Wayne430

Have anyone removed the instrument cluster from a W210 and replaced it with another one?
I want to replace mine with one from an E55 but wanted to know:

1. how to remove it from the car?
2. any issues with inputting a new cluster? will you get error codes or error alarms.
3. is there a difference in the 96-98 and 99-2002 instrument cluster installations?

thanks in advance

Limited Edition 190E

You can take out the old one with "special" Mercedes removal tools. Check eBay, I see them all the time there.

007

a special tool is required. but be careful inremoving the panel, if u are not careful u can acutally damage the frame around the panel.
the process itself does that long if you know waht u are doing though

E320

It's only held by friction so pull it gently or use a 90 degrees coat hanger(if you wanna save money)

Wayne430

I understand I'll probably need a tool to remove the cluster, but how to take the cluster out?
do i need to remove the panels around the steering column?
more importantly, when i reinstall the new cluster to i have to initiallize it at all? or is it just plug and play?

mharmes

Wayne430, I recently removed my dash for the first time to replace a dead light bulb. Bought the Instrument Removal Hooks from my MB dealer; under $10. A service rep talked me through the procedure in the parking lot.
- Run the steering wheel full down and full out; give yourself room to work.
- Insert hooks between instrument cluster and dash padding. There's a space where the "wood" trim hits the sides of said cluster. Slip hooks in there to a depth of about 1.5 inches.
- Slide hooks down side of cluster to middle of arch between vertical & horozontal cluster exterior.
- Rotate hooks so that "hook" is aimed to center of dash.
- Gently pull back on hook handles "fishing" for ribs on side of cluster. There's a series of ribs on each arch made just for snagging w/ said hooks.
- Once you get traction, just continue to pull. Alternate pressure from left to right to "rock" cluster out. It is a tight fix and requires a strong pull.
- Alternative to fishing for ribs is to push hooks in about 4 inches and snag rear of cluster. It's a right angle juncture easily hooked w/ said tools.
- Restore cluster w/ a solid push (at the edges) until seated.
That's how you get the old one out & back. Now replacing w/ something else ........ eh, good luck.

zam2000

I used a clothe hanger, make it into some hook. You could also buy a cluster remove tool for few bucks at dealers.

provided that the two cluster are compatible, nothing change. The mileage will be from the new cluster. You don't have to reset anything

I think the 96-97 is the same, then 98, then 99, (none is fully compatible with each other), after 2000, cluster is different.

The 98 on has FSS. The 99 support optical (not sure), 2000 on have different clock setting and gear display. Steve or Chrochie are pro at this, and can provide you exact detail.

Inline6

Much of the electronics change from year to year and your total miles will have to be programmed in to the new cluster at the dealership. You can swap just the gauge faces from a 99 AMG E55 cluster on to any that came before that from 96 to 99 and keep you original electronics and mileage. A new cluster in an older W210 can give you faults or not register them as expected or desired.