Instrument Cluster Facelift
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
2001 CLK430, 2012 CLS550
Instrument Cluster Facelift
Finally got her done and loving it.
- 100% white and blue LEDs
- Changed needles from orange to blue
- Chrome gauge face surrounds
- Replaced old brittle ribbons
Needles look much better in person as the pic created some imperfections that aren't even there, I think it's from light reflection off the chrome rings.
What do you guys think?
- 100% white and blue LEDs
- Changed needles from orange to blue
- Chrome gauge face surrounds
- Replaced old brittle ribbons
Needles look much better in person as the pic created some imperfections that aren't even there, I think it's from light reflection off the chrome rings.
What do you guys think?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 129
From: Orlando, FL
2015 GL550 4matic
Where and how do you get replacement needles?
I suppose you would have to change the bulbs in the climate control too, then everything would match. My Pioneer stereo can be set to any color of the spectrum you want.
I suppose you would have to change the bulbs in the climate control too, then everything would match. My Pioneer stereo can be set to any color of the spectrum you want.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 287
Likes: 5
From: New Hampshire
Magma Red W208 55 AMG, W203 C230 Kompressor Sedan 6speed M/T, W220 S500
Came out great!! Does the center display have a bright spot or is that just a camera angle issue? I've always loved the chrome ring look. Overall you shaved about 10 years off of your cluster's actual age. Well done.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
2001 CLK430, 2012 CLS550
Thanks guys, sorry been busy with work this week.
I bought most of them off ebay, I'll try to find the links for you. I did have to modify quite a few of them in order to fit but its not hard to do and I'll explain once I find the links.
Marcus, this is the best I got right now but over the weekend I'm going to be fixing a local guys cluster and will get an up close shot for you no prob.
I bought most of them off ebay, I'll try to find the links for you. I did have to modify quite a few of them in order to fit but its not hard to do and I'll explain once I find the links.
Marcus, this is the best I got right now but over the weekend I'm going to be fixing a local guys cluster and will get an up close shot for you no prob.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
2001 CLK430, 2012 CLS550
As for the needles, I pulled them off, removed the black caps then let them soak in gasoline for a few minutes then used a Q-tip to remove the orange paint. I then painted 2 coats of blue and 2 white coats after that. They came out nice. I'm guessing acetone would work too but I didnt have any at the time so gasoline it was!
Last edited by Gundo; May 5, 2015 at 01:31 PM. Reason: wording
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
2001 CLK430, 2012 CLS550
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 287
Likes: 5
From: New Hampshire
Magma Red W208 55 AMG, W203 C230 Kompressor Sedan 6speed M/T, W220 S500
Good Lord that's beautiful. I'm sure everyone here would love a parts list and a small write up *wink wink*
Last edited by MagmaRed55; May 5, 2015 at 05:06 PM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
2001 CLK430, 2012 CLS550
Ok guys I will start a new thread with a DIY write up over the weekend.
In the meantime those interested can order bulbs now since it will take some time to receive them.
Here are the links to the bulbs I used. I recommend buying more than you need as they are somewhat fragile and can break easily, especially since you need to mod them a little bit in order to fit correctly. I bought 10 of each, both blue and white although the cluster only requires 4 or 5 of each color. + 2 if your going to do your climate control as well. They are cheap so buy more than you need, period.
Whites (10 pack)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10x-T5-B8-5D-Car-Gauge-5050-1SMD-LED-Speedo-Dashboard-Dash-Side-Light-Bulb-White-/310710859207?hash=item4857cf75c7
Blues (*5 pack*) Buy 2 of these!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5x-T5-B8-5D-1-SMD-5050-Car-LED-Indicator-C5W-Side-Interior-Light-Lamp-Bulb-Blue-/360802146237?hash=item54017bd7bd
You will also need 2 of these (Listing already includes 2x)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-Canbus-Error-Free-White-Wedge-T10-6-SMD-5630-LED-Dome-Plate-Light-194-168-921-/361203720796?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item54196b625c
If interested in Chrome Gauge Rings here is the cheapest I found them:
(Says for E-Class W210 but fits W208 perfect as well)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2000-2001-2002-MERCEDES-BENZ-W210-Cluster-Gauge-Ring-Trim-CHROME-E-Class-/151355004930?hash=item233d761802
I should mention I ended up trying around 6 or 7 different LED bulb styles/configurations before l was completely satisfied with the ones I've recommended above.
In the meantime those interested can order bulbs now since it will take some time to receive them.
Here are the links to the bulbs I used. I recommend buying more than you need as they are somewhat fragile and can break easily, especially since you need to mod them a little bit in order to fit correctly. I bought 10 of each, both blue and white although the cluster only requires 4 or 5 of each color. + 2 if your going to do your climate control as well. They are cheap so buy more than you need, period.
Whites (10 pack)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10x-T5-B8-5D-Car-Gauge-5050-1SMD-LED-Speedo-Dashboard-Dash-Side-Light-Bulb-White-/310710859207?hash=item4857cf75c7
Blues (*5 pack*) Buy 2 of these!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5x-T5-B8-5D-1-SMD-5050-Car-LED-Indicator-C5W-Side-Interior-Light-Lamp-Bulb-Blue-/360802146237?hash=item54017bd7bd
You will also need 2 of these (Listing already includes 2x)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-Canbus-Error-Free-White-Wedge-T10-6-SMD-5630-LED-Dome-Plate-Light-194-168-921-/361203720796?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item54196b625c
If interested in Chrome Gauge Rings here is the cheapest I found them:
(Says for E-Class W210 but fits W208 perfect as well)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2000-2001-2002-MERCEDES-BENZ-W210-Cluster-Gauge-Ring-Trim-CHROME-E-Class-/151355004930?hash=item233d761802
I should mention I ended up trying around 6 or 7 different LED bulb styles/configurations before l was completely satisfied with the ones I've recommended above.
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 147
Likes: 2
2002 CLK430
really nice work. Have you considered doing the same to the climate controls and other illuminated buttons?
*edit* im an idiot. I guess I should have read more carefully. Pic would be great though!
*edit* im an idiot. I guess I should have read more carefully. Pic would be great though!
Last edited by miatawnt2b; May 22, 2015 at 06:53 PM.
