How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Car Side Mirror?
A sideswipe, misjudgment, motor failure, camera failure, or heater failure in modern side view mirrors is a regular repair in auto shops. Side-view mirrors used to be inexpensive and simple; however, today, these mirrors sport color-matched covers, heating elements, cameras, multi-direction motors, and more. All of these technological advancements have not only made replacing a side mirror more involved, but they’ve also led the cost of replacing them to rise substantially. In this article we’ll cover the differences between older-model side mirrors and today’s mirrors, how to replace them, along with the cost you can expect to pay to replace a side mirror.
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Factors That Affect Mirror Replacement Cost
Like all other automotive repairs, the two main factors that dictate the cost of a repair are:
- Labor time
- Component cost
The modern side mirror is loaded with technology. The more technology incorporated into a mirror, the more the replacement part will cost. Additionally, modern mirrors use a color-matched cover. This also drives the cost up as the covers typically come from the manufacturer unpainted. Occasionally, the mirror cover can be reused if it’s not damaged. However, most shops will recommend the replacement of the mirror cover along with the mirror assembly due to the plastic clips on the cover easily breaking upon removal.
The following are estimated costs of side mirrors (part only):
| Type of Mirror | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Manually adjusted | $40 – $60 |
| Electronically adjusted | $35 – $350 |
| Electronically adjusted w/ folding | $50 – $500 |
| Electronically adjusted w/ heating element | $50 – $700 |
| Electronic w/ blind spot monitor | $150 – $750 |
| Electronic w/ auto-dimming | $200 – $800 |
| *Prices listed are average estimates. Real prices differ based on the manufacturer and specific vehicle. | |
There are also combo mirrors that will feature any/all electronic add-ons. The reason why the mirror component price ranges so greatly is due to the influence of aftermarket mirrors on the market. We want to caution you here as some replacement mirrors from the manufacturer can cost up to $1,000 for luxury vehicles and sometimes more. You can find cheap replacement mirrors all over the internet. Although some of these replacement mirrors will physically mount to the vehicle, they lack the internal electronics, leaving the vehicle with warning lights and improper mirror operation.
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How To Replace A Car Side Mirror
On some vehicles, replacing a side view mirror on a car or truck will require the removal of the associated front door panel. This is not the case for all side mirrors, just most of them.
The following tools will be needed to remove a door panel:
- Basic ratchet and socket set.
- Trim tool set
- Screwdriver set
- Hex and Torx bit set
Door panels are expensive! Use caution when removing them. Leave it to the pros to avoid damage.
Some of the steps involved in removing a door panel are:
- Remove the window switch and/or fastener covers.
- Remove the fasteners.
- Using an interior trim tool, pry the panel to free the clips.
- Disconnect electrical connectors and cable retainers.
- Disconnect mirror connector.
- Remove the mirror fasteners.
- Replace the mirror.
- Reinstall the electrical connectors, cables, and door panel.
New Model Mirror Replacement Cost
New model vehicles, especially luxury vehicles, have tons of technology loaded into the mirror assembly. This drastically raises the price of mirror replacement. The average new model side mirror replacement will cost around $870 according to RepairPal. However, these prices can go even higher. For example, the mirror replacement cost on a BMW 330i comes in at a staggering $1,060. The replacement cost for the right-hand mirror of a 2021 Mercedes-AMG C43 from Mercedes-Benz, for example, is $1,340, making it one of the most expensive minor repairs around if damaged, and newer models are only marginally cheaper, likely due to current production making parts more readily available.
Older Vehicle Mirror Replacement Cost
Older vehicle side mirror replacements will be significantly cheaper than newer models due to the technology difference in the mirror assembly. On an older vehicle such as a 2005 Toyota Corolla, the labor charge for a side mirror replacement typically ranges from $50 to $150 while the part can cost between $30 and $100. The average mirror replacement on an older vehicle will cost around $150 to $200.
Replacing a side mirror, both driver and passenger side, is a job most competent DIYers can handle. The big challenge is removing the door panel. In most cases, even if you take your vehicle to a dealership for repair, side mirrors are not typically stocked on shelves and will need to be ordered. This means most people will end up driving without a side mirror. There are really only two concerns with driving without the side mirror(s).
- Blind spots: Without a mirror to check the sides of your vehicle, such as during a highway merge, you run the risk of getting in an accident.
- Electronics: The mirror electronics can result in warning lights and the deactivation of systems such as the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM).
Knowing this, driving without a side mirror is still possible as long as extra caution is used.
If you doubt your ability to replace a side mirror yourself, leave it to the pros. The major factor in mirror replacement is the cost of the component. Avoid using excessively cheap mirror replacements, especially with vehicles that use high amounts of technology in the mirror.
