Side Mirror Assembly

Complete replacement of the exterior side mirror assembly on the 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, including removal of door trim panel, disconnection of electrical connectors, and installation of new mirror unit.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side mirror assembly (left or right) × 1 — Use OEM specification - verify heated/memory/power fold options
• Door trim panel clips (assorted) × 5 — Keep replacement clips on hand
• Mirror gasket/seal × 1 — Usually included with mirror assembly

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 5 minutes for system capacitor discharge
4. Protect door paint around mirror base with masking tape
5. If working on driver side, move steering wheel to full down position for access

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door trim panel lower section
   Remove the T25 Torx screw behind the door pull handle. Use trim removal tools to carefully release the lower door trim panel clips starting from the bottom rear corner. Work forward to release all clips. The panel does not need to be fully removed, just lowered enough to access the mirror wiring.
2. 2

   Access mirror wiring harness
   Locate the mirror wiring harness near the front upper corner of the door cavity. The harness runs from the door jamb area upward to the mirror base. Carefully pull back any foam insulation or protective covering to expose the main connector.
3. 3

   Disconnect mirror electrical connectors
   Press the locking tab on the main mirror connector and disconnect. On models with power fold, there will be a secondary smaller connector for the fold motor - disconnect this as well. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reinstallation. If connectors are corroded, clean with electrical contact cleaner.
   ⚠Do not force connectors. The locking tabs are fragile and break easily. Press tab fully before pulling connector apart.
4. 4

   Remove interior mirror trim cover
   From inside the vehicle, locate the triangular trim cover at the door-mirror junction in the upper front corner of the door panel. Carefully pry this cover away using a trim tool, starting from the rear edge. It is held by clips only. Set aside with clips intact for reuse.
5. 5

   Support mirror assembly from exterior
   Have an assistant support the mirror housing from the outside of the vehicle, or use padded tape to temporarily secure it. The mirror will be loose once the mounting bolts are removed and must not be allowed to fall.
6. 6

   Remove mirror mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the three mirror mounting bolts visible through the opening where the triangular trim was removed. These bolts secure the mirror base to the door frame. Keep track of any spacing washers or shims that may be present behind the mirror base, as these ensure proper fit.
   ⚠Support the mirror assembly while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling and damaging the door paint or breaking the glass.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove old mirror assembly
   With all bolts removed, carefully guide the wiring harness through the door opening as you pull the mirror assembly away from the door. Remove the rubber gasket/seal from either the old mirror base or the door mounting surface. Inspect for damage.
8. 8

   Prepare new mirror assembly
   Unpack new mirror assembly and verify it matches the old unit in connector configuration and features. Install the rubber gasket/seal onto the new mirror base if not pre-installed. Ensure gasket is properly seated in its groove all the way around to prevent water intrusion.
9. 9

   Install new mirror assembly
   Feed the wiring harness from the new mirror through the door opening into the door cavity. Align the mirror base with the three mounting holes on the door frame. Have assistant support mirror from outside while you verify alignment and thread the first bolt by hand. Install remaining two bolts finger-tight before final torquing.
10. 10

    Torque mirror mounting bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the three mirror mounting bolts to specification in a crossing pattern (top, bottom-opposite, then middle). Verify mirror base sits flush against door frame with gasket compressed evenly all around.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect mirror electrical connectors
    Route wiring harness along original path and reconnect the main mirror connector, ensuring the locking tab clicks into place. Connect the secondary power fold connector if equipped. Gently tug on connectors to verify they are fully seated and locked.
12. 12

    Reinstall trim components
    Replace the triangular interior trim cover by aligning clips and pressing firmly until all clips seat. Reposition door trim panel and secure all clips by pressing firmly along the perimeter. Install and torque the T25 screw behind door pull handle.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and initialize systems
    Reconnect negative battery terminal. Turn ignition to position II (do not start engine). Test all mirror functions: power adjustment in all directions, heating element if equipped, power fold if equipped, and auto-dimming if equipped. Check memory recall functions from seat memory buttons.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all door trim clips are fully seated to prevent wind noise
2. Verify mirror gasket is properly compressed with no gaps visible around base
3. Test mirror fold function through several cycles if equipped to ensure proper operation
4. Recalibrate window one-touch auto up/down by holding window switch in up position for 3 seconds after full close, then down position for 3 seconds after full open

Verification

• Test all mirror adjustment directions (up, down, left, right) from driver seat controls
• Verify heated mirror function activates with rear defrost button
• Test power fold function if equipped by pressing fold button - mirror should fully retract and extend smoothly
• Check that memory mirror positions recall correctly with seat memory buttons 1, 2, and 3
• Inspect mirror base from outside for even gasket compression and flush mounting
• Verify no water leaks into door cavity after car wash or rain exposure
• Confirm no wind noise from door trim panel area at highway speeds

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