E430 Clock Display
The problem is the LCD ribbon connections to the printed circuit board.
I partially disassembled my instrument cluster and noticed that the LCD ribbon connections had pink pads that placed pressure on the soldered ribbon when the cluster was snapped back together. I placed shims under the pink pads so they would place more pressure on the connectors. Both my displays are clear now.
It is sort of tricky getting the cluster apart without causing more damage. I had a spare cluster I purchased off ebay to practice with (the one I purchased had the same issues as mine - not advertised by the seller).
You can purchase another cluster used, but the dealer will not change the miles on the cluster to match your vehicle. You end up with some documentation issues for mileage. The dealer will sell you a new cluster programmed to your mileage for anywhere between $700-$1100. Another cluster from the 2000-2002 E-class is pretty much plug-and-play, but the mileage that will display will be the mileage stored in the cluster.
Good Luck



