door mirror glass replacement

[mark antony]

Some kind soul has whacked my drivers door mirror in a car-park and cracked the glass. The unit seems ok; repeater and puddle lights working.

Is it possible to replace just the glass? I suspect this won’t be straight forward given the mirror heating element.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

[GAFF]

I haven't seen this particular mirror, but IIRC on an older Passat I seen there was thing like a sticker on the back of the glass which just connects to a cable and in turn heats the glass. If you buy the glass I'd think the heater strip is attached.

[cheezemonkhai]

The glass pops out of the octy II mirror and has a couple of wires that detach from it easily.

Should be able to replace just that.

[mark antony]

Thanks for the reassuring advice on this.

Two detail questions.

How easy is it to get the glass out? Do need to remove the outer cover; and if so, how do you lever it off?

Where’s the best place to buy a replacement glass; dealer or internet; and how much is it likely to cost?

Thanks

[vexovex]

It's easy, I broke it too.
Remove the outer cover with a small screewdriver (put it between the blend and top cover).
Go to the dealer and he will find the exactly one you need (through VIN number). Cost: I'm from Croatia and I payed it cca. 20€.

[dstev2000]

You don't even need to use a screwdriver, the entire painted section pops off when pulled firmly upwards and very slightly back. angle the glass downwards to make life a little easier and be careful with the thin painted part that runs below the mirror glass, use both hands to remove the cover to minimise the chance of breaking any clips

The glass is held in by a circular plastic assembly via several clips, be VERY careful with these clips as it doesn't take much to bend them or even break them off. If you take your time you will have no problems.

This pic was for the puddle light replacement but it gives you an idea of what's lurking under that plastic cover, you can see 3 of the plastic clips that hold the glass on and the heater connectors are simple spade crimps.

[vexovex]

Originally Posted by dstev2000

You don't even need to use a screwdriver

Indeed, but it was easier to explain and because I don't know English so well to write a story.

[mark antony]

Thanks for the advice.

I relise I'm being slow, but I's like to check that it's an 'upwards and back' (towards the front of the car) pull from the top of the plastic cover.

I can't quite see where the three clips are on the photo, but they will proably be clear when the cover is off.

A thought which has gone through my mind is to change the puddle lights while the cover is off. Would it be possible to put a blue light in; and what type of lights would it be best to fit? (and where would I get them?)

[dstev2000]

Sorry, it's an upwards and slightly towards the rear of the car type of action.

As for the clips, have a look at the attachment and it will make more sense.

I have fitted LED W5W bulbs to my puddle lamps, they make a huge difference to the appearance of the car and they do a much better job of lighting up the path.