eisens

My 2004 RX 330 was at the dealer's to have the headlamps replaced (yay!). When I went to pick it up I noticed that the right outside mirror (passenger side) was very dark. It wasn't like that when I brought the car in.

The dealer said that as the cars age the mirrors can "go bad" because they are multi-layered to lighten or darken based on the light outside and that this eventually goes bad causing them to darken.

His solution?

A $400 part (entire mirror assembly) and another $200 in labor to install it.

Online I found a 3rd party mirror (plain mirror) that can be adhered to the existing mirror for about $25. I just wondered if anyone ever went this route? Here's a link to Mirror Glass Plus. . .

I'm just wondering how much it is a coincidence that the mirror was fine when I dropped the car off and really dark when I picked it up. . . it is probably just a coincidence, but DANG. . .

jor8888

I had the samething it was the auto dim fluid leaked into front mirror. I was able to get a new heated mirror (no auto dim) from ebay for $30 last year but looks like they dont sell the passaneger side anymore

this one is cheaper:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/794RC-04-09-LEXUS-RX330-RX350-RX400H-Mirror-Glass-FULL-SIZE-ADHESIVE-Right-RH/251434298262?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D36331%26meid%3D30b150db21fe41539a3ebe8133cd8bef%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D262242576589

Braz60

Eisens
I also have a 2004 RX330 that has 96K miles on it did they replace the head lights no charge?
My front headlights are bad I had called the service department gave them my VHN# and they said there was no recall.

NVAKeith

iTrader: (1)

Braz, there is a "warranty enhancement" on the headlights. More info here:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ml#post8309692

LSBen

Warranty period is only good for 9 years. I tried last and was denied warranty from the dealer

mjeds

GM had an issue where their auto dim mirrors would discolor and spider, it was a result of a manufacturing issue that caused the rubber seal to harden and crack in cold weather, thus the layers would separate.


I have owned several cars with auto dim mirrors and the only time I have ever seen what you describe is when someone has smacked the mirror hard enough to damage or separate the layers.


coincidence, I don't think so, someone whacked the mirror.

eisens

I think you're right (cause the mirror was fine when I dropped the car off), but dealer denies it so we have what is known as a Mexican Standoff.

I can get a replacement mirror from 3rd party for under $25 so I don't think I'm going to fight this one -- and I'm not going to pay Lexus $600 for a new mirror either!

mjeds

for $25 I doubt it is anything but basic glass, no auto dim feature.
however there are several on ebay new and used for $100 - $300

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...glass&_sacat=0


it is the glass only, requires you to remove the glass, clean the area to remove the adhesive (rubbing alcohol and heat work well) and reapply the new piece of glass (and make the electrical connections for the heat and dim features.

a word of advise, whatever glass you get.

clean the area well, use rubbing alcohol to sanitize, then heat the area with a hair dryer or heat gun right before you apply the new glass, the heat with activate the adhesive and it will make a good seal, otherwise you risk the glass falling off if the adhesive doesn't seat correctly.

you will get only one shot at it though, because upon contact with the heated area the adhesive will seal instantly, trying to pull it off to adjust the position will likely ruin the adhesive so it won't stick or result in the mirror cracking.

UrbanMastr

We had the same issue on girlfriend's Lexus. I ended replacing the mirror (the glass itself from Amazon) and reusing the old frame. It turned-out pretty well.