Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors

Exterior mirrors. Automatically dimming mirrors

In this manual: Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
Introduction — 5At a glance — 6Safety — 25Opening and Closing — 17Seats, steering wheel and mirrors — 12Lights and windshield wipers — 11Climate Control — 11Driving and parking — 44On-board computer and displays — 29Stowing and Useful Information. Good to Know — 1Stowing and Useful Information. Storage Options — 10Stowage and convenience features. Convenience features — 7Maintenance and care — 11Roadside assistance — 13Wheels and tires — 13Technical data — 13
~4min read

The exterior mirrors of the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation, W212, 2009–2016) combine practical functions with high safety. They can be adjusted electrically, folded in and heated to ensure the best visibility at all times. Automatically dimming versions reduce glare from other road users and support concentration while driving, including at night.

Exterior mirrors

Adjusting the exterior mirrors

WARNING

You can lose control of the vehicle if you, while driving,

  • adjust the driver's seat, head restraint, steering wheel or mirrors
  • fasten the seat belt.

There is a risk of accidents!

Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint, steering wheel or mirrors and fasten your seat belt before starting the engine.

WARNING

The exterior mirrors show objects reduced in size. The objects you can see are closer than they appear. As a result, you may misjudge the distance to road users behind you, for example when changing lanes. There is a risk of accident!

Therefore, always check the actual distance to road users behind you by looking over your shoulder.

Außenspiegel einstellen

Turn the key in the ignition lock to position 1 or 2.

Press the buttonfor the left exterior mirror, or the buttonfor the right exterior mirror.
  • The indicator lamp in the corresponding button lights up red.

    The indicator lamp goes out again after a while. As long as the indicator lamp is lit, you can adjust the selected exterior mirror using the adjustment buttonadjust.

    Press the adjustment buttonPress up, down, right or left until the exterior mirror is correctly adjusted. You should have a good view of the traffic.

    The curved exterior mirrors give you an extended field of view.

    At low outside temperatures and when the rear window heater is switched on, the exterior mirrors are heated automatically after the vehicle is started. The heating lasts for a maximum of ten minutes.

    Info

    You can also heat the exterior mirrors manually by switching on the rear window heater.

    Folding exterior mirrors electrically in or out

    Außenspiegel elektrisch ein- oder ausklappen

    Turn the key in the ignition lock to position 1 or 2.

    Briefly press the buttonpress.
  • Both exterior mirrors fold in or out. Note

    Make sure the exterior mirrors are always fully extended while driving. Otherwise they may vibrate.

    If you drive faster than 47 km/h, you cannot fold in the exterior mirrors.

    Adjusting the exterior mirrors

    If the battery was disconnected or discharged, you must readjust the exterior mirrors. Otherwise the exterior mirrors will not fold in when you have selected the function "Fold in exterior mirrors when locking" in the on-board computer.

    Turn the key in the ignition lock to position 1.

    Briefly press the buttonpress.

    Folding exterior mirrors in or out automatically

    If the function "Fold in exterior mirrors when locking" is switched on in the on-board computer,

    • the exterior mirrors fold in automatically as soon as you lock the vehicle from outside
    • the exterior mirrors fold out automatically again as soon as you unlock the vehicle and then open the driver's or front passenger door.
    Info

    If the exterior mirrors were folded in manually beforehand, they do not fold out.

    Exterior mirror out of its detent

    If an exterior mirror has been forced out of its detent to the front or rear, proceed as follows.

    Vehicles without electrically foldable exterior mirrors: Push the exterior mirror by hand into the correct position.

    Vehicles with electrically foldable exterior mirrors: Press and hold the mirror folding button until a click followed by a knocking noise can be heard.
  • The mirror housing has engaged again and the exterior mirrors can be adjusted as usual.

    Automatically dimming mirrors

    WARNING

    If the glass of an automatically dimming mirror breaks, electrolyte fluid may leak out. The electrolyte fluid is harmful to health and causes irritation. It must not come into contact with skin, eyes, respiratory organs or clothing, or be swallowed. There is a risk of injury!

    If electrolyte fluid has come into contact with you, observe the following:
    • Immediately rinse electrolyte fluid off the skin with water.
    • If electrolyte fluid gets into the eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water immediately.
    • If electrolyte fluid has been swallowed, rinse the mouth thoroughly immediately. Do not induce vomiting.
    • If electrolyte fluid has come into contact with skin or eyes or has been swallowed, seek medical attention immediately.
    • Change clothing immediately if it has been contaminated with electrolyte fluid.
    • If allergic reactions occur, seek medical attention immediately.
    The interior and driver-side exterior mirrors dim automatically when at the same time
    • the ignition is switched on and
    • light from headlamps falls on the sensor in the interior mirror.

    If reverse gear is engaged or the interior lighting is switched on, the mirrors do not dim.

    The exterior mirrors of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) offer functions such as electric adjustment, heating and automatic folding. This considerably increases safety and comfort in everyday driving.

    Especially practical: the combination of the memory function and automatic dimming ensures optimal visibility and individual adjustment to the driver's needs.

    This makes driving the E-Class even safer and more comfortable.

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