Buy Fiat 500L Side View Mirrors

Quick Summary

The Fiat 500L's side-view mirrors-often called wing mirrors, door mirrors, or exterior rear-view mirrors-offer power adjustment, heating that activates with the rear defroster, manual or power-folding hinges, and chrome or body-color caps. Special trims (like the "Mirror" edition) add chrome tops and smart-device services. Because mirrors are safety equipment, U.S. states and many countries fine drivers if they operate a vehicle with a missing or broken mirror.

Overview

Fiat launched the 500L multi-purpose vehicle in 2012, and every model year since has included left- and right-hand exterior mirrors as standard safety items (Dezo's Manuals). These mirrors sit on robust three-position hinges that let them swing forward or backward to resist parking-lot bumps . Power control switches on the driver's door move the glass up, down, left, and right, so the driver can center the view without touching the housing .

Key Features

• Power adjustment - A thumb-knob joystick lets you choose left or right mirror, then tilt the glass, and locks in the center position to avoid accidental movement .
• Heated glass - Turning on the rear-window defroster also energizes heating elements in both mirrors to melt frost or ice (Dezo's Manuals, fiat500owners.com).
• Optional power-folding - Upper trims list "power-folding, adjustable, fold-away mirrors with spotter glass" as standard, letting you tuck the mirrors in at the press of a button (Amazon Web Services, Inc.).
• Convex spotter ("blind-spot") section - A small convex corner widens the driver's rear-side view on many 500L versions (Car and Driver).
• Color choices - Mirrors can be body color, chrome, or roof-matched (black, white, or gray) depending on option codes (Amazon Web Services, Inc., Stellantis Fleet).
• "Mirror" special edition - Stellantis introduced a 500L Mirror family with chrome caps and connectivity upgrades such as Mopar® Connect (Stellantis Media).

Styles & Options

For most model years you can swap only the painted cap to match a new body color, saving money versus full-mirror replacement (The FIAT Forum). Mirror glasses are also sold separately and adhere to the backing plate with high-temperature pads; always match the glass to the heating and spotter options to keep full function (YouTube).

Common Issues

• Broken hinge or housing after curb or pole impact-hinge pins can snap, forcing total assembly replacement.
• Glass vibration-loose backing clips cause blurred images; tightening screws behind the glass usually fixes this (The FIAT Forum).
• Heater not working-often traced to a blown rear-defrost fuse or to broken wires in the door-to-body harness (The FIAT Forum).
• Paint fade on caps-UV exposure dulls plastic covers; clip-on replacements restore appearance without repainting.

Maintenance

• Weekly check - Wipe mirror glass with mild soap and water; avoid ammonia cleaners that can stain plastic.
• Monthly test - Activate the rear defroster to confirm both mirrors warm evenly; replace the mirror glass if it feels cold in spots (Dezo's Manuals).
• Winter tip - Never pry off ice; let the built-in heaters melt it.
• Parking tip - Fold mirrors inward (manually or electrically) in tight spaces to reduce strike damage (Dealer eProcess).

DIY Replacement

1. Pry off the interior sail-panel trim.
2. Remove the two Torx or Allen bolts that hold the mirror to the door (The FIAT Forum).
3. Unplug the mirror harness; note the locking tab.
4. Lift the old unit away, seat the new one, and bolt it down.
5. Swap the painted cap if needed, then reconnect the harness and test functions.
   Detailed walk-through videos show every step and panel-clip location (YouTube, YouTube).

Safety & Law

Most U.S. states require a driver's-side exterior mirror plus at least one other mirror that gives a 200-ft rear view (EcoModder, Findlaw). Driving with a missing or shattered side mirror can lead to a traffic stop and fines; in the UK, penalties can reach £2,500 under the Road Traffic Act (The Scottish Sun). Because the 500L's interior rear window is partly blocked by rear-seat head-rests, both exterior mirrors are essential for compliance and safety.

Upgrade Ideas

• Auto-dimming glass - Aftermarket dimming inserts cut nighttime glare.
• LED turn-signal caps - Integrated indicators improve visibility to other drivers (check local regulations first).
• Blind-spot camera modules - Several kits mount a tiny camera under the mirror and feed the image to the infotainment screen; these require door-panel wiring but add a wide field of view.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I adjust my Fiat 500L mirrors?
A: Turn the round knob on the driver door to "L" or "R," tilt the joystick until the view is centered, then return the knob to the middle so the glass won't move accidentally (Dezo's Manuals).

Q: Do all 500L mirrors heat automatically?
A: Heating is standard on most trims. The glass warms any time you press the rear-window defrost button (Dezo's Manuals, fiat500owners.com).

Q: My mirror won't fold electrically-what's wrong?
A: On power-fold units, a failed hinge motor or a damaged door-harness wire is common. First check the 10-amp mirror fuse, then inspect the rubber boot where wires pass from door to body (Amazon Web Services, Inc., The FIAT Forum).

Q: Can I swap a chrome-cap mirror onto a Pop trim car?
A: Yes. All 500L mirrors share the same mounting studs; just move the wiring harness and cap that matches your style package (Amazon Web Services, Inc.).

Q: Is it legal to drive with one mirror missing?
A: Only if your state allows a single exterior mirror and the interior mirror offers an unobstructed 200-ft rear view. Because the 500L's rear pillars limit vision, replacing a broken mirror promptly prevents tickets (EcoModder, Findlaw).

Q: How long does DIY replacement take?
A: With basic tools, plan on 30-45 minutes per side, including door-panel removal (The FIAT Forum, YouTube).

Q: What's the difference between wing mirror, door mirror, and side-view mirror?
A: They're all synonyms for the exterior mirror mounted on each front door that lets the driver see traffic beside and behind the car.

Q: Will a mirror from a 500X fit my 500L?
A: No. Mounting angles and wiring connectors differ between the two models; always match parts to the exact vehicle and year.

Q: Can I paint the cap myself?
A: Yes-scuff, prime, then spray with color-code-matched paint and clear-coat. Let it cure 24 hours before clipping it back on to avoid fingerprints.