Part 3 - The Inside Auto Dimming Mirror
This was a complete gamble, as I had no idea if this would work at all and could find very little info about it. Turns out, it's just like the trip computer. Plug & Play.
While the console was still out, I removed the standard, no frills mirror. Again, the DIY's are a bit vague and frightening. They all say "DON'T BREAK YOUR WINDSHIELD!". Very comforting! You must remove the mirror from inside the hole left by the overhead console. There is no easier way.
First remove the cap off the top of the mirror box that houses the rain sensor. It just pops off. Then from inside the hole left by the now removed overhead console, peel back the headliner to reveal the top of this dangerous clip. PRO TIP: It helps to open the sunroof so you can stick your head out and see better!
)
![Image]()
It helped me a lot to understand the anatomy of the mirror first before I started prying on things. You should know that on ML's there are a couple of different types of mirrors. Some you twist off. Others you just yank off! My 2003 however is quite different.
The mirror itself has a steel clip attached.
![Image]()
The mount on the glass mates with that clip.
![Image]()
If you stare at those two pics above for a second, you can see what is going on. The clip rides up the mount until the curvy top part clicks over the top of the mount. This is what you must release to get the mirror to slide down.
After looking on-line and reading the various methods, I had an "AHA!" moment. I grabbed THIS TOOL I HAD PURCHASED EARLIER AT AMAZON for removing door panels. It's perfect! It's curved, it had two "tongues" that perfectly (and only) engage the clip, and I had the mirror off in seconds! Whew! I placed a wooden shim from a recent house project against the glass just in case, as I didn't have the official Mercedes plastic wedge for this maneuver.
![Image]()
Be forewarned that if you have the Bose option, there is a small microphone mounted inside the mirror cover. This is the mic that detects ambient noise to raise/lower the radio volume. I just taped it to the window until I was ready to install the fancy mirror.
![Image]()
Now you have to find the harness which, like the compass, is there but hidden away. It took me forever until, while researching, another member said "Reach under the headliner, 4-inches to the right of center and you will feel the connector". Wow, he was spot on! I went right to it, and pulled the harness down to the mirror mount.
Then it was simply a matter of putting the mic in the correct spot, attaching all the wiring connectors, and the slowly & firmly sliding the new mirror back onto the mount. It connected with a satisfying "CLICK!".
For my model, I found part #163-810-12-17 from an ML500 which worked perfectly! The label inside even told of the correct options.
![Image]()
I have heard people say that this mirror isn't worth it, or that it doesnt work very well. Well I have to disagree. I have done a lot of night driving since daylight savings, and it works beautifully. Well worth the money if you find one in your color.
I have read that there is also an auto-dimming companion for the drivers outside mirror. It doesnt have a sensor, so I assume it takes it's cues from the interior mirror. I am now on the hunt for one of those as well and will let you know how it works out.
Click here for Part 4 - The iPhone Charging Cable & Mount
Click here for Part 1 - The Compass.
Click here for Part 2 - The Trip Computer
This was a complete gamble, as I had no idea if this would work at all and could find very little info about it. Turns out, it's just like the trip computer. Plug & Play.
While the console was still out, I removed the standard, no frills mirror. Again, the DIY's are a bit vague and frightening. They all say "DON'T BREAK YOUR WINDSHIELD!". Very comforting! You must remove the mirror from inside the hole left by the overhead console. There is no easier way.
First remove the cap off the top of the mirror box that houses the rain sensor. It just pops off. Then from inside the hole left by the now removed overhead console, peel back the headliner to reveal the top of this dangerous clip. PRO TIP: It helps to open the sunroof so you can stick your head out and see better!
)
It helped me a lot to understand the anatomy of the mirror first before I started prying on things. You should know that on ML's there are a couple of different types of mirrors. Some you twist off. Others you just yank off! My 2003 however is quite different.
The mirror itself has a steel clip attached.
The mount on the glass mates with that clip.
If you stare at those two pics above for a second, you can see what is going on. The clip rides up the mount until the curvy top part clicks over the top of the mount. This is what you must release to get the mirror to slide down.
After looking on-line and reading the various methods, I had an "AHA!" moment. I grabbed THIS TOOL I HAD PURCHASED EARLIER AT AMAZON for removing door panels. It's perfect! It's curved, it had two "tongues" that perfectly (and only) engage the clip, and I had the mirror off in seconds! Whew! I placed a wooden shim from a recent house project against the glass just in case, as I didn't have the official Mercedes plastic wedge for this maneuver.
Be forewarned that if you have the Bose option, there is a small microphone mounted inside the mirror cover. This is the mic that detects ambient noise to raise/lower the radio volume. I just taped it to the window until I was ready to install the fancy mirror.
Now you have to find the harness which, like the compass, is there but hidden away. It took me forever until, while researching, another member said "Reach under the headliner, 4-inches to the right of center and you will feel the connector". Wow, he was spot on! I went right to it, and pulled the harness down to the mirror mount.
Then it was simply a matter of putting the mic in the correct spot, attaching all the wiring connectors, and the slowly & firmly sliding the new mirror back onto the mount. It connected with a satisfying "CLICK!".
For my model, I found part #163-810-12-17 from an ML500 which worked perfectly! The label inside even told of the correct options.
I have heard people say that this mirror isn't worth it, or that it doesnt work very well. Well I have to disagree. I have done a lot of night driving since daylight savings, and it works beautifully. Well worth the money if you find one in your color.
I have read that there is also an auto-dimming companion for the drivers outside mirror. It doesnt have a sensor, so I assume it takes it's cues from the interior mirror. I am now on the hunt for one of those as well and will let you know how it works out.
Click here for Part 4 - The iPhone Charging Cable & Mount
Click here for Part 1 - The Compass.
Click here for Part 2 - The Trip Computer
