Vomit

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

DarkXerox

You try turning up the brightness?

ScottW911

Welcome to the club. Mine started fading this summer too.

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.

Eleventeen

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.

jturkel

i convinced myself that it was the 115 degree heat that did it to me. oddly enough, i only have problems with it when its hot outside. when it is cool, i never have this problem

BenzoAMGpower

guess I'm part of the club... certain pixels are starting to fade on mine!!!

loungn14

yup, same here when its hot.....

Chazz

+1 Same here. I can't see anything around the corners on mine if it's hot outside.

Lenin

I have the same problem.

BigBodyBenzC240

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.

ScottW911

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.

Saprissa

also read the posts in this thread:

MFD Multifunction Display Fading!!!

in the regular W203 C-Class forum.

Carlos

Saprissa@aol.com

COMING SOON on Oct 1st... more details on the
SoCal Mega Mercedes-Benz Meet
15 NOV

Eleventeen

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?

Lenin

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.

Eleventeen

Good info, I'll search for some info in the CLK55 swap to see what all is involved. Thanks!

c32AMG-DTM

A word of warning... the w209 cluster swap (either AMG cluster or regular MB) is pretty - the more you research it and look at pics, the more you'll want it...

chuckactor

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

FrankW

mine's replaced under the MBUSA extended warranty. didn't pay a cent.

bdgdl08

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.

jturkel

there is a thread in the W203 section about this. i guess some guy is trying to file a lawsuit.

jturkel

link: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...tion-suit.html

bdgdl08

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.

bdgdl08

Thank you!

jturkel

no worries

no problem!

SilverBulletAMG

"Trying" being the operative word. I have a distinct feeling he's going to get a lot of people's hopes up for nothing. A+ for effort though...

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.