swapping instrument cluster
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1997 e320
swapping instrument cluster
I am trying to solve erratic gauge failure (gauges work sometimes, not others, no rhyme nor reason that is obvious) with a used cluster. My questions:
1. From the look of the new/used cluster, I am guessing that I pull the black metal plate below the steering column, look up to the back of the cluster, and probably find some clips that, when removed, allow the cluster to move forward into the cabin, unplug cable connectors, replace cluster, replug, reclip. Is this a close guess?
2. I saw a question about whether the dealer needs to reprogram with current car's mileage. Yes? Can it be done after replacement or do I need to go spend some money before I replace the cluster? Can an indie shop reprogram if needed?
Thanks for any guidance!
Rob Coleman
1. From the look of the new/used cluster, I am guessing that I pull the black metal plate below the steering column, look up to the back of the cluster, and probably find some clips that, when removed, allow the cluster to move forward into the cabin, unplug cable connectors, replace cluster, replug, reclip. Is this a close guess?
2. I saw a question about whether the dealer needs to reprogram with current car's mileage. Yes? Can it be done after replacement or do I need to go spend some money before I replace the cluster? Can an indie shop reprogram if needed?
Thanks for any guidance!
Rob Coleman
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Just pull
the cluster with the cluster hooks.
And disconnect the ribbon and harness and plug in the new used unit. Don't reprogram it.Just record the miles and if you sell the car as a private party you declare it on the bill of sale and the title as required.
Have you attempted the diy cluster repair procedure located on www.benzworld.org w210 diy section?
ohlord
And disconnect the ribbon and harness and plug in the new used unit. Don't reprogram it.Just record the miles and if you sell the car as a private party you declare it on the bill of sale and the title as required.
Have you attempted the diy cluster repair procedure located on www.benzworld.org w210 diy section?
ohlord
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1997 e320
Thanks, OhLord.
I think I am going to use the "for the really hard ones, drop the panel and push from behind" technique described in the w210 diy on cluster replacement as I don't have cluster hooks (although I can see where they would hook in on the new/used cluster) and using bent coathanger wire instead just doesn't seem very stylish.
By the way, you have helped me before on this forum and I can see by your posts that you have helped many of us with advice. Thank you very much for sharing your expertise so generously. It is appreciated,
Rob Coleman
I think I am going to use the "for the really hard ones, drop the panel and push from behind" technique described in the w210 diy on cluster replacement as I don't have cluster hooks (although I can see where they would hook in on the new/used cluster) and using bent coathanger wire instead just doesn't seem very stylish.
By the way, you have helped me before on this forum and I can see by your posts that you have helped many of us with advice. Thank you very much for sharing your expertise so generously. It is appreciated,
Rob Coleman
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From: Charleston, SC
GL450
You can practically remove it with your fingers on the W210. It's just a friction/clip fit. Coat hanger on the sides and a screw driver wrapped in a towel on the underside can pull it out easily.
On the swapping without changing mileage, is that 50 state legal, even if you record and declare it? I thought you got into title issues (i.e. salvage title) anytime you had mileage that didn't match the ODO.
Here in SC, the title form you fill out when you buy/sell a car has a check box if the actual mileage doesn't match the ODO... not sure what happens when you check it, but the form makes it sound like you really don't want to have to check the box if you don't need to.
On the swapping without changing mileage, is that 50 state legal, even if you record and declare it? I thought you got into title issues (i.e. salvage title) anytime you had mileage that didn't match the ODO.
Here in SC, the title form you fill out when you buy/sell a car has a check box if the actual mileage doesn't match the ODO... not sure what happens when you check it, but the form makes it sound like you really don't want to have to check the box if you don't need to.
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Dealers need to jump through the hoops
private owners attest to the best of their knowledge and if you change the cluster for repair reasons it is the best of your knowledge that the miles stated are different because you had to replace the unit.
The new models miles are stored redundantly in the ecu and the ignition module so those make it real hard. But then again until the new models prove themselves who would want one anyway?
a tad slower, about 7mpg less per gallon,what is Mercedes thinking?
The new models miles are stored redundantly in the ecu and the ignition module so those make it real hard. But then again until the new models prove themselves who would want one anyway?
a tad slower, about 7mpg less per gallon,what is Mercedes thinking?
Thread Starter
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1997 e320
Of course, if the new/used cluster shows 300,000 miles on it, I might have a bit of a resale problem...guess I could always say, "but doesn't she look good for all those miles?"
Thanks for all the help!
Thanks for all the help!
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2008
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W210
swapping instrument cluster
How did it go with yours swapping a used one in ? Did it require recoding or it will work except for the mileage difference ?
Thanks
colossians
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From: West Virginia
2001 E320 RWD - Brilliant Silver/Ash: 100,000+
No recoding needed according to ohlord. To be on the safe side, I would still have someone put the correct mileage into it. Have you considered sending it to VDO (or whoever made it) for repair? New ones from the dealer are about $1500 parts/labor and I was lucky to have a warranty pay for mine. Used ones from eBay sellers might be a crap shoot but there are other sources. Are you comfortable with trying to repair it yourself? Check the DIYs on Benzworld.org for instructions.
Last edited by Musikmann; Dec 23, 2009 at 12:19 PM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,627
Likes: 5
From: West Virginia
2001 E320 RWD - Brilliant Silver/Ash: 100,000+
Instructions can be found on Benzworld.org in the W210 stickys. The most common problem are missing pixels and some people have managed to fix those, at least temorarily. I think there might be gauge repairs there too.
