I just bought a 1998 A6 Quattro. So far so good!

The driver's side view mirror is discollored on the bottom. It looks as if someone spilled Coke on it and let it dry. I noticed the identical problem on a 1997 A4 I was looking at.

The local Audi dealer said, "Oh yes, that is a typical problem; the mirrors are filled with a fluid. The fluid leaks. Soon you won't be able to see out of the mirror. That will be $275 to replace, thank you."

Soooo.

Q1. Is this a typical problem? Seeing it on two different Audi's from two different years (although similar vintages) makes me believe the story.

Q2. Can I get away with replacing only the mirror glass itself?

Q3. I see ads for OEM replacement mirror assemblies, but they seem to all be for the A6 Avant. Will that work with the A6 Sedan?

Q4. The ads also say the mirror assemblies are "w/o memory." Is that because the position memory is in the car computer, or does that mean that the different driver position memories will not work with the OEM mirror.

 

My entire driver side mirror is like that... i dun understand that...

 

Howdy, My 98 A6 has the same problem. It was there in 2002 when I bought the car. This is a factory defect. Actually it is a safety issue so I am not sure why it was not a recall? Or at least they might offer the total repair at a discount. Nope, nuthin. The same thing happens on VWs my friend had a Jetta, same problem. Anyhoo.
The fluid in the mirror creates the auto-dimming feature. like sunglasses that change tint based on the light
i don't know if you can just change the glass? you might look for the audi parts and then go to an independnent body shop that can do the work. let us know what you find out.
i think the memory feature is related to the fact that the mirror contol unit in the mirror housing has the ability to transmit the mirror position info back to the computer. i would wonder if a generic after market system would work properly? the memory positions are related to your seat settings, also those are tied to each key fob. also if you have the mirror adjustment switch in the passenger position, the side mirror should tilt down when the car is in reverse. this allows you to see the curb while backing up and parking. all nice features.

 

You can get the glass by itself. Try ebay, and www.shokan.com

 

My mirror on the drivers side of my 96 is the same way.

My fathers old 94 BMW 325is had the same thing also but on bothe mirrors and really bad.

 

I'd recommend eBay, you can usually find one for anywhere from $25 to $100 for a heated/auto-dim side mirror. I am not sure if I have any left, but I'll check my inventory. Just the driver side?

 

I have the same problem with my driver side mirror. Shoudl I be getting a replacement piece of glass ($32.95 at ECSTuning) or is an acrylic side mirror replacement that just aligns over the existing glass ok?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT


I am just worried about taking the glass off and having some kind of problem...

 

jj, if your mirrors are heated/auto-dimming the overlay won't work.