Interior Rearview Mirror problems of the 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230

The interior rear view mirror in my 2001 mercedes Slk230 (r170 model) is an self-dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirror contained a fluid which leaked out, causing the self-dimming feature to fail. So basically, I'm blinded by approaching headlights whenever I drive at night. The only fix is to turn the mirror away and lose my rear view (which after all is the entire purpose of the rear view mirror!) I researched online and there are hundreds of documented cases of these mirrors failing in various makes and models. I contacted the oem mirror maker and their only suggestion was to have my dealer install a new mirror at a cost of $300-400. That is unacceptable.

The inside rear view mirror in my 2001 mercedes-benz slk 230 (r170 model) is a self-dimming mirror. The mirror contains a fluid which is leaking out causing the self-dimming mirror to fail to dim against rear approaching headlights, resulting in the driver to either be blinded or to have to turn the mirror away. There are many documented cases of these mirrors failing in various makes and models as a result of the internal fluid leaking. The oem mirror maker has been contacted, and steve chenlo, from magna donnelly (his direct line is 616-786-7495), refused to take ownership of the problem. His advice was to purchase another mirror at approximately $200, and pay for installation, which was approximately $100 from the dealership. About a year ago, magna donnelly was replacing these mirrors for free but stopped for unknown reasons.

Vehicle type is 2001 Mercedes Benz slk320 (r170 model). The inside rear view mirror is an electrochromic self dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirror failed, losing its ability to provide dimming against rear approaching headlights causing me to either be blinded or to have to turn the mirror up and have no rear view capability.

The self dimming mirror is defective and permanently inoperable. Upon research, it is a constant, common, and actually somewhat predictable as far as this problem occurring. Many have paid out of pocket to replace them right away as there is no manual operation of the rearview mirror. As a result, you must rely on sideview mirrors only and a full over 90 degree head turn which is in itself a safety hazard both physically for some individuals and a driving hazard as your attention is completely diverted from the road.

I have less than 50k miles and had to replace the mass air flow sensor twice and now check engine light is on again for the same service needed. I have paid out of pocket not to mention the inconvenience of having it in the shop so many times also have had to replace transmission sensors and tail light, which mercedes did not reimburse for original charge, just re- replaced. Now problems happening with rear mirror. This is ridiculous mercedes should stand by there product that is supposed to last forever and I have had nothing but problems.