]

As gIzzE says, the mirror has the reading lights underneath so I assume this is what the existing wiring is for.

Hopefully this will work and there will be an image:

If it does, this shows the OCP and, as whitenemesis said, there is a spare socket in there located just to the left of the blue ribbon cable.

Here it is viewed from another angle...

Should be going to see a mirror tomorrow which is only a couple of miles from me (thank you eBay and to gIzzE for suggesting it!) so will check fitment etc. but will be difficult to check if it works or not during the day so any advice or comments on OCP welcome...the one bloody day I don't want bright sunshine!!

The one I am goibg to see is this one: http://tinyurl.com/qftjrmz but the top trim looks different to mine so might be from a W210 rather than a W211 as described. Mine is more like this one here http://tinyurl.com/qxcodju but this one is the wrong colour so might have to resort to changing the housing unit myself at some point.

Will let you know if I get it sorted

Thanks again, everyone. This site is certainly making the transition to/from the dark side easier!

 

[whitenemesis]

It may well be you only need to plug the new mirror into the socket vacated by the old, check the plug shape.

You can test the mirror by placing your finger over the forward facing light sensor, IGN on.

 

[Dieselman]

You can test a dimming mirror by covering the front sensor with your finger. One the rear sensor is brighter than the front one, the mirror will dim.

 

[whitenemesis]

It may well be you only need to plug the new mirror into the socket vacated by the old, check the plug shape.

You can test the mirror by placing your finger over the forward facing light sensor, IGN on.

That would be the forward facing sensor in the mirror housing, not on the windscreen.

 

[Dieselman]

Might be. I missed that part of your post.

 

[gIzzE]

If it is anything like BMW or Audi then the mirror will take the 12v from the same connector as the reading lights, the other connectors in the over head console are for things like garage door openers.

 

[gIzzE]

I think it is just a case of taking the surround off the mirror, undo the connector, twist the old mirror off, twist the new one back on and then plug the connector back in.

Think you're making it far more complicated than it needs to be.

 

[Reefergeezer]

Thanks all - just about to go and take a look, but it all makes sense. BMWs also have the little round sensor on the face of the mirror so I know how it should work now.

Any thoughts on the headlight levelling issue? Is there anything else I can check myself apart from the fuses, or is it going to havee to be a garage job?

If a garage job, anybody know any Mercedes specialists in North or East London?

Cheers.