Peugeot 308 Wing Mirror: Specs, Fitment & Common Faults
On the 308, a genuine, specific reset procedure resolves many mirror fold faults for free — plus why cold weather and a low battery can both mimic a genuine fault.
OEM Part Numbers
A Genuine, Specific Reset Procedure Worth Trying First
If your mirrors have stopped folding automatically, either via the key fob or the interior switch, it's genuinely worth trying a specific, documented reset procedure before assuming a motor or wiring fault: with the ignition on, hold the mirror fold button down, turn the ignition off while still holding it, release the button, then hold it down again and turn the ignition back on before finally releasing it. This clears a confused state in the folding system's memory that can develop over time, and has resolved the fault for multiple owners without needing any parts replaced at all — genuinely worth trying given it costs nothing and takes a minute.
It's also worth knowing a specific behavioural quirk that isn't a fault: if you retract the mirrors manually using the door switch rather than locking the car, they generally won't automatically fold back out when you unlock with the remote — only using the door switch again brings them back out. If your mirrors "aren't responding to the key fob," it's worth checking whether they were folded in manually last, since this explains the behaviour without anything being broken.
More Electronics Hiding Inside Than Most People Realise
A wing mirror looks like a simple piece of glass and plastic from the outside, but on most modern cars it houses folding motors, heating elements, indicator lights, and sometimes blind-spot sensors — meaning a "faulty mirror" can mean several genuinely different things.
Driver's Side or Passenger Side? Sorting Out the Terminology
Wing mirrors are sold by side, and UK retailers, workshops and part catalogues don't always use the same terms for the same side — so it's worth being clear before you order. In right-hand-drive UK cars:
- Driver's side = right-hand (RH) = offside (OS) — the side closest to the centre of the road.
- Passenger side = left-hand (LH) = nearside (NS) — the side closest to the kerb.
Part listings may use any of these terms interchangeably — "RH mirror," "offside mirror," and "driver's side mirror" all refer to the same physical part on a UK-spec 308. Double-check which convention your supplier is using before ordering, since a mix-up here is one of the most common reasons the wrong mirror turns up.
What It Does
Beyond the obvious job of rear visibility, modern wing mirrors on higher trims of the 308 often integrate turn signal repeaters, puddle lights, heating elements to clear condensation, and power-fold motors for tight parking spaces. Higher-spec versions may also house blind-spot monitoring sensors, making them considerably more expensive to replace than a basic mirror.
Fitment & Compatibility
Mirror specification differs substantially by trim level on the 308 — a basic manual mirror and a heated, power-folding, sensor-equipped version are not interchangeable even though they may look similar from a distance. Always confirm the exact specification fitted to your specific trim before ordering, ideally by referencing your VIN rather than assuming based on the visible features. Whether you're sourcing a replacement wing mirror for your Peugeot 308 from a dealer, specialist, or online marketplace, always check compatibility against your registration or VIN before buying, and confirm you're ordering the correct side — driver's side (RH in the UK) or passenger side (LH in the UK) — since these are not interchangeable.
Common Faults
Symptoms Worth Knowing
- Mirror won't fold or unfold — usually a failing fold motor rather than a wiring fault, though worth checking the fuse first.
- Indicator repeater not working — often a simple bulb or LED failure, though integrated units may require replacing the whole mirror glass assembly.
- Heating element not clearing condensation — can indicate a failed heating element or a blown fuse specific to that circuit.
- Cracked or shattered housing — usually impact damage, and a straightforward like-for-like replacement in most cases.
DIY Replacement Difficulty
Replacing the mirror glass alone is usually an easy DIY job on most versions. Replacing the entire mirror housing is more involved, typically requiring removal of an interior door panel trim piece to access the wiring connector, and blind-spot sensor-equipped mirrors may need recalibration afterward. Expect 15–30 minutes for a glass-only swap, or up to an hour for a full housing replacement.
OEM vs. Aftermarket
For basic, non-electronic mirrors, reputable aftermarket parts are a perfectly reliable, cheaper alternative to OEM. For mirrors integrating blind-spot sensors or advanced electronics, OEM parts are strongly recommended given the calibration and compatibility risks involved with aftermarket sensor-equipped units.
More Peugeot Wing Mirror Guides
The same part, covered across other Peugeot models.