CLK-Class (W208) 1998-2002: CLK 200, CLK 230K, CLK 320, CLK 430 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

Dash Lights

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Old Mar 14, 2004 | 07:05 PM
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Dash Lights

Hello all,

Has anyone out there changed the bulbs for the dash? I was thinking about changing out the bulbs for the dash b/c the standard illumination on the dash looks a little blah (IMHO) I did not know if changing out the bulb would even make a difference.

Any suggestions or comments????

Thanks
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Old Mar 14, 2004 | 07:31 PM
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I don't think that they make any sifferent bulb for the cluster, but I mught be wrong.
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Old Mar 14, 2004 | 08:07 PM
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You can always replace the 194s in the dash with colored bulbs, but if you want to change the color of the illumination of the rest of the buttons and switches, you'll need to take apart all of the switches/devices and do some soldering.
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Old Mar 14, 2004 | 08:22 PM
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Originally posted by Josh K
You can always replace the 194s in the dash with colored bulbs, but if you want to change the color of the illumination of the rest of the buttons and switches, you'll need to take apart all of the switches/devices and do some soldering.
Yea I think I will change out the 194s in the dash, I don't think I want to take apart all of the switches etc...might screw something out and burn out all my fuses

Josh.... any suggestions on what brand 194s?

redcoupe....thanks for the comment!
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Old Mar 14, 2004 | 08:29 PM
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Hey Josh,

How about these???
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2464894080

Also, do you know many bulbs I would need for the dash?
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Old Mar 14, 2004 | 08:48 PM
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well I would have to pull the cluster to know for sure, but I'm not sure how well those lights would work - you'd probably get "hot spots" unless you used wide angle bulbs (the kind that look like they have an inverted cone on the top). Otherwise you can just purchase some bulb condoms that cover your existing incandescent bulbs.
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Old Mar 15, 2004 | 02:35 AM
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Guys, I've done the bulbs.... its a pain in the ***. Once you get the cluster out there is about 20-25 bulbs to be replaced. If you have a 98-99, the color is dull and I don't know how much of a difference the new bulbs will make. If you have a 2000+, you should be happy......


Rick
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Old Mar 15, 2004 | 03:03 AM
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Yikes!!! 20-25 bulbs...was that only for the cluster or did you change out the whole dash, including the lights for the ac., etc?
What bulbs did you use?
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Old Mar 15, 2004 | 01:27 PM
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Originally posted by Josh K
well I would have to pull the cluster to know for sure, but I'm not sure how well those lights would work - you'd probably get "hot spots" unless you used wide angle bulbs (the kind that look like they have an inverted cone on the top). Otherwise you can just purchase some bulb condoms that cover your existing incandescent bulbs.
Did he just say bulb "condoms"?
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Old Mar 15, 2004 | 02:27 PM
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Originally posted by Samoan_Ridah
Did he just say bulb "condoms"?
yeah dude... you just stroll down to your local drug store & buy some colored condoms and wrap the bulbs... after that, just trim the excess cause YOUR BULB is really short...
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Old Mar 15, 2004 | 02:43 PM
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Originally posted by mmgrad
yeah dude... you just stroll down to your local drug store & buy some colored condoms and wrap the bulbs... after that, just trim the excess cause YOUR BULB is really short...
Make sure it's not lubricated
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Old Mar 15, 2004 | 02:57 PM
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Originally posted by fstrd1
Make sure it's not lubricated
yea yeah... very important... it may short it....
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Old Mar 15, 2004 | 03:04 PM
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Originally posted by mmgrad
yea yeah... very important... it may short it....
LMFAO
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Old Mar 15, 2004 | 04:27 PM
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hey guys, btw...

i think, but i could be wrong, the bulbs used to iluminate the actual cluster is only TWO BULBS, and they are larger wedge style bulbs....

all the little bulbs (194s) are used to illuminate the little warning lights that come on... seat belt, srs, etc... thats why there are like 20 of them, because each of them illuminate a separate function...
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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 12:31 AM
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Originally posted by mmgrad
hey guys, btw...

i think, but i could be wrong, the bulbs used to iluminate the actual cluster is only TWO BULBS, and they are larger wedge style bulbs....

all the little bulbs (194s) are used to illuminate the little warning lights that come on... seat belt, srs, etc... thats why there are like 20 of them, because each of them illuminate a separate function...
Hey Danny,

your right about there being only two bulbs for actual cluster, I talked to a mb tech today and he said the same thing but the guy did not know the part number only that it was 2 watt... wtf..what good does that do me????????
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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 08:13 PM
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Hey guys, the little bulbs (194's?) are used to illuminate everthing in the cluster, including SRS/ Brake/ Trac Control/Seatbelt/ and other "symbols" as well as the actual guage backgrounds like speedometer, tach, gas coolant. The bulbs are placed all over the back of the cluster and illuminate A"section" of the cluster. If a bulb burns out you will notice a section of the cluster not illuminated. The OTHER thing is the LCD'ish thing that displays various info (ie-time, FSS info, Turn off Your Lights, etc.) is illuminated by (in the 1998-1999) 3 bulbs that appear to be the same size, but the plastic back is green, instead of yellow like the rest. But I think the color of the LCD is IN the LCD, the Bulbs are just used to brighten the LCD.


Rick
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