Reasons for the reduced size of the nearside wing mirror on my W124 (personal perspective)

[Chrishazle]

I have own my E200 for 27 years, and throughout my investigation on YouTube, I saw remarks about the smaller nearside wing mirror. I then recognised that I use the nearside wing mirror as a parking help while manoeuvring it into my garage. If the wing mirror clears the garage door post when seen from the back, I will avoid damaging the bodywork.
Furthermore, since the wing mirror is positioned on the nearside, it is less likely to collide with other wing mirrors in congested traffic scenarios or be struck by people when parked next to the pavement.
I see that several automakers have now included folding wing mirrors; maybe Mercedes-Benz was more progressive than previously assumed.

[MrGreedy]

That is just it. The driver's side mirror is broader to enhance visibility of cars passing from the offside rear, while the passenger side mirror has a higher, more rectangular design to aid with kerbside tasks.

[bvlenci]

Each day is an opportunity for learning. I have often contemplated it as well while examining earlier Benz models.

[Matt865]

The configuration was same on the VW T4 Transporter; the driver's side was 'landscape', while the nearside was 'portrait'.

[ChatMaven]

One aspect I like about (particularly vintage) Mercedes is their thoughtful design approach to automobiles.
Similar to how the window switch lighting ceases when the rear windows are deactivated, or the little blind that descends in the middle of the screen on a W124.
Both minor and major elements are significant.

[AMG33D]

It is prevalent among more vehicles than one would assume; upon closer inspection, one will recognise the many automobiles equipped with larger passenger mirrors. In addition to the aforementioned reasons, you are seeing a mirror positioned four to five times further away than the driver's side mirror, hence it is logical for it to be larger. It pertained to several Volkswagen and Audi models from the 1980s and 1990s throughout my tenure in sales.

[MrGreedy]

Another little detail on the 124 coupés and cabriolets (exclusively) is the small window in the passenger door pocket. The service book was not adapted for right-hand drive cars; rather, it serves as a visual reminder for the next service, which drivers of left-hand drive vehicles see each time they open the driver's door. I took this photograph of my vintage coupé years ago; if you have seen this same image before, it belongs to me!

[MrGreedy]

[WordSmith]

Security. I recall seeing Wayne Carini (CCC) inspecting a 1980s Mercedes-Benz saloon and elucidating to the audience that the absence of the passenger door mirror was not a defect in that specific vehicle, as it was an optional feature in the USA, and the individual who commissioned the car did not choose that option.