CoOl21

I'm not sure how to describe this properly, but it seems like something on my passenger side mirror is warped or shifted? This discoloration is all odd. Is there something special with these mirrors? (ie. heated mirrors, etc)

Zerodrag

iTrader: (5)

You must have a later model SC. They have auto-dimming side mirrors which go bad over time and show that discoloration (forgot the specific reason). If you hit the switch on your rear-view mirror does it clear up (or partially clear up)? My first '98 SC300 didn't have that problem (had under 100k miles), but the '98 400 I picked up last year has that problem.

CoOl21

Yeah, I'm running a '99. Which button am I suppose to hit to clear it up a bit?

CoOl21

yeah, it's still discolored, like something cracked inside. How much would it cost to replace it?

Zerodrag

iTrader: (5)

I don't think Lexus sells the glass separately, so the mirrors are pretty expensive as a unit. Unfortunately, buying used online may yield you one that is just as bad when powered so it's a toss up. If you don't really care about the auto-tint feature, you may be able to just get the glass from the older SCs that did not have that feature and wire it up. Would need to repin it though since the harnesses are different.

CoOl21

Does anyone have an exploded parts view? If I decide to give ebay a chance, I'll know how to take it apart and install it.

Teal Sc400

A useless feature that just causes more costly problems, for later model Sc owners.

CoOl21

Sorry, I'm just trying to restore my baby to her showroom standards (with slight mods). So if she came with auto dimming feature, I would like to have it back and working again.

Teal Sc400

I understand and have no ill feeling in what u are trying to fix/correct. It's just the large cost, on such a minor feature.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

It's actually a pretty darn nice feature for night-time driving, eliminating a significant amount of eye strain.

There's no denying the higher cost, though. My car previously had the driver's mirror replaced with a non-dimming one, presumably because of said cost and scarcity of proper units. The difference between the two mirrors at night is remarkable. It's not often you have a chance to A/B compare something like that and totally eliminate bias and memory from the equation. The auto-dimming mirror is night and day better, pun highly intended.

CoOl21

Well, I called my local Lexus dealership (no harm in asking how much it would cost, right?)

At first the parts guy said it would be $530CDN. Okay, $530 for the whole new unit... Nope, that was just for the glass... Wth... I think I'm gonna go home and cry now

Teal Sc400

Just what all forum members expected. I would just replace the side (DIY purchase online) mirror glass by itself.

mmac0405

Burco makes the glass like 25 bucks

BUR-3553---1992-LEXUS-SC300-RH

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

The Related Products at the bottom of the page indicate that same part is used for all years, covering dimming and non-dimming mirrors. That seems unlikely to be correct. I'm guessing it's just for the '92-95 non-dimming ones and they, like many, don't realize there's a difference between years.

CoOl21

Drove it around last night, and noticed that it was much better at night than it is during the day. So, my guess is that the mirror is stuck on dimmed mode. :/ Guess that's not that big of a deal, just looks ugly during the day, but functions great at night.