Driver's Side Mirror

[NJExplorerFan]

I need to order a driver's side door mirror (entire assembly, not just the mirror) for my 2003 Explorer. My local Ford dealer is quoting me $155 and I would install myself. In looking at it, is it correct that the entire plastic inner door cover has to come off to gain access to the bolts?

Are there websites anyone can recommend to get one? I would prefer an OEM, although I'd consider a decent imitation as long as it's close to factory.

 

[tmds3]

There is a place in New Jersey, I got one for my wifes 06 EX from www.certifit.com for $30 in black, electric and heated mirror. I found the replacement instructions on the forum somewhere, was step by step with pics. It was real easy and only took about 15 minutes to do the job.

 

[1AJeremyD]

The door panel does have to come off of the door. That way you will be able to gain access to the bolts inside and the electrical connection. I also have poster a link to my website so you can choose the correct one with the proper options for the vehicle. You can PM me if you need any help selecting a mirror

http://www.1aauto.com/1A/Mirrors/Ford/Explorer/-/-/2003

 

[BigRondo]

My how to for installing signal mirrors covers door panel & mirror removal and replacement: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=293175

 

[blueka]

www.lmctruck.com is cheap too...


Si

 

[NJExplorerFan]

This is all great information... and now I'm thinking further. Some of the mirrors I've seen range from $30-50. That's very inexpensive! Why is the dealer then charging $155 for an OEM mirror? How much of a difference is there in the quality of the products? Are these cheaper $30-50 mirrors gonna not mount right? Will the actual mirror scratch and wobble? Is it a cheaper grade mirror and plastic? What else sets it apart from an OEM?

What is the real difference? Dealer charges like 3 times the price.

 

[tmds3]

This is all great information... and now I'm thinking further. Some of the mirrors I've seen range from $30-50. That's very inexpensive! Why is the dealer then charging $155 for an OEM mirror? How much of a difference is there in the quality of the products? Are these cheaper $30-50 mirrors gonna not mount right? Will the actual mirror scratch and wobble? Is it a cheaper grade mirror and plastic? What else sets it apart from an OEM?

What is the real difference? Dealer charges like 3 times the price.

The one I got from certifit looked and felt just like the OEM, certifit is a company that sells crash replacement parts amd here in the Dallas area they sell to a lot of body shops,I am real pleased with mine. And it mounted perfectly

 

[D Hook]

My experience has been from several years ago. My wife peeled off her drivers side mirror on the side of the garage door one morning.

I ordered one from Ebay, don't recall the vendor name, but it was like $45, electric but not heated. Seemed like a good deal but the mirror itself was not that great; almost like plexiglass mirror. The reflection was slightly distorted. It never got any worse but never was as clear as the OEM one.

All the mounting and operations of the housing was as good as the OEM.

Three months after replacing that one, she peeled the passenger side mirror off. That one she got fixed at the dealer for about $250, IIRC, but the glass was better for sure.

She has an Expedition now and hasn't had any trouble.

 

[neberly]

got mine from US Auto Parts 30 + and shipping. Total around $50. Looks like the same thing that is already there. Hope I don't drop it when I' installing it

 

[NJExplorerFan]

Well, I appreciate everyone's feedback although I went with my gut on getting an OEM replacement. Found it in a local junkyard off of a 2004 Explorer. It had the puddle lamp, electric and everything else that matched perfectly on to my 2003. I installed it this past weekend and it was a piece of cake! I literally only removed 3 bolts to take the door panel off and then of course the mirror bolts.

Here's my only question, the bulb was different on the 2004 - totally different shape. Did they change them? Of course I didn't see my passenger side bulb so it could be right now. I did buy this Explorer used last year.