External rearview mirror for automobiles

A rearview mirror device for a vehicle. The mirror device includes a mirror base adapted to be fastened to the vehicle. A mirror head which includes a mirror is pivotable relative to the mirror base around the pivot axis. First contact surfaces are formed on the mirror head. Second contact surfaces are formed on the mirror base for cooperating with the first contact surfaces for limiting the pivotal rotation of the mirror head relative to the mirror base from at least a drive position to a parking position. A gear wheel is connected to the mirror base and arranged coaxially to the pivot axis. The gear wheel engages with a drive motor. A folding-path limiter is positioned between the mirror head and the mirror base for limiting the movement of the mirror head relative to the mirror base and a compression spring and a latching structure are used to connect the gear wheel to the mirror base. The mirror head is operative in at least three predetermined levels (A,B,C) as measured along the pivot axis relative to the mirror base. Level A is possible only between the drive position and the park position, and is defined by the latching structure found on the gear wheel and on the mirror base. Level B is defined by the mirror head and the mirror base. Finally, level C is defined by the latching structure on the mirror base and by the gear wheel or by the latching structure on the gear wheel and the mirror base.