98 GS400 Passenger Side Mirror Broken!
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98 GS400 Passenger Side Mirror Broken!
Newbie here...My wife hit a "hidden" trashcan in the middle of the street with our 98 GS400. It took out the passenger side mirror. I have been doing internet seaches for this mirror and have found nothing but new ones. What is the deal on these GS400s? Is this mirror unique to this car? I thought the GS300 mirror would work as well. No one seems to have a used one. In fact, I have found several sites where numerous people are trying to find a used one. Any ideas???? Does anyone have the Lexus part number? Thanks in advance for any and all help.
1998 GS400
Red
Passenger Side Mirror with Memory
1998 GS400
Red
Passenger Side Mirror with Memory
#2
The mirrors are unique to Lexus by model number and color. It comes either as an assembly, or the parts can be replaced in pieces. It is expensive either way.
The shell is color coded by vin number. Using the correct vin will give you the shell in the original factory color. Painting them is not required, since all shells come in one color or the other. It IS the FACTORY paint and lasts just like the original shell.
Most mirrors on the GS-300 and GS400/430 are heated. The mirror is the electrically heated part and can be replaced separately. The mirror is also available without a heating element in the same geometrical shape as the heated one. The heating element in each shell activates when the car is in the WINDSHIELD DEFROST MODE. They get hot enough to melt the common frost and moderate ice.
I would check on EBAY for used ones. You did not say how bad the mirror assembly was. I hope you can find the parts you need.
On my first 99 GS400, I noticed after I bought it that the heated mirror on the passenger side worked, and the driver's side never did. Further inspection revealed that the original heated mirror was replaced with a non-heated one, and the wires were just dangling in the shell behind the mirror. I bought the correct mirror for about 100 bucks from Carson Toyota, and it was changed out in about 10 minutes without tools of any kind. The mirror just snaps into place inside the shell.
If your shell is cracked but the mirror is good, just order the shell and change out the innards.
Good luck and hope this will be easy for you.
The shell is color coded by vin number. Using the correct vin will give you the shell in the original factory color. Painting them is not required, since all shells come in one color or the other. It IS the FACTORY paint and lasts just like the original shell.
Most mirrors on the GS-300 and GS400/430 are heated. The mirror is the electrically heated part and can be replaced separately. The mirror is also available without a heating element in the same geometrical shape as the heated one. The heating element in each shell activates when the car is in the WINDSHIELD DEFROST MODE. They get hot enough to melt the common frost and moderate ice.
I would check on EBAY for used ones. You did not say how bad the mirror assembly was. I hope you can find the parts you need.
On my first 99 GS400, I noticed after I bought it that the heated mirror on the passenger side worked, and the driver's side never did. Further inspection revealed that the original heated mirror was replaced with a non-heated one, and the wires were just dangling in the shell behind the mirror. I bought the correct mirror for about 100 bucks from Carson Toyota, and it was changed out in about 10 minutes without tools of any kind. The mirror just snaps into place inside the shell.
If your shell is cracked but the mirror is good, just order the shell and change out the innards.
Good luck and hope this will be easy for you.
Last edited by gserep1; 12-04-07 at 12:31 PM.
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More Info Please...
Great information so far. For what it is worth, only the mirror glass and shell are broken. In the interim, I have replaced the glass to drive the car safely. I suppose the biggest question I have is if a GS300 or GS430 shell will fit it. Again, any assistence is appreciated.
#4
To my knowledge, all the mirrors on the GS vehicles are the same. You may be able to mix and match if your mirror motor is good and you have a good shell and mirror. It may be easier to just replace the whole thing, but that is expensive.
I will do a bit of research today. I have to go to my favorite dealership to look at the GS460, and I'll ask then.
Thanks
I will do a bit of research today. I have to go to my favorite dealership to look at the GS460, and I'll ask then.
Thanks
Last edited by gserep1; 12-04-07 at 12:34 PM.
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When my mirror got knocked off by a little girl darting across the street, I took my car to the dealership the next day or something to get a new mirror put on and what not and it ended up costing $642 down here. So whatever you do, save yourself some money and get it done yourself or find someone that can do it cheap and well. But hey, I didn't have to pay the $642, the mother of the girl had to. Haha
#6
WOW!!!
$642.00 is a LOT of money. I didn't expect it to be THAT much. There sure is alot of fluff in that price for sure. you got:
1. Dealer labor
2. Dealer parts markup
This part is available through numerous discount Lexus dealerships on Clublexus or Toyota dealerships that give us a break like Carson.
I have a DIY on heated mirror removal back in 2003 when I changed mine. I will send the link in another memo. To change the shell requires removal of part of the inner door panel up top behind the tweeters. It is not that difficult.
Good luck!
$642.00 is a LOT of money. I didn't expect it to be THAT much. There sure is alot of fluff in that price for sure. you got:
1. Dealer labor
2. Dealer parts markup
This part is available through numerous discount Lexus dealerships on Clublexus or Toyota dealerships that give us a break like Carson.
I have a DIY on heated mirror removal back in 2003 when I changed mine. I will send the link in another memo. To change the shell requires removal of part of the inner door panel up top behind the tweeters. It is not that difficult.
Good luck!
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#12
Lead Lap
iTrader: (2)
To my knowledge, all the mirrors on the GS vehicles are the same. You may be able to mix and match if your mirror motor is good and you have a good shell and mirror. It may be easier to just replace the whole thing, but that is expensive.
I will do a bit of research today. I have to go to my favorite dealership to look at the GS460, and I'll ask then.
Thanks
I will do a bit of research today. I have to go to my favorite dealership to look at the GS460, and I'll ask then.
Thanks
#15
Instructor
iTrader: (22)
Make a post in the classifieds .. I got a mirror assy from a member in the color I wanted for $100. So check there also.
I think I got lucky with the price but it never hurts.
The dealer wanted nearly 700 .
I was looking around in junk yards with no luck. I gave a hail Mary effort and was successful.
I think I got lucky with the price but it never hurts.
The dealer wanted nearly 700 .
I was looking around in junk yards with no luck. I gave a hail Mary effort and was successful.