r-class auto-dimming rear-view mirror

[marlowian]

Hello all.

My first post here; I'm after some help. I just bought an r-class but it doesn't have an auto-dimming RV mirror. My mistake: I didn't check when I bought from dealership...

I asked the dealer if they could fit one - they said no.

A couple of questions to all you knowledgeable folk: is the dealer view correct? if not, please will one of you let me know where I can buy the right part and how I might either fit it myself or preferably where I could have the work done.

If you reckon the dealre is saying no just because he doesn't want the hassle, then i'd like to know that as well.

Thanks to you all in advance

Ian

 

[whitenemesis]

What year and model R class?

MB catalogue shows dimming RVM as an option on all but the R 500L Edition S (standard on other 500s)

 

[marlowian]

Hi

2007 model R320 CDI SE. Just bought unregistered ex-demo (85 miles on clock) two days ago - well specced so just assumed it would have auto-dim (lesson: check first - although would probably still have bought as a great deal). When I realised it didn't, I asked if it could be fitted by the dealer and they said no, not possible. I've been reading posts on this forum that suggest that it might be possible (albeit on other models), so was just after an alternaive view and then the 'ease' of the solution

Thanks for your help

Ian

 

[whitenemesis]

Well it's listed as an option so I would say, yes, you can retro-fit. Some dealers are very reluctant to do retro-fits particularly if it isn't a MB "official" one.
Try a different dealer or perhaps give these guys a ring;

http://www.comand.co.uk/

 

[marlowian]

Thanks for the link - much appreciated. I've just sent a mail via the website.

I'll let you know what happens

Thanks again

Ian

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Ian - Welcome to the forum.

I wouldn't be surprised if it can be retro-fitted, although I would expect the dealer to say it's not possible.

A member here (Alfie) - from comand.co.uk - should be able to give you a good idea if it's possible. Try sending him a private message using the link at the top of this page.

Speaking of which, I just sent you a private message.

 

[whitenemesis]

Is Post#4 invisible?

 

[sym]

Mine doesn't have autodimming mirror either ... same as you - only realised after purchasing ! Mirror has microphones built in for the phone pre-wire though, so if I get an autodimming one, it will have to be auto-dimming with microphones ! Mirror also doesn't have the ambient lighting (obviously replaced by the mics !)

Am looking into it, but am sure will be possible to retrofit, with the right part.

S.

 

[Rory]

Is auto-dimming crucial?
I must admit I would have assumed it was standard on all MB's - my C270 has it - but there are often posts from people asking if it can be turned off.

 

[Alfie]

Thanks for the link - much appreciated. I've just sent a mail via the website.

I'll let you know what happens

Thanks again

Ian

I've replied to your email but i'll summarise it here too.

Basically yes it is possible. As a general rule ANYTHING can be retro fitted its just a question of how much it costs and how long it takes. In order to retrofit the RVM we will need your full chassis number first. Email it to us and I'll do you a quote.

Edit; I retrofitted auto dimming RVM to my a class at the weekend.

 

[television]

I believe that on the 129 it was a very basic system linked to the side lights, when you turned the side lights on it turned on the sensor in the mirror that activated the dimming.

 

[fuzzer]

Is auto-dimming crucial?
I must admit I would have assumed it was standard on all MB's - my C270 has it - but there are often posts from people asking if it can be turned off.

suppose you could just fit a switch to short the reversing circuit to do this.

 

[Shude]

I believe that on the 129 it was a very basic system linked to the side lights, when you turned the side lights on it turned on the sensor in the mirror that activated the dimming.

On the W202/208/210 the dimming mirror is on all the time, block off the forward sensor and shine a light at the rear sensor and the mirror tints black/very dark green. I have not tested this function with the vehicle in reverse though.

Technically you could fit that type of mirror to any vehicle that could supply 12v.

 

[miro]

In the R-Class a dimming mirror is about 10 minutes of effort. They are excellent things to have when it comes to tailgating trucks.

The cost is quite significant because the mirror also has the phone system microphones. The plain mirror with phone costs exactly the same price as the one with phone and dimming. Around 500 pounds or so and only 20% more for the garage version. And they are all W164 ML part numbers so just bid on an ML version.

You also have the option of door closer for the garage button. These new mirrors always cancel dimming on reverse.

+ phone
+ dimming
+ garage closer

+ colour code

Dealers are what make forums like this so popular.

 

[merc man]

auto dimming RVM

hi there

i fiited a Auto dimming RVM to my 2001 w203 c-class, as miro says its about a 10 minute job pull out the old and add the new all i had to run was a wire to the overhead control box (the door lights and reading light dome) and it had a space for the connector which plugged staright in, even the amibient lighting works, i then added the drivers side auto dimming, with the new folding mirror frame and it all works a treat! (but a shame i have tinted windows!!)

 

[television]

If you wanted to be different you could add a variable control to determine how dark it goes

 

[whitenemesis]

If you wanted to be different you could add a variable control to determine how dark it goes

The intensity changes automatically depending on the light level from the rear.

 

[television]

The intensity changes automatically depending on the light level from the rear.

If it was variable you could set the limit as to how dark it goes, very simple to do

 

[BTB 500]

They are excellent things to have when it comes to tailgating trucks.

Or big bikes ... their headlight is usually at just the right height to shine straight through the rear window!

 

[marlowian]

Wow! What great replies and thanks to you all.

Updates to follow

Ian