Multifunction Display MFD Fading!!!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: San Diego
2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
Multifunction Display MFD Fading!!!
Does anyone know if there has been a Technical Service Bulletin for the Multifunction Display fading issue? Alternatively, has anyone figured out a cheap fix for the fading issue (mine is almost invisible when the car is hot inside).
My C32 is out of warranty, and I would really like to avoid a big expense right now. Any way to fix the MFD fading issue cheaply?
Gracias
My C32 is out of warranty, and I would really like to avoid a big expense right now. Any way to fix the MFD fading issue cheaply?
Gracias
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Southern Cal
a C32 AMG & S-Works Tarmac
Does anyone know if there has been a Technical Service Bulletin for the Multifunction Display fading issue? Alternatively, has anyone figured out a cheap fix for the fading issue (mine is almost invisible when the car is hot inside).
My C32 is out of warranty, and I would really like to avoid a big expense right now. Any way to fix the MFD fading issue cheaply?
Gracias
My C32 is out of warranty, and I would really like to avoid a big expense right now. Any way to fix the MFD fading issue cheaply?
Gracias
It is my understanding (from my SA) that once a car is out warranty, the TSB's no longer apply.
I hope you find a cheap easy fix. I want one too.
Member
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From: South Jersey
2002 C32 AMG
Mine is the same way. I checked into it about a year ago, and I think the dealership wanted over $900 for a new cluster. Plus, you cannot just swap it out; they need to marry the cluster to your ECU for the correct odometer reading. Apparently, it cannot be done with a used cluster either.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: SoCal
...a panty dropper...
I just posted information about the fading LCD on the forum below.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c55-amg-w203/260546-instrument-cluster-remove-instruction.html
It will need to be replaced and I am emailing the US Sales rep from the site in order to get pricing on a replacement. Will update.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c55-amg-w203/260546-instrument-cluster-remove-instruction.html
It will need to be replaced and I am emailing the US Sales rep from the site in order to get pricing on a replacement. Will update.
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Southern Cal
a C32 AMG & S-Works Tarmac
All right then. I have the cheap and easy fix. OK, so it is not a fix as much a band-aid. But, it only cost $7.99 plus tax.
I bought one of those cheesey windshield sun screens. You know, the expandable sheets of metallic looking junk you find at Pep Boys. The issue with the fading seems to be direct sunlight on the dome of the dash. This is creating the heat inside the instrument console that causes the fading.
I have been putting the sun screen up when I park at work and have noticed a marked decrease in the MFD fade. The overall heat of the car in less significant on fade than the direct sunlight on the top of the dash itself.
This it just the opinion of one untrained observer. Good luck.
I bought one of those cheesey windshield sun screens. You know, the expandable sheets of metallic looking junk you find at Pep Boys. The issue with the fading seems to be direct sunlight on the dome of the dash. This is creating the heat inside the instrument console that causes the fading.
I have been putting the sun screen up when I park at work and have noticed a marked decrease in the MFD fade. The overall heat of the car in less significant on fade than the direct sunlight on the top of the dash itself.
This it just the opinion of one untrained observer. Good luck.
Last edited by ScottW911; Sep 26, 2008 at 10:04 AM.
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From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
also read the posts in this thread:
MFD Multifunction Display Fading!!!
in the regular W203 C-Class forum.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
MFD Multifunction Display Fading!!!
in the regular W203 C-Class forum.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
COMING SOON on Oct 1st... more details on the
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Member
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: South Jersey
2002 C32 AMG
I remember reading about someone trying to swap in a cluster from a newer (2005+ I think) W203. Does anyone know if it was done successfully on an '02, and is there any loss of functionality? Any other mods necessary?
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: North NJ
2002 C32 AMG, 2013 GLK 350/4, 2015 E63S AMG Wagon
The newer cars use MOST as opposed to D2B internal network. The new and the old clusters are not compatable out of the box. A lot of parts will need to change to make it work. Not cost effective. If you still want to use a newer cluster, get a CLK 55 cluster. Look for posts from Sunman on the w203 forum.
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 233
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From: South Jersey
2002 C32 AMG
The newer cars use MOST as opposed to D2B internal network. The new and the old clusters are not compatable out of the box. A lot of parts will need to change to make it work. Not cost effective. If you still want to use a newer cluster, get a CLK 55 cluster. Look for posts from Sunman on the w203 forum.
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From: Philadelphia, PA
2008 A8L, 2002 996TT X50, 2009 X5
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2002 C32 AMG
Mine was faded out when I bought my 02 C32. Everyday when i got in the car after work it would be faded out until I almost got home. It cost a small fortune to replace. if the dealer will do it for $900 thats a bargain. I think mine was closer to $1500 or $1600. I had it done under extended warranty. The extended warranty company would only pay for a remanufactured cluster.. about $1200 I think. The dealer refused to install anything but a new Mercedes part. I had to pay the balance. When it was all said and done it cost me almost $600 out of pocket even under the extended warranty.
Chuck
Chuck
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From: Saint Augustine, FL
1999 CLK320 (sold), 2007 C230 SS (gone), 2000 Grand Marquis, 2011 CR-Z, stay tuned...
'07 MFD Fading Too
So, I've read alot about these displays fading in the pre-facelift cars, but I think I have the same problem in my '07. The difference is that all of the displays mentioned above (and elsewhere) seem to fade at the corners or in spots, but mine just seems to be very very dim when I first get in the car on hot days. After a short while, it gets brighter. When I first get in, the display can be dim enough that I can barely see it. I didn't know if this was maybe a different issue, or dare I say, normal for these cars.
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02 C32 AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,545
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From: Saint Augustine, FL
1999 CLK320 (sold), 2007 C230 SS (gone), 2000 Grand Marquis, 2011 CR-Z, stay tuned...
I didn't realize this was the AMG forum until right after I posted. That's what I get for using google to search. I'll have to put my name on that list... I'd forgotten about that.
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02 C32 AMG
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From: Keesler AFB, Gulfport, MS
C32 AMG
To those with issues: Put up a sun screen, tint your windows, do whatever you can to keep the direct sun off your display and you'll at least keep it from getting worse, if not better.
