Instrument lights
Super Member
Joined: May 2008
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Mercedes e350 BlueTec
The only "opthalmic" issue I have with the Mercedes is that for some of it's "target audience"...those over 40....it is difficult to read and select from the many buttons overhead. After 40, one gets to the point where they need some correction to read because the eye muscles don't work quite as well. Folks start to use bifocals, invisible bifocals or reading glasses. You are probably not to that point in life, but bifocals have the "near" vision on the bottom....reading the dash is easy because the lower part of one's glasses are designed to see nearer things. There is, however, no correction at the top of bifocals so those with "older folks eyes" can have great difficulty making out the different pictures or words on the buttons, or even finding the correct button.
I don't have a solution for Mercedes...but it is something that they could probably improve upon...and yes, this is safety because the mbrace call and emergency buttons are up there.
Of course, one could suggest that folks who use reading glasses should not buy mercedes, but I suspect that the mercedes shareholders, dealers and employees would not like the results very much.
Yes, there are design issues with the mercedes that have to do with one's eyes.....the instrument panel lighting is not one of them....
I don't have a solution for Mercedes...but it is something that they could probably improve upon...and yes, this is safety because the mbrace call and emergency buttons are up there.
Of course, one could suggest that folks who use reading glasses should not buy mercedes, but I suspect that the mercedes shareholders, dealers and employees would not like the results very much.
Yes, there are design issues with the mercedes that have to do with one's eyes.....the instrument panel lighting is not one of them....
Last edited by ghstudio; Oct 6, 2011 at 10:55 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 17
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From: Redmond, WA.
Sl500 , E350
My instrument lights do not go on during the day. I have no issues seeing them. In all the reading I have done, I am only aware of two posters anywhere that have this issue. I mentioned my observations on the pictures. They are different, taken from different distances and obviously done to exagerate the darkness. I am not saying it is intentional or not, but, it is what it is to the knowledgable observer. I never attack a person, but, ideas are fair game. I truly believe the issue you and the OP have is directly related to an opthalmic problem. I would get your eyes checked. No sarcasm intended. If not, I would sell the car and get on that you and te OP can feel safe in.
My dealer agrees with my observations & listen carefully they have the same complaint from other clients. Frankly my a friend your postings do offend, I
have 20/20 vision, the photos were not taken to accentuate the problem or from different distance as you suggest. Other people have not brought it up because they use the digital speedo but I need the navigation so can't use digital all the time. Stop trying to be smart & accept that a died in the wool Mercedes user ( I have had over 20' how many have you had?).
I live in the PNW maybe yoeu live in the desert these parameters all make a difference to light levels.
Finally ......goodbye!
Last edited by VitalSpark; Oct 6, 2011 at 11:53 AM.
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
Not at all. I acknowledged that I have the luxury interior and the non-ressessed instruments. I also do not think there will be a fix for this issue. I am well past 40 myself and know I have opthalmic issues, especially involving high constrast situations like the one you describe. I mearly stated that I did not have an issue myself. I also do not think it is a fundamental flaw of the design or this issue would be widely reprted. I also meant what I said with regards to this being a safety issue. If you feel this is a safety issue then I would strongly recommend you just trade the car in on something with a better instrument panel for your eyes. I do not understand your defensive tone. I sympathize with you. Life is really too short to live with a car that is going to **** you off 50% of the time you are behind the wheel. I wish MB would come out with a "fix" for you, but, I am highly doubtful that, without a torrent of complaints, a fix will be forthcoming. Move on.
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Mercedes e350 BlueTec
Not at all. I acknowledged that I have the luxury interior and the non-ressessed instruments. I also do not think there will be a fix for this issue. I am well past 40 myself and know I have opthalmic issues, especially involving high constrast situations like the one you describe. I mearly stated that I did not have an issue myself. I also do not think it is a fundamental flaw of the design or this issue would be widely reprted. I also meant what I said with regards to this being a safety issue. If you feel this is a safety issue then I would strongly recommend you just trade the car in on something with a better instrument panel for your eyes. I do not understand your defensive tone. I sympathize with you. Life is really too short to live with a car that is going to **** you off 50% of the time you are behind the wheel. I wish MB would come out with a "fix" for you, but, I am highly doubtful that, without a torrent of complaints, a fix will be forthcoming. Move on.
Please stop suggesting that someone just get rid of their car....unless you are willing to help with the financial pain of buying one's way out of a lease.
With a few complaints to the NHTSB, Mercedes might start to think about a simple update that would resolve this issue...and my guess is that it would be almost a trivial wiring fix to move the dash illumination lead from a switched power source to an always on power source. I'd almost bet that you or I could do it just looking at the schematics for the car.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 17
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From: Redmond, WA.
Sl500 , E350
Yes ghstudio it is a dull overcast day in the PNW today & I tried the fog light switch with success. As you say the rear fog is on which does not annoy until its wet & highly reflective.
Thnx again for your PM re the Comand manual. I do have the 'wrong' one! Trying the Dealer first.
Thnx again for your PM re the Comand manual. I do have the 'wrong' one! Trying the Dealer first.
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Had about 25+ cars in my lifetime and none had instrument lights that came on unless head or parking lights were on. Actually not sure about parking since I never use them.
Modern cars instruments lights are also dimmer than old fashioned ones so they won't interfere with night vision.
If you turn your headlights on in daytime, it is very hard to see the instruments because of the night time dimming.
M-B probably could do better with daytime "illumination" though, even Hyundai does this. Think it is called electroluminescent and is very effective.
I have noticed the red warning lights are really dim in the daytime. Barely notice them.
Modern cars instruments lights are also dimmer than old fashioned ones so they won't interfere with night vision.
If you turn your headlights on in daytime, it is very hard to see the instruments because of the night time dimming.
M-B probably could do better with daytime "illumination" though, even Hyundai does this. Think it is called electroluminescent and is very effective.
I have noticed the red warning lights are really dim in the daytime. Barely notice them.
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From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
The "work around" seems to be to turn on your fog lights when the instrument panel is harder to read. This will turn on the rear fog light (who cares), it will turn off the front LED's and turn on the front parking lights (darn!), but it will also turn on the instrument panel lights.
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
The "work around" seems to be to turn on your fog lights when the instrument panel is harder to read. This will turn on the rear fog light (who cares), it will turn off the front LED's and turn on the front parking lights (darn!), but it will also turn on the instrument panel lights. It's not a perfect solution, but it does work and you can turn the instrument panel lights on/off using this approach during the day.
Please stop suggesting that someone just get rid of their car....unless you are willing to help with the financial pain of buying one's way out of a lease.
With a few complaints to the NHTSB, Mercedes might start to think about a simple update that would resolve this issue...and my guess is that it would be almost a trivial wiring fix to move the dash illumination lead from a switched power source to an always on power source. I'd almost bet that you or I could do it just looking at the schematics for the car.
Please stop suggesting that someone just get rid of their car....unless you are willing to help with the financial pain of buying one's way out of a lease.
With a few complaints to the NHTSB, Mercedes might start to think about a simple update that would resolve this issue...and my guess is that it would be almost a trivial wiring fix to move the dash illumination lead from a switched power source to an always on power source. I'd almost bet that you or I could do it just looking at the schematics for the car.
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Joined: May 2008
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Mercedes e350 BlueTec
Modern cars instruments lights are also dimmer than old fashioned ones so they won't interfere with night vision.
If you turn your headlights on in daytime, it is very hard to see the instruments because of the night time dimming.
M-B probably could do better with daytime "illumination" though, even Hyundai does this. Think it is called electroluminescent and is very effective.
I have noticed the red warning lights are really dim in the daytime. Barely notice them.
I also have never trumped this up to be a critical safety issue....although I think that if a driver is trying to read the dash and it takes longer and therefore isn't looking at the road longer, that probably becomes a safety concern.
I agree that one shouldn't drive around with the rear fog light on...but if you want to see the instrument panel and you find it difficult, it's a quick way to do it. One could also turn on the parking lights...sort of driver's choice.
Finally, I have gotten rid of cars that had what I considered critical safety defects...I moved from a 2011 Infiniti M37 to the mercedes e for that reason...the M37 had what I considered a serious transmission problem under some driving conditions.
Last edited by ghstudio; Oct 7, 2011 at 01:38 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 17
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From: Redmond, WA.
Sl500 , E350
I doubt this is the last word. ImInPA will claim that privilege I bet, but it will be mine. I have been disappointed at the personal tone of most of the replies implying all sorts of blindness, stupidity & suggesting I cannot possibly be right in my opinion because they don't have the issue.
I contribute to forums on photography, Apple products & being Past Predsident of the Institution of Lighting Engineers that subject too but none have the "attitude" that seems to pervade this Forum. Mercedes is a car. The manufacturer in not perfect. Owners are allowed to be critical. Because you have chosen it does not make it better than any other.
Have some tolerance.
So long!
I contribute to forums on photography, Apple products & being Past Predsident of the Institution of Lighting Engineers that subject too but none have the "attitude" that seems to pervade this Forum. Mercedes is a car. The manufacturer in not perfect. Owners are allowed to be critical. Because you have chosen it does not make it better than any other.
Have some tolerance.
So long!
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1
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2012 E350 Cabriolet
2012 e350 Cabriolet
The gauges are very dark during the day time and cannot see where the needle is on the speedometer. All is very dark. I thought I did not set up the system properly.
My 03 Ram, 13 Kia Optima, 06 Jag xj all have daytime dash lights that dim when the headlights go one. I don't understand why MB wouldn't do the same!
My 03 Ram, 13 Kia Optima, 06 Jag xj all have daytime dash lights that dim when the headlights go one. I don't understand why MB wouldn't do the same!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,306
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E 350
I doubt this is the last word. ImInPA will claim that privilege I bet, but it will be mine. I have been disappointed at the personal tone of most of the replies implying all sorts of blindness, stupidity & suggesting I cannot possibly be right in my opinion because they don't have the issue.
I contribute to forums on photography, Apple products & being Past Predsident of the Institution of Lighting Engineers that subject too but none have the "attitude" that seems to pervade this Forum. Mercedes is a car. The manufacturer in not perfect. Owners are allowed to be critical. Because you have chosen it does not make it better than any other.
Have some tolerance.
So long!
I contribute to forums on photography, Apple products & being Past Predsident of the Institution of Lighting Engineers that subject too but none have the "attitude" that seems to pervade this Forum. Mercedes is a car. The manufacturer in not perfect. Owners are allowed to be critical. Because you have chosen it does not make it better than any other.
Have some tolerance.
So long!
But don't stop posting. All views are welcome here. Me too want my Instrument lights to be lit all the time.
Last edited by pamiboy; Jun 1, 2016 at 11:53 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 620
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CLS500 M113
Originally Posted by pamiboy;[url=tel:6820624
6820624[/url]]Whoa. .... I haven't read this thread but this one post tells me a lot. Yes Mercedes is just a car, but MBworld is just a forum of opinions. If you don't like it , simply close your ears /eyes.
But don't stop posting. All views are welcome here. Me too want my Instrument lights to be lit all the time.
But don't stop posting. All views are welcome here. Me too want my Instrument lights to be lit all the time.
But, this is a real thing.
I can’t find answers anywhere.
In the day, with lots of reflections, tunnels, shade, the IC is impossible to read.
Direction headed from or to are irrelevant.
Hyundais, Hondas, Toyotas, heck I can’t think of any car that doesn’t have a backlit/lit IC…
Try changing something on the AC panel without it being lit.
And the Center console backlight doesn’t come on even when the light switch is turned on, till it’s pitch dark outside.
Can this be coded in or turned on with STAR or similar?
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,142
Likes: 1,295
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Resurrecting a 9 year old thread LOL. Sorry.
But, this is a real thing.
I can’t find answers anywhere.
In the day, with lots of reflections, tunnels, shade, the IC is impossible to read.
Direction headed from or to are irrelevant.
Hyundais, Hondas, Toyotas, heck I can’t think of any car that doesn’t have a backlit/lit IC…
Try changing something on the AC panel without it being lit.
And the Center console backlight doesn’t come on even when the light switch is turned on, till it’s pitch dark outside.
Can this be coded in or turned on with STAR or similar?
But, this is a real thing.
I can’t find answers anywhere.
In the day, with lots of reflections, tunnels, shade, the IC is impossible to read.
Direction headed from or to are irrelevant.
Hyundais, Hondas, Toyotas, heck I can’t think of any car that doesn’t have a backlit/lit IC…
Try changing something on the AC panel without it being lit.
And the Center console backlight doesn’t come on even when the light switch is turned on, till it’s pitch dark outside.
Can this be coded in or turned on with STAR or similar?
I have checked my day/night lighting works but it seems the daytime light intensity on the screen has gone low. I thought it is just me but now I see there are others.
Perhaps it is time to ask ninja if he can help it…
Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 135
Likes: 14
From: Sweden
2013 E250CDI BlueEfficiency 4Matic
instrument cluster illumination during the day.
In vediamo ic204.cbf:
Select IC204 CBF and enter variant coding
Select VCD_05_Variantenkodierung
Select Zifferblattbeluchtung (Dial_Day_Brightness) to Dauer
In vediamo ic204.cbf:
Select IC204 CBF and enter variant coding
Select VCD_05_Variantenkodierung
Select Zifferblattbeluchtung (Dial_Day_Brightness) to Dauer
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 12,058
Likes: 6,857
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
SEASONED BACKLIGHT BULBS
could the dim cluster be caused by a few expired bulbs making the back light look much dimmer?
Have a quick look:
W212 cluster comes out under 10mn with a couple screws.
Have a quick look:
W212 cluster comes out under 10mn with a couple screws.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Jul 24, 2025 at 06:47 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 620
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CLS500 M113
Originally Posted by FLASHBACK;[url=tel:9192448
9192448[/url]]instrument cluster illumination during the day.
In vediamo ic204.cbf:
Select IC204 CBF and enter variant coding
Select VCD_05_Variantenkodierung
Select Zifferblattbeluchtung (Dial_Day_Brightness) to Dauer
In vediamo ic204.cbf:
Select IC204 CBF and enter variant coding
Select VCD_05_Variantenkodierung
Select Zifferblattbeluchtung (Dial_Day_Brightness) to Dauer
I have to find someone with the required gear and get this done.
would this also keep the backlight on the centre console on? AC Panel/Radio, etc?
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 620
Likes: 16
CLS500 M113
Originally Posted by CaliBenzDriver;[url=tel:9192478
9192478[/url]]could the dim cluster be caused by a few expired bulbs making the back light look much dimmer?
Have a quick look:
W212 cluster comes out under 10mn with a couple screws.
Have a quick look:
W212 cluster comes out under 10mn with a couple screws.
1. off
2. dim backlight bright Center MFD (headlights on)
3. Dim backlight dim Center MFD (headlights and all backlights on) this only happens when it’s really dark out.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 12,058
Likes: 6,857
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
BAD PROGRAM vs. BULB
Im guessing missing back light is unlikely programming gone bad
but bulb gone bad.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,142
Likes: 1,295
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Resurrecting a 9 year old thread LOL. Sorry.
But, this is a real thing.
I can’t find answers anywhere.
In the day, with lots of reflections, tunnels, shade, the IC is impossible to read.
Direction headed from or to are irrelevant.
Hyundais, Hondas, Toyotas, heck I can’t think of any car that doesn’t have a backlit/lit IC…
Try changing something on the AC panel without it being lit.
And the Center console backlight doesn’t come on even when the light switch is turned on, till it’s pitch dark outside.
Can this be coded in or turned on with STAR or similar?
But, this is a real thing.
I can’t find answers anywhere.
In the day, with lots of reflections, tunnels, shade, the IC is impossible to read.
Direction headed from or to are irrelevant.
Hyundais, Hondas, Toyotas, heck I can’t think of any car that doesn’t have a backlit/lit IC…
Try changing something on the AC panel without it being lit.
And the Center console backlight doesn’t come on even when the light switch is turned on, till it’s pitch dark outside.
Can this be coded in or turned on with STAR or similar?
So the silly thing, the BRIGHTNESS is actually a button to press and when you do, it gives adjustment for the screen brightness. Mine had somehow changed to the third lowest setting, which I changed to the third highest and voila. I can see the Comand screen again in the daylight.
I don’t know if this does anything to the IC in daytime. I really have not had problem seeing it but this does not mean there is no problem with this. I do have the 5-barrel deep cluster as it is the best ever looking E-class with the hockey stick DRLs that are not fog lights, they are DRLs and turn off with fog lights as DRLs would be very bad in foggy conditions.
2011 model has fog light push button next to the main light switch. Pressing this will set the head lights to LO-beam and to shortest distance light beam as the head lights double as fog lights. It also makes the drivers side light turn to widen the lights in the front so you can see the center of the road in very foggy conditions.
I had a 2011 E350 as my first MB and I tested all this and it works like what I wrote so the car actually does have fog lights.
Above lights are with the Bi-xenon lights, with halogens I think there are separate round fog lights like in Luxury models there are four small round lights, two are DRLs and the other two fog lights.
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From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
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CLS500 M113
[img alt="As I said, it’s almost impossible to see the entire IC once ambient light dips a little.
(Disregard the little orange light in the left corner….)"]https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbworld.org-vbulletin/1242x1135/img_5194_32cedf1554dca3b5cf8d0e79acc74b7000c8f908. jpeg[/img]
As I said, it’s almost impossible to see the entire IC once ambient light dips a little. (Disregard the little orange light in the left corner….)
(Disregard the little orange light in the left corner….)"]https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbworld.org-vbulletin/1242x1135/img_5194_32cedf1554dca3b5cf8d0e79acc74b7000c8f908. jpeg[/img]
As I said, it’s almost impossible to see the entire IC once ambient light dips a little. (Disregard the little orange light in the left corner….)
Last edited by ap10046; Aug 18, 2025 at 04:17 AM.
Member
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 179
Likes: 63
From: California
2016 E350 Sport
A few years ago when I owned a 2013 W212, I found the IC too dark to see when using my polarized prescription sunglasses. I knew of a forum member, a Calif. German native, who advertised about his services to add, delete and tweak using Star Diagnostics. He told me he could make IC remain backlit anytime ignition is turned on, which would have solved my problem. He spent at least 2 hours working on it, but unfortunately things got messed up really bad, and car's lighting was never the same. e.g. brake rear lighting remained on, among other glitches, which he then remotely spent a few more hours trying to fix, but to no avail. I then sold the car as is to offload that problem.
