Fluid leak from auto-dimming mirror ruins paintwork

[Harris_I]

I dropped my R129 into the local Merc indie in Surrey to have the driver's side mirror glass replaced (clips were broken but the glass itself was fine).

Turns out they needed to order it in but had already junked the glass, and cracked it in the process. Not to worry, I said, stick it back on for now so I have use of the car and we'll replace it when the new glass comes in.

I had no idea there was a fluid inside which has now left two lovely streaks down the door - even abrasive polish will not remove it. What on earth is it and how can I remove it?

(And BTW, the indie has not yet committed to a respray if they can't shift it which is a battle I hope not to have).

[r129sl]

Wait till you find out how much the new mirror costs: more than a local respray.

[Harris_I]

Oh I'm well aware, Jonathan! That's why I'm going for a non auto-dimming replacement.

I've just spent some time researching the issue and unfortunately there's no easy solution. It's some kind of liquid crystal. Some suggest using an abrasive oxidation removal product, others suggest it is so evil it will never really disappear. The workshop really ought to have known that cracking the mirror then putting it back on was a recipe for disaster.

Anyway, hopefully this serves as a warning for others.

[r129sl]

I did some wikipedia-ing and it sounds nasty: tungsten oxide, titanium dioxide, viologen were the three possibilities that appeared to me.

[JimmyR1]

I recall similar issue with the interior mirror on E46 BMW though these ones had a habit of spontaneously leaking. The liquid is very caustic, plenty of tales of woe of completely ruined centre consoles, leather seats etc

[Dog Star]

r129sl said:

I did some wikipedia-ing and it sounds nasty: tungsten oxide, titanium dioxide, viologen were the three possibilities that appeared to me.

Titanium dioxide? Unless I'm mistaken that's one of the main ingredients of suntan lotion/sunblock.

And I'm not wrong - from Wikipedia "Generally it is sourced from ilmenite, rutile and anatase. It has a wide range of applications, from paint to sunscreen to food colouring. When used as a food colouring, it has E number E171."

(No help, OP, I just though it was interesting )

[Harris_I]

If E171 does what it does to the bodywork of a car, then you definitely don't want that lining your gut! I'm doubtful. I suspect it's more likely to be the blood from Alien.