Folding Mirrors

[Joreysdad]

Following my last posting regarding key dependent settings for my memory seats on my 2003/53 CLK 320 Convertible, which still don't work properly, (along with a catalogue of other minor irritations!) I require further assistance if someone would be so kind.

I was informed during that thread that it was possible to have my mirros fold automatically when I remove the key. An option which appears in the manual but not on the car for some reason, but apparently can be programmed by the dealer.

I have been told by the dealer that I cannot have this option programmed by them as I have the incorrect dashboard cluster. Frankly I think this is rubbish. Surely the dashboard cluster is programmed by the car cpu (STAR??) and I find it quite inconceivable that I would have to buy a specific cluster to get the option at a cost of £1000.

Prior to my meeting with the dealership Aftersales Manager to discuss the appaling service I have had so far, can someone tell me if I am being fed a line. It would not suprsie me as quite frankly they have not lived up to any standards of service I would expect from a Mercedes dealership.

Perhaps I just expect too much when I seek good customer service in todays business environment.

Thanking you in advance.

 

[Alfie]

Following my last posting regarding key dependent settings for my memory seats on my 2003/53 CLK 320 Convertible, which still don't work properly, (along with a catalogue of other minor irritations!) I require further assistance if someone would be so kind.

I was informed during that thread that it was possible to have my mirros fold automatically when I remove the key. An option which appears in the manual but not on the car for some reason, but apparently can be programmed by the dealer.

I have been told by the dealer that I cannot have this option programmed by them as I have the incorrect dashboard cluster. Frankly I think this is rubbish. Surely the dashboard cluster is programmed by the car cpu (STAR??) and I find it quite inconceivable that I would have to buy a specific cluster to get the option at a cost of £1000.

Prior to my meeting with the dealership Aftersales Manager to discuss the appaling service I have had so far, can someone tell me if I am being fed a line. It would not suprsie me as quite frankly they have not lived up to any standards of service I would expect from a Mercedes dealership.

Perhaps I just expect too much when I seek good customer service in todays business environment.

Thanking you in advance.

I'm afraid they are telling the truth.

The auto folding mirrors is only programmable on the 04/2004 onwards cars. these are the facelifted cars. Yours is a pre-facelift and therefore the auto folding mirrors is not programmable. Changing your cluster wont even give you the option as its a customisable option within the SAM.

I will double check this though to be sure.

 

[jberks]

Auto folding mirrros are also being deleted from most new models. I suspect this is because the mirror mechanisms aren't really up to it. I have the option on mine and on a couple of occasions one mirror or the other hasn't folded properly.

 

[OmniCognateNeutronRangler]

mine don't always fold when I press the button (not automatically) and it needs a bit of a gentle helping hand. Normally works fine after that for a while.

 

[Joreysdad]

Facelift Model

Was under the impression mine was a facelift model as it is the new shape

 

[124coupe]

My E280 mirrors don't auto fold - they barely manage to fold in response to the button and make the most appalling creaking noise when they move.

Two lube attempts by the dealer last until the next wet day and then the creak comes back.

 

[Geoff W]

The folding mirrors work perfectly on my 97 c class, seems quality is going backwards to me?
Geoff.

 

[Rory]

I'm afraid they are telling the truth.

The auto folding mirrors is only programmable on the 04/2004 onwards cars. these are the facelifted cars. Yours is a pre-facelift and therefore the auto folding mirrors is not programmable. Changing your cluster wont even give you the option as its a customisable option within the SAM.

I will double check this though to be sure.

I was always under the impression that the mirrors would auto-fold (and tilt on reverse) if, as Joreysdad's case, memory seats are fitted.

 

[nialler]

They only tilt when the offside button is enabled, but mine fold no problem. Very handy when going down against traffic or small lanes.

 

[jberks]

My E280 mirrors don't auto fold - they barely manage to fold in response to the button and make the most appalling creaking noise when they move.

Two lube attempts by the dealer last until the next wet day and then the creak comes back.

Mine used to creak but I managed to lube it out. The creak is actually just the plastic of the mirror rubbing against the rubber seal as it pivots, so some silicon type rubber lubricant should quieten it down.

 

[Bowruss]

Mine creaked as well and it does seem that it is the rubber strip that causes the noise. I temporarily sorted it with a light smear of Vaseline. I say temporarily because although it cured the creaking, it attracted dirt. Maybe the rubber lube mentioned above is a better answer.

I like the fold facility - mine works when locking. It tells you at a glance that you've locked the car and I suppose it makes it more difficult for clumsy passers-by to bump into them.

Also, we've recently had an epidemic of moronic mirror ripping - apparently it's badge of status to walk down a row of cars and bend the mirrors back 'till they break off. Surprising really that these types have mastered walking and breathing at the same time but there we are...

Just one more thought. I used to fold them in to get the car into my narrow garage. Then I realised the they don't in fact stick out much more than the bodywork. I now use them as a guide - if they don't touch, the body won't.

So do we really get any advantage in folding them in narrow driving situations? Maybe Mercs differ. Mine's a 2004 E 320 CDI Avantgarde Estate.

Russ

 

[jberks]

So do we really get any advantage in folding them in narrow driving situations? Maybe Mercs differ. Mine's a 2004 E 320 CDI Avantgarde Estate.

Russ

Sometimes - generally when passing another car, rather than a wall. As you say, they don't stick out much more than the wheelarches but when passing another car, sometimes the wing mirrors are the first things to touch. That said, I once got clever and wound them in reversing past another car to give me those extra few mm, then I didn't have any mirrors to guide me!

 

[Joreysdad]

Re Rory comment

The mirrors do indeed tilt on reverse if the option is set, and I do have memory seats.

 

[jon_harley]

Was under the impression mine was a facelift model as it is the new shape

It probably is then - they started being sold in the UK in July 2003. Put your VIN in the russian VIN decoder and if it comes out with the code 804, that means it's the 04 model year, ie new spec.

In fact yours sounds identical to mine, if you've got the black roof and black leather

 

[Joreysdad]

Yes black roof with black and berry red leather - russian vin decoder?? help??

If it is an 804 does that mean I can have the folding option lol - still not sure

 

[Blobcat]

Here you go; http://www.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/?lng=eng

 

[Joreysdad]

Right - it's an 804 guess that means I can get the mirrors to fold lol