Author Topic: 1966 230sl Rear View Mirror Switch  (Read 4892 times)

vande17941

  • Full Member
  • Senior
  • ***
  • USA, CA, Irvine
  • Posts: 198
1966 230sl Rear View Mirror Switch
« on: March 07, 2015, 03:36:00 »
I have a 66 230sl with original chrome rearview mirror, missing the dimming switch. Does anyone have any experience or any idea where I could get a switch or if there is a workaround fix to get the dimming feature operable?
'66 USA (1967 model Year) 230sl, 4-speed Manual, Driven Like a Real Car! Set up with KYB Stiffer Shocks, and Motor Mounts w Urethane Inserts Underneath, 3-point Belts, Headrests Installed 🚗

1986 560sl Cabernet & Palomino (not recommended)

2001 SLK320 Sport AMG Silver & Black

66andBlue

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, Solana Beach
  • Posts: 4731
Re: 1966 230sl Rear View Mirror Switch
« Reply #1 on: March 07, 2015, 05:10:10 »
The only way to get this part (plus several associated parts not shown in the photo) is to salvage a used one with a still functional dimming mechanism.
« Last Edit: March 07, 2015, 07:13:29 by 66andBlue »
Alfred
1964 230SL manual 4-speed 568H signal red
1966 230SL automatic 334G light blue (sold)
1968 280SL automatic (now 904G midnight blue)

Panzer82

  • Guest
Re: 1966 230sl Rear View Mirror Switch
« Reply #2 on: March 08, 2015, 23:42:34 »
I think the way the mirror 'dims' / changes angles when that switch is flipped on the 230s is one of the coolest things about the whole car. The mirror pane actually tilts inside the chrome mirror frame.

The 230SL mirrors are SO much better than the black plastic ones found on 250 and 280SLs. I know one 280SL owner who actually retrofitted his car with a mirror from a 230SL.

Ingenious engineering.

scoot

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, Altadena
  • Posts: 2355
Re: 1966 230sl Rear View Mirror Switch
« Reply #3 on: March 09, 2015, 15:39:37 »
You are likely going to need other parts inside the mirror besides the switch (but maybe not).  My suggestion would be to buy a really crappy one on ebay (fintail mirrors will work too) to use for parts.   Might consider replacing the mirror glass at the same time if yours isn't great.   Someone (sorry, don't know who) was selling new mirror glass for a reasonable price at one point...
Scott Allen
'67 250 SL (early)
Altadena, California

dowsup

  • Guest
Re: 1966 230sl Rear View Mirror Switch
« Reply #4 on: April 20, 2015, 00:08:01 »
I was unaware that there was a switch because most all of the W113 safety modifications occurred in July 1967.  If you find out differently, please post it.  Many thanks.
Dowsup

Jonny B

  • Pagoda SL Board
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, San Marcos
  • Posts: 4183
Re: 1966 230sl Rear View Mirror Switch
« Reply #5 on: April 20, 2015, 14:51:00 »
All the mirrors had the dimming feature (perhaps the very early cars did not??). The big change in mid 1967 (after VIN ending 2980) was all the US mandated safety items, soft (er) surfaces, non chrome parts (reason for the mirror change), soft pockets, no acrylic heater levers, etc.
Jonny B
1967 250 SL Auto, DB 568
1970 280 SL Auto, DB 904
1966 Morris Mini Minor