zam2000

I always like the look of my old R129 SL instrument cluster, with the classy three chrome rings. To bad Mercedes doesn't put it on the W210. They do put it back for the W211 though.

I am quite happy with the new look of the instrument cluster. It make the car feel more sporty & classy at the same time.

Oh well, if there's a wish, there's a way, and there's always eBay

Notice that I try to build the IC puller (from coat hanger), but it doesn't prove to be much effective. After a while, I just use a key to yank a cluster out, quite a pull



Once you got the cluster loose, it quite easy & simple to pull them out



This thing is very fragile, so be very careful


Thing start to take shape


Taking shape, all together ??


Test to make sure everything work before putting the cluster back in, since it a pain if thing doesn't work, and you have to pull it out again


Looking gooood !!!!



Picture doesn't do justice. View from backseat and pas seat is nice as well. Btw, what do you think the way I have my V1 mounted ?



Yoooooo, Laker rocks !!!

Faheem Daddy

Looks good. I could never find chrome rings for my w202s, but I did do that same upgrade to my E46 BMW. Its a great addition and a subtle but classy/sport enhancement and final touch to any interior. Nice job!

Richard Galing

Me like... Great Job!

jimmydagreek

Looks tight! Good job!

Shane C

Cluster looks great, like it a lot! Need to get me one of them Valentine 1's mounted discreetly above the rear view mirror too.

michakaveli

I installed these two weeks ago on my E300 and found that you don't need the cluster puller type tool.

I removed the upper speaker grill, slid off the wood trim from the dash and had a solid place to pull the cluster out from the side.

I would feel really uneasy about using those two pullers and having them slip...

Hank

how do you get TNT on your TV deck?

zam2000

It's actually news, they're just happen to talk about Laker games while I was taking pictures.

hish747

Those rings look really great. Where do you get them? Also, how hard was it to install that deck in the compartment above the ashtray? It looks like the compartment cover closes so you can conceal your deck. Are you still able to use your factory Audio 10 system too?
Great Job!
Hish

zam2000

eBay, $45.

It's not that hard. The trick is to find a monitor that came out far enough so that when it closes, the compartment door shut as normal. I have Clarion TVX5653 for that.

When the door close, it looks completely stock.

Yes, the CD & Radio perform as normal.

theitalianjob

lookin good!

chizz

how do you have cable tv in your car ? I am yet to see that ??

hish747

Zam,
Sorry to keep bugging you wih questions but I am looking to get a setup similar to yours. I was wondering if your multimedia receiver is running through your factory system and if so how?

FM Modulator?

Special CD Changer wiring adapter?

Would appreciate any details. Did you do the install yourself or a shop?

I ask this because a local install shop here said that they were afraid to mess with the fiber optic wiring on the stereo because it could mess up a lot with the car.
Thanks again,
Hish

zam2000

My TV/Monitor has built in FM modulator, so it's all set (connect attenna wire to it, and its output to radio Anttea plug, adaptor is needed). I was lucky that the built-in FM modulator is very good, since I've seen lot of crappy FM-modulator (degrade sound quality badly)

For my jukebox (the silverone that you see takes place in the ashtray), since I already used fm modulator for TV/DVD, I utlitize the cassette tape. I run the output from it to a cassete adaptor, run the wire BEHIND the cassete/radio unit (very simple, just open the top of the radio unit and run the wire through). So you don't see any wire dangling in front of the unit. When I want to listen to MP3 from the jukebox, I just turn to tape. And the sound is AMAZING !!! (I use Sony tape adaptor, one of the best). The CD changer & wire stay intact & work as normal.

The two red buttons you see on the ashtray panel are my custom built also: one is to control power manually for DVD (override the ignition system), one is to disable display (audio only) for the monitor (safety feature).

I did it all myself. Part because lot of shop that I stopped by said it could not be done (to the way I wanted), and those that agree to the job wanted to charge to much. Btw, it's way more fun to work on it yourself.


Hope that helps.

my E430 rocket

tight yO

E43

I can't seem to find chrome instrument rings for my 2000 E430. Any suggestions? eBay auctions seem to be for earlier model years.

zam2000

Email the seller, they may have them.

Can't believe that $45 can really really enhance the look of the car interior, significantly !!!!

E-Klasse

Email Eric Kuo at Eric@deutschmotor.com or erikk1112@hotmail.com or go to www.deutschmotor.com for a set. I know that they have a set for the 2000+ gauges because I purchased a set for my 96 - 99 and got a set for the 2000+.

Here is how they will look...

Whitey

zam (or anyone else who's tkaen their dash apart), do you have a picture of what the bulbs for the dials look like?