how to pull out the cluster? i want to change the panel lights.

I got the 300E '91 sportline (EURO)

and plz , show me pics!!

 

The "search" feature on the top of the page will help you out a lot my friend.

 

Sorry, I don't have pictures but it is a fairly simple procedure. You can buy the mercedes tool or make some hooks out of a thin coat hangar. Hooks should be about 6 to 8 inches long with a 1/4 in. bend at one end. Slide hooks into each side of the cluster just below the area where the cluster curves and turn the 1/4 in. bend into the cluster. There are serated edges that the hooks will catch on. From here it's just a matter of pulling and wiggling till the cluster comes out. Friction is the only thing holding it in. You will then need to undo the speedometer cable for better access. You can change many of the bulbs without taking it out further. However if you need to take it out completely , it's just a matter of disconnecting any wiring and vacuum hoses. How to disconnect is evident but make sure the labels for the bulbs along the bottom are still on the wires so you'll know where to reconnect.

 

Dont give up on the cluster....Mine was a b!+ch to get out. It is stubborn at first but once you get it out, you'll be relieved. They hangers will want to bend, depending on the thickness of the metal; that is if you go this route. I believe the tool was $25.00 (x 2=$50.00) at the dealership. Its cheaper here:

http://www.performanceproducts4benz....ols&cfeature=1

You'll need two either way to make it much easier. If you want pics, use the search or you can just follow Rahray's advice. Good luck!!

 

Okay, maybe mine has some unknownissues, but I simply place a small flat head screwdriver between the cluster and the dash and it popped out? Maybe I am missing some clips or something.

 

thanks guys for all that, but plz i want to see pictures !

i dont know how to do it in good way

 

1-remove speedo cable from transmission, you remove one small bolt, I think it's 10mm.

2-remove speedo cable from clip under dash that keeps it from moving up and down, it's against the firewall as I recall.

3-use special hook tools to pull panel out, with speedo cable disconnected no problem pulling it out. See photo below for places where the tool is inserted. I circled them in red. There is one more place you can insert tool on each side of the panel which you can not see in the photo.

4-once panel is out far enough unscrew speedo cable from back of pane.

 

a perfect DIY for you. http://www.mercedesshop.com/Wikka/W124InstCluster
just disregard the hangers if you bought the tools, which I personally suggest you buy...

 

They are usually very stubborn the first try. Once you get it out, from then on it is much easier to do so. Some previous owner must have done so or otherwise you are very lucky...

 

Thanks guys , but what other tool that i can use if i dont have the original MB tool?

Can I use screws?

Where should I disconnect the speedo cable? Is it like in

(http://www.mercedesshop.com/Wikka/W124InstCluster) ???

I'm afraid to cut the cable........

 

@ Mr Bond,
this is it. The pictures are perfect. The probelm with the speedo cable is, that if only loosen it as per the picture (underneath the carpet) you can pull the cluster only so far, that it almost impossible to unscrew the speedo cable at the rear of the cluster. It scratches and cuts your fingers and wrist. If you only swap bulbs it may be sufficient w/o unscrewing the cable. Don't be afraid to cut the the cable it is very sturdy and no change to cut it, you should not bend it too far, otherwise the rotating part will make noises inside the cable.

 

DAng i have a problem with my speedo gauge too. It reads 174'000k since like 5 years ago non-working. Lol

 

Hey! I have the same problem too! I just got my 1989 300E yesterday, and apparently, the odometer doesn't work, and is stuck in 167,000. How much would it take to replace this. Am I obliged to fix this? I don't want to get introuble with the DMV for tampering with the odometer. The dealer I got the car from said that cars 10 years or older are excempt in California (I don't know what he meant by that though)

Jay

 

Here's an idea of what the tool looks like, you can make your own:
dash puller tool

 

like bamberger said, there's no way you can cut the cable, all you have to do is just reach around and feel the head and unscrew it. Take a few scratches to the hand...it won't break the skin.

docjbr: I don't think you'd get in trouble with the dealer since it's a legit. problem. Might want to check that cable..

 

Will these same instructions work for a 1994 E320? Or is it a slightly different procedure? I want to change my lights aswell, since they are getting a little dim.

 

No difference for all W124.
For those who want to fix the odometer. If your speedo reads the speed ok, the stopped odometer is just a minor mechanical issue. Take out the cluster completely. Then remove the odo/speedo clock. You can see the mechanics of the odometer. Normally only the main transmission wheel of the speedo cable to the odometer mechanics is either worn out or mostly only "derailed". For most cases easy to fix. You only need some basic DIY knowledge to understand how mechanical odometers work in principle.

 

I highly recommend purchasing the removal too. It's cheap even when purchased at the MB Dealer. On the odometer, do a search on this or mercedesshop for odometer repair. The odometer gear either breaks (because it's just plastic) or the gear is slipping on the rod that turns the gear. If it is the later you may superglue it (usually fails later) or you can carefully introduce some serrations in the rod to make the surface rougher and then slip the wheel back over the area. This is the preferred method and works wonderfully easily. I did it to my 91 300E with great success. I have a odometer that works if anyone is interested in buying it to either toy with it to figure out the problem, or to just install it in their car. Mine has approx 84K on the odo. Email me at grand.wong@sbcglobal.net. Good luck folks. I absolutely love my W124 (now in a 93 500E conversion).

Cheers.

Grand

 

Mr. Bond, now that you have your cluster removed are you just replacing burnt out lights or changes for a different color? I would like to change mine to red...(ala BMW), I find red easier on the eyes after dark...

 

I tried my best with some tools that i made them , can't pull it out

I felt like there is something is catching it from the middle.........

Maybe i should buy the MB tools !!

 

I just want to change the burnt lights

 

I used Rick Boorth many, many years ago...he's online now and was very, very reasonable with his prices -------> http://www.speedometer.com/index.html

 

Maybe?!?! It's a must. Your hanger can't pull that cluster from those six metal clips that hold it in place. Plus the tools are really cheap, even at the dealer...