What to Do When the Mercedes Rearview Mirror Doesn't Fold Automatically?
3 Answers
Solutions for Mercedes rearview mirror not folding automatically: 1. Check if the rearview mirror is stuck by debris like sand and clean it; 2. Check if the rearview mirror is out of power and needs a battery replacement; 3. Check if the motor of the rearview mirror is damaged and replace it if necessary. Relevant information about folding rearview mirrors: 1. Function of folding rearview mirrors: Folding rearview mirrors can increase passing space when vehicles meet on narrow roads and also protect the mirrors from damage. 2. Location of the one-touch automatic folding mirror button: The function button is located on the front door of the driver's side, parallel to the rearview mirror. The four directional buttons represent the four angle adjustments of the rearview mirror, the RL button represents the left and right rearview mirrors, and the middle round button is the folding switch. When the rearview mirror is extended, pressing the middle round button for more than 2 seconds will fold it, and pressing it for more than 2 seconds when folded will restore it to the memorized position and extend the mirror.
Last night when I was moving my car in the garage, I noticed the side mirror wasn't moving. This kind of issue is mostly caused by a stuck motor or gear set. I had the same problem once after washing my car – moisture caused the pivot to rust, but spraying WD-40 into the gaps and twisting it a few times fixed it. Also, remember to check if the folding button on the door has poor contact. My friend’s E-Class had this issue due to oxidized switch contacts. Mercedes’ mirror folding system has overload protection; if you’ve manually forced it, the system might lock up as a safeguard, requiring a reset at the dealership with their computer. The 27th fuse in the trunk’s fuse box controls the mirrors – pull it out and check if the copper strip is broken. Lastly, it could be a system glitch: try holding the lock button for ten seconds to force the mirrors to fold, or reset the driver’s side window switch by operating it three times.
I've been running an auto repair shop for fifteen years and handled hundreds of power mirror folding failures. In 80% of cases, it's a burnt-out motor, especially when folding immediately after car washes in winter—forcing frozen mirrors to rotate easily burns the coils. The classic issue with older Mercedes W221 models is broken door wiring harnesses due to repeated door opening/closing causing cable fatigue. Basic diagnosis first: when locking the car, press your ear against the door to listen for motor humming—sound without movement indicates mechanical jamming, complete silence means checking the circuit. Newer models are trickier—if the camera is dirty or radar misjudges rear obstacles, the ECU may disable folding. Don't force it if unsure—last time a customer sheared all gear teeth and paid over 8,000 for a full assembly replacement.
