W203 dimming mirror + light cluster removal (use with - HOW TO:W202 dimming mirror)

[miro]

1/ Take a nylon spatula and near the windscreen side of the overhead cluster there is a lens for general front light lighting / entry / exit.

The notch in the cover is where the spatula goes in. The lens pops out easily.

2/ Two small plastic clips are in fact the release catches for the rear facing latches. When pulled toward the windscreen the back of the lighting controller pops out

3/ Cluster hangs out, supported by various cables.

4/ Attached dimming mirror to 6 pin connector just near one end of the cluster. I attached mine next to the main power lead. (30amp cable).

I presume that if you have ICE, Sunroof, lit door runners etc.... there will be several connections. In mine I just had one connection existing. (2 looms on top of each other) - the 6 pin connector was next to that.

5/ Testing -

Whilst the cluster is hanging out, switch on all the interior lights and the mirror should dim. Saves looking for a torch.

 

[sym]

5/ Testing -

Whilst the cluster is hanging out, switch on all the interior lights and the mirror should dim. Saves looking for a torch.

Well . . . interesting that you should say that. With the 202, switching on the interior lights DISABLES the dimming function of the mirror - (causing me to wonder whether it was faulty, at one point!!) It will also not dim when reverse gear is selected - safety reasons, I assume.

S.

 

[miro]

Well . . . interesting that you should say that. With the 202, switching on the interior lights DISABLES the dimming function of the mirror - (causing me to wonder whether it was faulty, at one point!!) It will also not dim when reverse gear is selected - safety reasons, I assume.

S.

It might be dependent on the position of the key in the ignition. It dont recall what the combination was.

It may also be selective to the cable harness connection I used. I presume the empty slots are generic but may well be much more specific.

 

[GrahamC230K]

Well . . . interesting that you should say that. With the 202, switching on the interior lights DISABLES the dimming function of the mirror - (causing me to wonder whether it was faulty, at one point!!) It will also not dim when reverse gear is selected - safety reasons, I assume.

S.

I spotted that too. I think a budget cut on the 203 must have lead to a cheaper less engineered design

 

[miro]

I spotted that too. I think a budget cut on the 203 must have lead to a cheaper less engineered design

I hear that a lot about the W203 .... perhaps it just doesnt matter.

I havent tried it in normal operation. To see if my courtesy light will self-dim the mirror when I sit in it. But I know that I don't have lights on when the engine starts.

Mind you ...... during installation I had the lens off and I was pointing the dome light straight at the sensor while it was hanging down.

Subtle difference ...... but well worth noting.

 

[1998K]

Upping this tread, it seems me that W203 mirror look like my W202 self dim mirror, may I install my W202 into my, hoping asap new (yes used) W203?

thanks a lot

Marco

 

[miro]

Upping this tread, it seems me that W203 mirror look like my W202 self dim mirror, may I install my W202 into my, hoping asap new (yes used) W203?

thanks a lot

Marco

It gives a fault in diagnostic and does not dim the outside mirror(s) but it will work and may also require a change of connector.

 

[1998K]

thanks a lot, as far as the outside mirror it's not a problem, but I'm ofraid about the fault!

 

[1998K]

It gives a fault in diagnostic and does not dim the outside mirror(s) but it will work and may also require a change of connector.

thanking again, please a confirmation:
do I will reconize the fault in the on board car computer or it's only a matter that may be detected by the dealership computer?

as far as the connector may I purchase the proper one or may I simply utilise solder or tape?

I thank you very much

Marco

 

[miro]

as far as the connector may I purchase the proper one or may I simply utilise solder or tape?

I dont know why you need to solder anything since all it might need is a new piece of plastic.

 

[1998K]

I dont know why you need to solder anything since all it might need is a new piece of plastic.

OK thanks, to the dealer provide this specific connector?

Thanks

Marco

PS: do you now also something about the other question about the fault?

 

[1998K]

OK thanks, to the dealer provide this specific connector?

Thanks

Marco

PS: do you now also something about the other question about the fault?

please

 

[1998K]

please

 

[miro]

please

Would you mind showing me a photo of the mirror.

 

[1998K]

I can anticipate the photo from Shude post: see reply n.8 (first two photo in particular) from this tread, mine is the same but grey colour.

http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=306

The part number on mine is a 208 part, but I can post, if needed also the exactly part number.

Please tell me, in the main time if do you need further information.

Your help is much appreciated

Marco

 

[miro]

Stick it in the car and see what happens.

 

[1998K]

Stick it in the car and see what happens.

thanks Miro but please, if the connector will match the one in the dome light ok, otherwise may I take somewhere in the domelight itself a suitable 12V feed (under key I belive) to connect directly (with, again, solder or tape)?

Marco

 

[miro]

thanks Miro but please, if the connector will match the one in the dome light ok, otherwise may I take somewhere in the domelight itself a suitable 12V feed (under key I belive) to connect directly (with, again, solder or tape)?

Marco

Yuk !

 

[1998K]

Yuk !

Sorry for my bad english knowledge, but that means: yes?

If so, do you know if I can utilize a 12V feed in the domelight area, without any fault in the on board computer?

thanks again

 

[miro]

Sorry for my bad english knowledge, but that means: yes?

If so, do you know if I can utilize a 12V feed in the domelight area, without any fault in the on board computer?

thanks again

I suggest you stay away from making changes to your own car.