jclemen

I too have some bulbs out on my 97 e420. The temp is out, but visible from the other bulbs behind there. The right side of the speedo and the left side of the tach are dim now too.

So i'm about to order the tools from Samstag, cause I like tools and can afford the $30, but they're telling me the hook type tool is not for all years and that they don't have a list of what years use what.

So does anybody know if my 97 uses the radio tool or the hook tool?

Thanks in advance...

Jeff
97e420

MARK CUMMINS

The W210 Model year 1997 will use the Combi hooks for the Cluster ..And Radio Keys for the radio and Climate control unit
The Radio Keys will NOT work for the Combi or The Combi Hooks Will NOT work to remove the Climate control unit/radio

You Will Need Both tools radio keys and Combi Hooks

Benz

just pull the custer out. It pulls right out and the rest you will figure out. It's very very simple

mb-mopar nut

I got a better price from my local BEnz dealer. You really have to pull hard to get the instrument cluster out.

mmgrad

to remove the cluster, just use a sturdy metal clothes hanger to make your own hooks... it works beautifully... I made a set myself and they work flawlessly.

No need to purchase a set from the dealer or from ebay.

Whitey

mmmgrad, got a pic?

jimmydagreek

I have a pic. of the cluster removal tools but I can't attach it as it's too big. How do I post this pic. using IMG? Sorry, it's been a while, lol.

Whitey

Thanks Jimmy but I meant the "sturdy clothes hanger" job. That would be a good thing to keep in my boot.

jimmydagreek

I know what you mean but if I could just post a pic. of the OEM tools, you would be able to copy them exactly from the pic, it's pretty simple using wire hangers. Know what I mean...

Whitey

Jimmy, pls send me the pic via email If it isn't hard, I'd like to change mine to blue or something, that would look real tight

jimmydagreek

I'll send you the pic. shortly. Post it if you can...

Whitey

Got it! Thanks bro. DO you guys know type of bulbs the clusters use - post pics if you can. I'd post but not sure how I can post pics now.....

Corp DL

There are several different types of bulbs back there...did you want to put in some customized bulbs?

Also, I had a hard time w/ just the clothes hangers only...I had to drop the bottom dash panel, reached my hand up to push the cluster out while simultaneously pulling it out with the clothes hanger. The cluster on my car was in there pretty tighly.

Whitey

Yeah CorpDL, I want to try some blue bulbs......dunno, car's getting a bit mundane after I'm pretty much done with mods.

jimmydagreek

To pull the cluster out, you have to yank and pull pretty hard to get it to release, then it should pull right out (the cluster that is). Remember to turn the hooks inward before pulling ...

Whitey

Thanks bud but where do those hooks go??????????

The Godfather

DAmn, spent $75 to get a bulb replaced, when I could've done it myself. GAY

nguyensteve

Whitey,

look here at the picture on where to put the hook.

http://www.benzworld.org/gallery/sho...RT&parentname=

Steve

jimmydagreek

Whitey, I sent you an e-mail with instructions. The hooks should be inserted around the 10:00 o'clock and 2:00 o'clock positions where the round bottom part of the dash meets the wood trim. Hope this makes sense.

Whitey

Many thanks Jimmy and Steve

Now I just have to find the courage to yank the hell outta the dash....can't wait till my dash illuminates a different color

jimmydagreek

You should take before and after pics. in the dark and let us know how it goes. Good luck.

Whitey

Eventho' I have a slightly different dash (kph etc), I'm sure everyone knows what the "before" one looks like....... but yeah, a comparison might be necessary, depending on how obvious blue the light is......

In the meantime, it would be very useful (and appreciated) if someone could tell me exactly what bulbs are needed to change the light on the speedo and odometer so I could find out what's available out there without having to yank out me entire dash.

Whitey

Sorry Steve, can you please post the pic again as I didn't get a chance to save it before you removed it? Since you seem to take pics of all your mods (a very helpful thing indeed!), do you also have one showing how the cluster is held in place i.e. the clip? I prefer to understand how it all works before I start tugging at it real hard. Many thanks.