Hello. I need to replace a bulb illuminating a portion of the gauge cluster. Is the removal of the cluster difficult? Access to bulbs difficult once out? Thanks for any help.

 

you will need cluster removal tool.
yes changing bulbs is very easy once the lcuster is off. just twist and they come off. you might need to buy bulb from dealer since there are many smaller bulbs

 

Thanks very much. Is that a tool that is available commercially, or only via dealers? With the tool, is it a tough or complex job ( other than the bulb change itself)? Thanks very much.

 

the tool is a handle with 2 small hoooks at the end

you stick the tool in on the side of the cluser
twist and lock the took on the cluster then pull out. takes abuot 20 seconds

 

Thanks very much for the help.

 

Well it is not that easy.First you need to get the tool from Mercedes.Then you must slide the hook end in from the bottom side to the back if the cluster.You then turn the the tool so the hooks grab the back of the cluster and pull out slowly.It will be very hard if the cluster has never been removed before.Make sure you pull smoothly and hard and even pressure on both sides or you may crack the cluster.

 

also pull ur steering wheel out as far as possible. then use steering wheel as a leverage.

 

You can make your own cluster removal tools. I did when I had to remove the cluster to replace some bulbs.

Take a metal wire hanger and cut the bottom part out so you have one long wire. Cut that in half. Take one of the sticks and bend about an inch in so you have a 90 degree bend. Repeat on the other end so you have something to grab onto. Repeat for the other stick. Now you have your cluster removal tools.

I did a write up a long time ago, wonder if it is still up here...

 

If you don't have the telescopic wheel, like I did, when you get the cluster out, hold the face up against the steering wheel and turn right (car must be turned on). That will allow the cluster to slide out.