2003 CLK 320 (W208) Gauge Cluster....
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
'03 CLK 320 Cabrio
2003 CLK 320 (W208) Gauge Cluster....
Howdy all.... just became a proud owner, and already looking to spice it up. 
I have some issues with the current gauge cluster (Temp, clock not reading) and I had asked a repair shop if they could help....actually asked 2. One said yes, the other said it is non-repairable.
Is that true???
I wanted white dials, but cannot find any...and the one shop that said I would need to buy a new cluster, said none were available...which I find hard to believe.
Any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!!!
I have some issues with the current gauge cluster (Temp, clock not reading) and I had asked a repair shop if they could help....actually asked 2. One said yes, the other said it is non-repairable.
Is that true???
I wanted white dials, but cannot find any...and the one shop that said I would need to buy a new cluster, said none were available...which I find hard to believe.
Any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!!!
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
From: Portland, Oregon
W203 C320, W208 CLK 320, w209 CLK 500
The lcd clusters on the w208/w210 were prone to this failure and it is the result of a bad ribbon cable connection inside the cluster. It is a fixable issue, and if you're up to it you can easily find a diy out there as this has been repaired before, but it does involve removing and taking the cluster apart. It can also be fixed by any mechanic who knows what they're doing or the dealer.
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: St Louis, MO
2000 CLK430, 2012 BMW X5 3.5d
First - are you sure the cluster LED is out or just the bulb. If the display for the clock and temp are completely black but you can see the clock and temp - shine a flashlight and see if you can see the time,etc. If you can its just the bulb which is a cheap fix. Generally if the LCD is going bad only a few segments of the display will be missing not the entire contents of the window (so you think you are seeing just a black display).
Don't waste your time having a mechanic doing it as the cost will be high and the results will be less than desirable. There are a few electronics houses that will repair/replace the ribbon and thermoblocks that hold the ribbon in place for about 115 USD. Try BBA Reman - their website is: http://www.bba-reman.com/us/
The problem with the cluster is that the ribbon cable is glued and over time it separates from the LCD. On mine it was really strange. If the car was used all week it would be fine, leave it in the garage during the weekend and the cluster segments would drop out. Drive the car on Monday for more than 30 minutes and it would come back. This went on for a few weeks. Left the car for more than a week and it wouldn't come back no matter how long the car was driven. Originally though the battery was weak. Sent the cluster out and it now is repaired. No issues.
They warranty their work for life on the cluster. All you have to do is remove the cluster which is fairly easy and pack it up in a double box - bubble wrap the cluster VERY THICK and ship it out. They'll fix it in a couple of days. Expect not to drive the car for at least 5 days.
Is it worth it - definately.
Don't waste your time having a mechanic doing it as the cost will be high and the results will be less than desirable. There are a few electronics houses that will repair/replace the ribbon and thermoblocks that hold the ribbon in place for about 115 USD. Try BBA Reman - their website is: http://www.bba-reman.com/us/
The problem with the cluster is that the ribbon cable is glued and over time it separates from the LCD. On mine it was really strange. If the car was used all week it would be fine, leave it in the garage during the weekend and the cluster segments would drop out. Drive the car on Monday for more than 30 minutes and it would come back. This went on for a few weeks. Left the car for more than a week and it wouldn't come back no matter how long the car was driven. Originally though the battery was weak. Sent the cluster out and it now is repaired. No issues.
They warranty their work for life on the cluster. All you have to do is remove the cluster which is fairly easy and pack it up in a double box - bubble wrap the cluster VERY THICK and ship it out. They'll fix it in a couple of days. Expect not to drive the car for at least 5 days.
Is it worth it - definately.
Last edited by stim141; Sep 19, 2013 at 06:40 AM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3
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'03 CLK 320 Cabrio
Thanks all..... I stopped out at the local MB dealer, and he gave the name of the shop they use, but I found an alternate who said it could not be repaired...so I was beginning to wonder.
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: St Louis, MO
2000 CLK430, 2012 BMW X5 3.5d
Take a photo of the cluster and post it. I.m sure it can be fixed. Shops dont have the skill, patience or tools to deal with something like this. You need someone who has electronics knowledge and experience doing this everyday not someone who has mechanical skills that is familiar with replacing parts.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,064
Likes: 5
From: Northern Virginia / D.C.
01 LORINSER CLK 430 - 02 KLEEMANN CLK55 - 88 Euro / Jap AMG 560 SEC Widebody - 16 AMG GTS
Here's an alternative for you: Attachment 151352
It includes some pics as well as written guidance.
Good luck
It includes some pics as well as written guidance.
Good luck
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