Changing a wing mirror

UsedtobePC

This may be a pretty daft question but how easy/difficult is it to change an electric wing mirror. The piece itself is 30 lids but the "authorised dealer" wants 200 to do the job (plus VAT of course). Has anybody done it? Any useful tips like "use a screwdriver not a powertool"?

Seth Brundle

In theory it should be straightforward but I don't know your level of skill or what kind of car its going onto!

overdriver

Its a doddle, but it does vary depending on teh car itself. I certainly wouldn't be paying anyone 200 notes to do it.

What car is it? Manual or electric mirror?

Mickk

Yea alot depends on the car, I have seen cars that need the door card removed to access the screws just because they are at a bad angle. Usually they use the "T" type nuts which some people might not have bits for (like a star T25, T30 ect.) I have found the older the car the easier it is.

Also its good to have magnetic bits, screwdriver cause there is a gap between where you take the nuts from and the inside of the door card and its usually to tight to get your fingers in so they can fall inside the door card.

UsedtobePC

It's a 2001 Renault Laguna, electric passenger side.

Will check for nut type etc. Thanks Mickk

Do the electrics need any particular attention?

blastman

As Mickk said, you may have to remove the door card to do it, which can be awkward but not overly so. Mine had to be removed as there is a piece of plastic covering the screw holding the mirror on, which was partly held in place by the door card. Other than that, the mirror should be easy enough to remove and replace. There's generally just a connector for the electrics.

UsedtobePC

Thanks for all your help guys

bazz26

UsedtobePC wrote:

It's a 2001 Renault Laguna, electric passenger side.

Will check for nut type etc. Thanks Mickk

Do the electrics need any particular attention?

Alot of the Lagunas have electric retractable mirrors so it might make things a bit more complex.

If your not familar with electrics it might be worth bringing the car to an independant auto electrician. I doubt he would charge you anywhere near €200.

UsedtobePC

bazz26 wrote:

Alot of the Lagunas have electric retractable mirrors so it might make things a bit more complex.

If your not familar with electrics it might be worth bringing the car to an independant auto electrician. I doubt he would charge you anywhere near €200.

Awwww B***er! Shoot! Flock! Thanks for the jinx bazz . Latest update is that only Renault dealers stock Laguna II wing mirrors and they come at the handy price of €202 excl VAT. Put the electrician's fees on top...

Wossack

UsedtobePC wrote:

Awwww B***er! Shoot! Flock! Thanks for the jinx bazz . Latest update is that only Renault dealers stock Laguna II wing mirrors and they come at the handy price of €202 excl VAT. Put the electrician's fees on top...

hmm, so going to an offical dealer, its looking like 30e parts, 200e labour, or going independant, buying the part 200e, and fitting.. hmm 30e? Or is the original price for the part wrong?

UsedtobePC

The €30 quote was for the mirror through an independent supplier. This turned out to be the price for the old model mirror not the new which is the one I need. He then said he didn't stock them as only Renault sold them.

Wossack

geez, so he wants 202e + 200e? ouch

Tried any scrapyards? Couldnt recommend any, but might be an idea

overdriver

eBay?

vengeance52

what i did for a mate, was bought the part in the north, and got its a bit cheaper. try a renault dealer there and they might even fit it cheaper.

colm_mcm

would you really drive up north just to save such a small amount?

My recommendation would be to disconnect the battery first.
The mirror cap will probably need to be sprayed to match the body. maybe it can be transferred from the old mirror?

There is usually a triangular plastic trim piece that covers the mounting screws for the mirror unit. French cars are usually held together by what I think are Torx bolts, make sure you have the right adaptor to take these off.

You may need to unclip the interior door panel to access the botttom bolts for the mirrors, or to disconnect the mirror's wiring plug from the door. (this is a pain, and may explain the labour bill quoted) It should be straight forward from there.

vengeance52

colm_mcm wrote:

would you really drive up north just to save such a small amount?

I live a few mile from the north so i always spin up north to save a few quid.

Mickk

Try German Swedish French 014606062 usually less than half the dealer price for brand new parts.

maidhc

colm_mcm wrote:

You may need to unclip the interior door panel to access the botttom bolts for the mirrors, or to disconnect the mirror's wiring plug from the door. (this is a pain, and may explain the labour bill quoted) It should be straight forward from there.

Only ever done a mondeo door mirror. It cost a grand total of €0 from a local mechanic who had a scrapped car, and the connector was just a push on type. about 5 mins to fit.

colm_mcm

some cars have the connector farther down in the door,(eg. Ford Focus) meaning the door panel has to be peeled back. Not sure about Laguna.