Is the main computer the instrument panel?
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Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 71
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From: Napa County
1975 450SLC 2012 GLK350
Is the main computer the instrument panel?
I've purchased a new instrument panel from a dealership that looks like my 2011 C300 and is compatible with my 2011 GLK, this is purely cosmetic.
When I purchased the new panel, the dealership said odometer may need to be reset after installation. Is the instrument panel where all the history/error codes/miles stored? Or is there another computer that stores the cars history just in case the instrument panel is replaced?
Pic 1 old cluster, Pic 2 upgraded cluster.
I'm picky and IMHO I never liked the flat cluster, seemed ill-fitting.
When I purchased the new panel, the dealership said odometer may need to be reset after installation. Is the instrument panel where all the history/error codes/miles stored? Or is there another computer that stores the cars history just in case the instrument panel is replaced?
Pic 1 old cluster, Pic 2 upgraded cluster.
I'm picky and IMHO I never liked the flat cluster, seemed ill-fitting.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: North NJ
2002 C32 AMG, 2013 GLK 350/4, 2015 E63S AMG Wagon
The main computer is the ECU (Engine Control Unit). It is located in the engine compartment in the corner against the firewall on the driver side.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 337
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From: Northern California
2016 GLE300d 4Matic
I guess I'm wondering who got the "flat" panel. My '10 GLK has the panel you consider the upgrade. Did they come with different panels?
I noticed you're in Sonoma County. Interesting. I'm in Windsor and a sometime customer of Santa Rosa MB. Go to Hammond Autowerks on Montgomery at Mission most of the time.
Nice to see another GLK driver and poster in these woods.
I noticed you're in Sonoma County. Interesting. I'm in Windsor and a sometime customer of Santa Rosa MB. Go to Hammond Autowerks on Montgomery at Mission most of the time.
Nice to see another GLK driver and poster in these woods.
Last edited by mjhawkins2346; Mar 5, 2014 at 09:04 PM. Reason: add
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Napa County
1975 450SLC 2012 GLK350
I guess I'm wondering who got the "flat" panel. My '10 GLK has the panel you consider the upgrade. Did they come with different panels?
I noticed you're in Sonoma County. Interesting. I'm in Windsor and a sometime customer of Santa Rosa MB. Go to Hammond Autowerks on Montgomery at Mission most of the time.
Nice to see another GLK driver and poster in these woods.
I noticed you're in Sonoma County. Interesting. I'm in Windsor and a sometime customer of Santa Rosa MB. Go to Hammond Autowerks on Montgomery at Mission most of the time.
Nice to see another GLK driver and poster in these woods.
my navi screen. Did you buy yours at Smothers?I go to European Sales & Service on Petaluma Hill Road. Weird how you have the latter cluster panel. My 2011 also has the small navi screen, don't think I'll upgrade that, too much work.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 337
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From: Northern California
2016 GLE300d 4Matic
I bought it private party from a guy in Sausalito. Never used Smothers for work because I like to talk to my mechanic and have a long term personal relationship and knowledge of my car. He has worked on my last 3 Mercedes. Your shop sounds good. If you need a backup, Hammond worked at Smothers for years and is top notch. I'll keep your shop in mind for my backup.
I wanted the MultiMedia and the big screen. It was worth it to me.
I wanted the MultiMedia and the big screen. It was worth it to me.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 71
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From: Napa County
1975 450SLC 2012 GLK350
Before and After
The instrument panel is interchangeable with a C Class. I ended up keeping my original instrument panel, merely took off plastic fascia and snapped new one into place. I used Hammond Autowerks for my steering wheel installation, he's great! Thanks for the recommendation. You were right about the having the better system and larger screen, totally worth it and it upgraded my sound. Before the sound seemed muffled, thought I needed new speakers, but it was the base system. The only thing left is to reinstall middle wood grain a/c vent, having it refinished. Dealer scratched it up last time I was there, luckily MB is cutting me a check for the damage.
