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Leaking Rearview Mirror - Good Ending

121K views 170 replies 105 participants last post by  Alex3  
#1 ·
The interior rearview mirror on my 1999 230SLK started to leak a few weeks ago - showing the dreaded lava lamp bubbles. I had read several posts here about others with this problem who bought new mirrors (about $180) and did the replacement themselves. I turned my mirror around and found out that is was made by the Donnelly Corp. and I tracked them down to Holland, MI. After a few calls I found their Quality Assurance person in charge of "leakers". Had a nice conversation with him and bottom line was as follows: I had to fill out an on-line warranty claim form and attach two digital photos. In a few days I was told that a new mirror was on the way and I needed to send the old one back ( the numbers for Donnelly's FedEx and UPS accounts were provided so this cost me nothing). The new mirror came and it is an exact replacement for the old one. I installed it using the instructions I found in the archives on this site, a 20 minute job. So, if you have a Donnelly mirror that has gone bad you might want to call Mr. Heath Flanery, Magna Donnelly Corporation, 616-786-7495 and see what he can do for you.
 
#7 ·
speaking of rear view mirrors. I notice that my mirror has the glare darken feature. Now, on the bottom there is a "light sensor"? I can see the little sensors that look like copper wiring there.....(are those supposed to be exposes or should there be a plastic or glass bubble there in front of it?) Again, looking at the rear view mirror, it has a little oval indention with the glare sensors. Can anyone assist? '02 slk230... thanks one and all!
f
 
#8 ·
I requested a replacement too for my 99 and I received the mirror yesterday. I contacted them on 9/8 and received the new mirror via FedEx on 10/24. I spoke with Heath initially, but the mirror was sent out by the contact below.

Dani Andriacchi
Office of Technology
616-786-5115 (direct dial)
616-786-5185 (fax)

Anyone with a broken mirror should get it swapped out for FREE!
 
#9 · (Edited)
page62 said:
Grrrrr.... where was this information 6 months ago, when I paid big bucks to replace mine?

That's life, I suppose.
Damn...me too. My old one is sitting at the bottom of a dirt heap in N. Las Vegas I'm sure. I found my replacement on eBay for $60 shipped from the UK (NIB thankfully).

Good find though steves...kudos. I'll share this with other SLK forums if it's not already known. You'll get the credit...promise. :D
 
#10 ·
Had mine replaced last month under warranty. It wasn't leaking yet, but the mirror looked like it had smudges that you could not wipe clean. I spent about an hour waiting in the customer lounge. My SLK has been very trouble-free I'm happy to say.
 
#14 ·
I love this forum! I called Heath, and Dani called back and said I'd have a replacement in 2 weeks. However, what does it take to remove the mirror? I read a post that says you just put a bar or small rod into the opening toward the windshield and twist 90 degress either way. Is it that simple? I'm afraid I'll break something or pull the glue off of the windshield. Please confirm.
Thanks
 
#24 ·
Mine came yesterday.

Have to say this company is top of the line.

Very very good.

Prompt e mails fast shipping and great service.

Wish they sold other items I need. lol
 
#25 ·
Mirror Reflects Good Customer Service

Thanks to the cooperative spirit on this forum and the extraordinary customer service of the Magna Donnelly Company's Dani Andriacchi, I'm another of the many satisfied SLK owners who have had an auto-dimming mirror exchanged without hassle. After reading of others' experiences, I sent off a letter and was delighted to hear from Dani by e-mail with a promise to send a new mirror despite the age of the vehicle (2000) or any other questions. If only all companies were so gracious. They've earned my respect.

One other question, however. I thought I read that the outside driver's mirror was equipped with auto-dimming as well, but I see no change. Maybe I misread but if anyone can confirm or deny the issue, please do. Thanks to all here who provided names and installation instructions with the mirror.
 
#26 ·
The outside mirror on my car looks like the rearview mirror which is auto dimming .I had a rough time putting the replacement mirror on because of my lack of patience and failed to review the installing instruction on line .I finally had it on correctly but I wonder if the windshield is cracking somewhere .