My inside rear view mirror has failed. There is no manual backup. The fluid in the mirror, which causes the automatic self-dimming, has leaked out. The mirror now fails to provide dimming for rear approaching headlights resulting in a blinded driver or non-use; both eliminating rear view capability. The electrochromic self-dimming mirrors are standard equipment in my 1999 Mercedes-Benz slk 230, model R170. I have researched and found many documented cases of the exact mirrors failing in the same way. The mirror manufacture, magna donnelly, was replacing these mirrors for free under some kind of warranty program in the past, but stopped for unknown reasons. The problem has gotten so bad that their warranty department direct number (616-786-7495) now has a recorded message directing people to another web site that sells discounted replacement mirrors.

- Memphis, TN, USA