Vomit

Multifunction display on my 2002 C32 (out of warranty) fades seriously in the heat. Anyone have a cheap fix?

Gracias!!

Glyn M Ruck

Before you get a STFF clamour - suggest you search the forum. There is a substantial amount posted in this regard. Good luck

Vomit

I always search before posting an inquiry like this. All I was able to find was some instructions for removal of the cluster, and a mention of a zebra-striped contact strip which somehow needs to be refurbed to improve conductivity (I PMed the author of that post a couple of days ago, but have not heard back). Perhaps you could specify the thread which provides enlightenment as to how to fix the fading problem without spending four figures? Thanks!

Glyn M Ruck

Sorry. I was not trying to be difficult. I too saw that post - hope you get a reply. The only way I know is replacement but that means bucks. You could look in the wreckers yards for a late 2003 car - just pre facelift because it was sorted by then - good luck!

MJ50

common problem...
either leave it as is or get new one...

Saprissa

there are posts here in the W203 forum above that specific problem.
I just think that they are embedded in multiple threads with unrelated topic titles.
I know I've read them in the past 3 weeks or so, so they are in here somewhere.
If those of you who were having this problem can chime in on this thread, that would be helpful.

Carlos

Saprissa@aol.com

Glyn M Ruck

+1 Yep! But I'm not convinced that the MFD can be repaired. Sick panel = sick panel. I wish I was being more helpful.

dac086

i was lucky to get mine replaced by warranty on my 03 about a month ago. i am glad i bought the extended warranty

Taiwanese

I have the same problem. It's hard to see the display in the afternoon after parking the car at work for a whole day.

mleskovar

I think this is what you're looking for: http://www.bba-reman.com/ you'll have to do without for a few days but at least it won't cost you an arm and a leg. I don't believe there's any easy fix like cleaning contacts. This is a common LCD problem.

ScottW911

What are we supposed to be looking for on this site? Is there a specific link there for repairing the MFD?

mleskovar

It's a site for a company that sends you a repaired display after you send them a fee and a deposit. They return your deposit after you return your bad display.

Glyn M Ruck

interesting - I just learned something!

BigBodyBenzC240

I just emailed them asking if they do W203 models because the one for the C Class pictured is a W202 model. The US Sales rep emailed back "Please clarify what you need? I'm not getting any information on what the W202 or W203 is." They didnt even know that W202 was for the 1993.5-2000 models and W203 is for the 2000.5-2007 models. So I am curious on what years they work on. I am still waiting for reply.

mleskovar

You might want to send them a picture because even the W203 models vary by year I believe.

aecasasus

Correct! There's more than one Instrument Cluster on the W203.

BigBodyBenzC240

Agreed but for the mean time I am waiting for a reply on what years they work on so I am not doing more than is needed. If they say they can then I will send them a pic. Then no more faded display

Saprissa

good luck !!!

and if you guys haven't cross-referenced this yet... check out the posts on the C32 AMG W203 forum:

Multifunction Display MFD Fading!!!


Carlos

Saprissa@aol.com

Coming soon on Oct 1st.... details on the
SoCal Mega Mercedes-Benz Meet
15 November

BigBodyBenzC240

I just recieved an email back saying it will cost you $225 plus shipping in order to get your instrument cluster fixed. All you need to do is remove the cluster and ship it to them at there address and include this form The address for the US is below. I am sending mine if for repair as soon as I get back from my short tour overseas.

BBA Remanufacturing, Inc.
300 Myles Standish Blvd.
Taunton, MA 02780

91300e

i live in taunton i didnt even know that place was there

Moviela

Taunton is quite the place, it is also headquarters for Fine Woodworking and Fine Home Building magazines. Both are a must read for me, except I am more like a woodpecker who thinks he is a carpenter.

hpuxsux

Did you get you MFD repaired?

Just curious.

G

AzCamel

is the mileage store in the cluster or ecu? can i jsut replace the cluster without reprograming or throwing a code? and stupid question but i love the 05+ gauges, any hope that they will just plug and play?

valexv

NO

the cluster has its own ecu which is paired with you cars ecu, any other cluster will have to be programed to work and the +05 clusters will require changing you system from DAS to MOST or whatever it is.

I did make a thread on how to replace the MFD but its not a sticky

tommy

To correct the postings on this thread, BBA works on YOUR cluster, then sends YOUR cluster back. No worries about coding, lost data, etc.

My guess is they either replace the little panel like valexv did, or fix it.

I'll be doing it in April, when my summer car comes out of storage, and I can have the Benz offline for 3 days.