This is extremely difficult to do (and likely impossible) without destroying the mirror outer cover. I tried to do it on one of my 88s to combine two bad mirrors into one good one. The mirror outer ring slides into a channel that has about 20 little ramps. It seems to be a once and done installation.
If anyone here knows otherwise I'd sure like to know about it.

 

I had the same problem as yours augapfel, then I found I will be breaking the mirror cover to take it apart so I just quit.
I would like to know the method of taking it apart too.

 

I see that there are a lot of aftermarket covers for the mirrors, so I'd assume that there must be a way to remove it.

 

Most aftermarket covers slide over the existing mirror and lock into the housing channel.

 

Yeah, I noticed the same thing. I guess they expect you to break the old cover. Like I said, if anyone knows otherwise let us all know.

 

Removal of mirror covers

The covers are removable and all that is needed is a flat screwdriver.

Here are some pics using an extra mirror I have:


Begin by inserting a flat screwdriver on the top or bottom of the frame that is next to the cover. I prefer the bottom edge since it is not as visible as the top edge should you mark/scratch it -

Gently pry the frame up around all three sides of the mirror housing until you completely remove it -

With the frame removed you will see the tabs that hold the mirror cover in place -

Using the screwdriver pry the tabs up and pull the cover out slowly -

Here is a pic with the cover and frame removed -

To reinstall you first install the frame and line it up with the notches on the housing -

Lastly, take the cover and slowly insert it back onto the housing. You will hear it click several times as the tabs latch onto the mirror housing -

Thats all there is to it.


Sam

 

GREAT.
Thanks Alot.

 

Thank you so much. This was exactly what I was looking for.

 

pictures are no longer there...
: (

 

left and right mirror are disassembly in the same way ....
photos are on my right mirror, hand operated ....

 

Here is a question, how do you remove the entire mirror assembly.. Some tool aka idiot, side swiped my mirror and forced it the other way and seems to have broken the triangler shaped part of it, the interior handle is so messed up that i cant really move it and i cant really see anything out of the mirror.. I want to remove the entire thing and replace it with another one..

 

remove the entire mirror and lever.

Hey guys,

I'm having trouble removing the cover of my left (driver's side) side mirror. Could somebody tell me how to take it off? Attached is a picture showing what I want off. Any help would be appreciated.

View attachment 176750

How do you remove the entire mirror with the lever from the door? Thats is what i want to know..

 

3 screws on the inside of the door frame gets it off; you have to take handle aren off first (there is a small removable section at the back - push that out, and then the lever comes off), and then take the plastic cover first (inside the door). once you've got those off, its very straight forward.

 

photos for removing W124 side mirror covers

Hello there.

Is it possible to repost the photos (or post new ones) for the step-by-step removal of W124 side mirror covers? I want to repaint my side view mirror covers, but of course do not want to 'customize' the rest of my car's paint while doing so.

Also, any good tips for the re-installation of the covers?

Anyone have any recommendations on a paint brand available for this task in Canada?) I was going to give the covers a light sanding and primer first of course.) Suggestions for a good/reasonably-priced brand of matte black paint for the job?

Thanks very much to any and all responders.

Best,
DK

 

... photos (or post new ones) for the step-by-step removal of W124 side mirror covers? ...Also, any good tips for the re-installation of the covers?

The first pic in Obi Kenobi's post shows the strip around the mirror that needs to be remove first (using a flat screw driver or shim) to expose the tabs around the cover. Those tabs needs to be lifted to be able to remove the cover off the assembly.

In my experience, more times than not, the locking tabs breaks because they become brittle due to age. With broken tabs it may not snap back in place properly when it is re-assembled. If you can, visit your local junk yard and practice dismantling side mirrors there before you do yours.

Good Luck!

 

DK

I would check into having them wrapped in Matt vinyl. Way less hassle than disassembly, sand, paint etc etc. Added benefit of no chipping.

 

Hi all, I am brand new to the forum. I managed to remove and replace the mirror cover today on my 1996 W124 coupe. You just need to carefully prise off the inch wide trim round the central circumference of the mirror housing. Use a medium size flatblade screwdriver, and start from the an edge next to the rubber mirror gaitor. You need to be careful, and slow and firm. Eventually it will come free. Then the main housing can be unclipped from the retaining clips round the circumference of the mirror housing. To replace, simply place the inch wide trim back in position (it just sits in place) and then clip the housing back in place (assuming you have not broken too many clips removing it...) I have limited expertise and managed the whole job in 5 minutes. But do remove the mirror from the car first.

 

See link below for what I believe are the photos missing from @forcedawd 's post #7 above:

Index of /images/W124_stuff/door_mirrors/mirror_disassembly

 

Why post this r107 f/s listing in an older, unrelated thread, on w124?