How to pull out the cluster?
How to pull out the cluster?
Junior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Martinez, GA
93 400E, 91 500sl, 2001 E320
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.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 597
Likes: 0
From: Anaheim
MB 300E | BMW M Coupe
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!!
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!!
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 229
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio, Texas
2006 E500 AMG PKG/2010 Camaro SS/RS - 2007 F-150 - 2007 Suburban
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.
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 237
Likes: 3
From: Charleston, SC
99 ML 320, 97 Porsche 993 C2S, 92 300E
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.
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.
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Super Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 801
Likes: 0
From: Anaheim, CA
a TVR Cerbera Speed Twelve
Originally Posted by Mr bond
thanks guys for all that, but plz i want to see pictures !
i dont know how to do it in good way
i dont know how to do it in good way
just disregard the hangers if you bought the tools, which I personally suggest you buy...
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Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 597
Likes: 0
From: Anaheim
MB 300E | BMW M Coupe
Originally Posted by Koolwipski
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.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Dubai ,UAE
'91 300E Sportline (Euro)
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........
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........
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 33
From: Germany
'00 S320 W220, '98 A160 W168/ sold in 2005 '86 260 E W124 '90 260E W124
@ 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.
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.
Newbie
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Odometer reading
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
Jay
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 696
Likes: 4
From: Motor City
95 E320 Cabriolet, 108K
Here's an idea of what the tool looks like, you can make your own:
dash puller tool
dash puller tool
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 801
Likes: 0
From: Anaheim, CA
a TVR Cerbera Speed Twelve
Originally Posted by Mr bond
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........
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........
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..
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
'94 E 320, other car is a 02 xl denali
Originally Posted by battlecat714
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...
just disregard the hangers if you bought the tools, which I personally suggest you buy...
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 33
From: Germany
'00 S320 W220, '98 A160 W168/ sold in 2005 '86 260 E W124 '90 260E W124
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.
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 29
Likes: 2
Cluster removal and odometer repair
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
Cheers.
Grand
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
New cluster lights...
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...
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Dubai ,UAE
'91 300E Sportline (Euro)
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 felt like there is something is catching it from the middle.........
Maybe i should buy the MB tools !!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,330
Likes: 0
1967 Morris Cooper "S", 1983 911SC, 1997 Toyota Tacoma, 1999 HD FXSTB, 1998 C43
Cluster and repair
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
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 801
Likes: 0
From: Anaheim, CA
a TVR Cerbera Speed Twelve
Originally Posted by Mr bond
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 felt like there is something is catching it from the middle.........
Maybe i should buy the MB tools !!
