How to Adjust Inside Mirror on a 2018 Mercedes Suv

This guide walks you through how to adjust the inside mirror on a 2018 Mercedes SUV for maximum visibility and safety. Whether you’re a new driver or upgrading your driving setup, these simple steps ensure your rearview is perfectly aligned.

Key Takeaways

• Understand mirror types: Know the difference between manual and auto-dimming mirrors in your 2018 Mercedes SUV to adjust correctly.
• Proper seating position first: Always adjust your seat, steering wheel, and headrest before touching the mirror for accurate alignment.
• Use the day/night lever: Flip the tab on manual mirrors to reduce glare from headlights at night.
• Auto-dimming feature care: Avoid blocking sensors on auto-dimming mirrors to maintain functionality.
• Check blind spots: Even with a well-adjusted mirror, always use shoulder checks for full awareness.
• Regular maintenance: Clean the mirror surface monthly to ensure clear visibility.
• Troubleshoot common issues: Learn what to do if the mirror won’t stay in place or the auto-dimming fails.

How to Adjust Inside Mirror on a 2018 Mercedes SUV

Driving a 2018 Mercedes SUV is a premium experience—smooth handling, advanced tech, and luxurious comfort. But even the most high-tech vehicle needs basic adjustments to keep you safe on the road. One of the most important, yet often overlooked, tasks is adjusting your inside rearview mirror. Getting this right improves visibility, reduces glare, and helps you stay aware of traffic behind you.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to adjust the inside mirror on a 2018 Mercedes SUV step by step. Whether you’re a new owner or just need a refresher, you’ll learn everything from understanding your mirror type to troubleshooting common issues. By the end, you’ll have a perfectly aligned mirror that enhances your driving safety and comfort.

Let’s get started.

Why Adjusting Your Inside Mirror Matters

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand why this adjustment matters. The inside rearview mirror gives you a clear view of the road behind your vehicle. If it’s misaligned, you could miss critical information—like a car approaching quickly from behind or a vehicle in your blind spot.

A properly adjusted mirror:

• Maximizes your field of vision
• Reduces nighttime glare
• Helps you judge distances accurately
• Supports safer lane changes and braking

In a 2018 Mercedes SUV, the inside mirror may come with advanced features like auto-dimming, which automatically reduces glare from headlights behind you. But even with smart tech, the mirror still needs to be positioned correctly for those features to work effectively.

Think of it like wearing glasses: even the best lenses won’t help if they’re crooked on your face. The same goes for your mirror—precision is key.

Understanding Your 2018 Mercedes SUV’s Inside Mirror

Not all inside mirrors are the same. Your 2018 Mercedes SUV may have one of two types: a manual mirror or an auto-dimming mirror. Knowing which one you have will help you adjust it properly.

Manual Inside Mirror

This is the traditional type. It has a small lever or tab at the bottom that you flip to switch between day and night modes. In day mode, the mirror reflects light normally. In night mode, it tilts slightly to reduce glare from headlights behind you.

Manual mirrors are simple, reliable, and common in base or mid-tier trims of the 2018 Mercedes SUV lineup.

Auto-Dimming Inside Mirror

Found in higher trims or with optional packages, this mirror uses sensors to detect bright light from behind. When headlights shine on the mirror, it automatically darkens to reduce glare—no manual flipping required.

Auto-dimming mirrors often have a small sensor on the front (facing the windshield) and sometimes a second sensor on the back (facing the rear window). These sensors must stay clean and unobstructed for the feature to work.

To identify your mirror type:

• Look for a small lever at the bottom—this indicates a manual mirror.
• If there’s no lever and you notice the mirror darkens at night, it’s likely auto-dimming.
• Check your owner’s manual or vehicle specifications for confirmation.

Once you know your mirror type, you can adjust it with confidence.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting the Inside Mirror

Now that you understand the basics, let’s go through the process of adjusting your inside mirror. Follow these steps in order for the best results.

Step 1: Adjust Your Seat and Steering Wheel

Before touching the mirror, make sure you’re sitting in the correct driving position. This ensures your mirror adjustment matches your natural line of sight.

• Sit upright with your back against the seat.
• Adjust the seat so your feet can comfortably reach the pedals.
• Move the seat forward or backward until your right leg is slightly bent when pressing the accelerator.
• Adjust the steering wheel so your arms are relaxed and slightly bent when holding it at 9 and 3 o’clock.
• Set the headrest so the top is level with the top of your head.

Why does this matter? If you adjust the mirror first and then change your seating, the mirror will no longer be aligned. Always start with your posture.

Step 2: Position the Mirror for Maximum Visibility

Now it’s time to adjust the mirror itself. The goal is to see as much of the rear window as possible—without moving your head.

• Sit in your properly adjusted driving position.
• Look straight ahead through the windshield.
• Reach up and gently grasp the mirror housing (the plastic casing around the glass).
• Tilt the mirror up, down, left, or right until the entire rear window is visible in the center of the mirror.
• You should be able to see the full width and height of the rear window without leaning or turning your head.

Tip: Have a friend sit in the passenger seat or stand behind the vehicle to confirm you’re seeing the full rear view.

Step 3: Fine-Tune the Angle

Small adjustments can make a big difference. Once the rear window is centered, fine-tune the angle for optimal clarity.

• Check that the horizon line (the division between sky and ground) appears about one-third down from the top of the mirror.
• This positioning helps you see both nearby traffic and vehicles farther back.
• Avoid tilting the mirror too high—you’ll see more sky than road.
• Avoid tilting it too low—you’ll see the back of your own headrest.

Example: If you’re driving on a highway and notice you can’t see cars approaching from behind until they’re very close, your mirror may be tilted too high. Lower it slightly to expand your rear view.

Step 4: Adjust for Day and Night (Manual Mirrors Only)

If your 2018 Mercedes SUV has a manual mirror, use the day/night lever to reduce glare at night.

• Locate the small lever at the bottom of the mirror.
• During the day, flip the lever forward (toward the windshield) for normal reflection.
• At night, flip the lever backward (toward the rear window) to engage night mode.
• In night mode, the mirror tilts slightly, reflecting light away from your eyes.

Note: Some drivers forget to switch back to day mode in the morning. Always check the lever when starting your vehicle.

Step 5: Test the Auto-Dimming Feature (If Equipped)

For auto-dimming mirrors, test the feature to ensure it’s working properly.

• Drive at night with headlights on.
• Have someone follow you with their high beams on.
• Watch the mirror—it should gradually darken when bright light hits it.
• If it doesn’t dim, check for obstructions on the sensors (dirt, stickers, or tape).
• Clean the sensor areas with a soft, dry cloth.

Tip: Avoid placing dash cams or other devices directly in front of the mirror, as they can block the sensors.

Practical Tips for Better Mirror Use

Adjusting the mirror is just the beginning. Here are some practical tips to get the most out of your inside mirror.

Keep It Clean

A dirty mirror reduces visibility. Clean it regularly with a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners on auto-dimming mirrors, as they can damage the sensors.

Use Shoulder Checks

Even with a perfect mirror, you still have blind spots. Always do a quick shoulder check before changing lanes or merging.

Adjust for Passengers or Cargo

If you frequently carry tall passengers in the back seat or load heavy cargo, your rear view may be obstructed. In these cases:

• Adjust the mirror slightly higher to see over heads or boxes.
• Consider using a rearview camera (if equipped) for better visibility.
• Ask passengers to sit lower or secure cargo properly.

Check Mirror Position After Service

If your vehicle was serviced or cleaned by someone else, the mirror may have been moved. Always double-check the position before driving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, adjusting the mirror isn’t as simple as it seems. Here are common problems and how to fix them.

Mirror Won’t Stay in Place

If the mirror keeps tilting or falling out of position:

• Check the mounting bracket—it may be loose.
• Tighten the screw or clip that holds the mirror to the windshield.
• If the mirror is damaged, consider replacing it. Genuine Mercedes parts ensure a secure fit.

Auto-Dimming Not Working

If your auto-dimming mirror isn’t responding:

• Ensure the vehicle’s battery is charged—low voltage can affect electronics.
• Check the fuse related to the mirror (refer to your owner’s manual).
• Clean the sensors with a soft cloth.
• If the issue persists, visit a Mercedes service center for diagnosis.

Glare Still Too Bright

Even with night mode or auto-dimming, some glare may remain. Try:

• Adjusting the mirror slightly to the left or right to shift the reflection.
• Using sunglasses with anti-reflective coating at night.
• Ensuring your rear window is clean—dirt can scatter light.

Mirror Vibrates While Driving

Excessive vibration can blur the image. This may be due to:

• A loose mounting bracket.
• Worn suspension or engine mounts (less common).
• Windshield damage near the mirror base.

Tighten the mirror or consult a technician if vibration continues.

When to Seek Professional Help

Most mirror adjustments are simple DIY tasks. However, if you encounter electrical issues with an auto-dimming mirror, or if the mirror is cracked or damaged, it’s best to visit a certified Mercedes service center.

They can:

• Diagnose sensor or wiring problems
• Replace the mirror with an OEM part
• Ensure proper calibration of advanced features

Don’t risk driving with a faulty mirror—safety comes first.

Conclusion

Adjusting the inside mirror on your 2018 Mercedes SUV is a quick but essential task that enhances your safety and driving comfort. Whether you have a manual or auto-dimming mirror, the key is to start with the right seating position, center the rear window in the mirror, and fine-tune the angle for clarity.

Remember to:

• Clean the mirror regularly
• Use shoulder checks
• Test auto-dimming features
• Troubleshoot common issues promptly

By following this guide, you’ll ensure your mirror provides the best possible view of the road behind you. A small adjustment can make a big difference—especially when it comes to avoiding accidents and driving with confidence.

Take a few minutes today to check and adjust your inside mirror. Your future self will thank you.