Replacing speedometer from MPH to KM
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Newbie
Joined: Jul 2017
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ML 350
Replacing speedometer from MPH to KM
I have a 2012 ML 350 from the USA. I wanted to take it to Europe and wanted to replace the speedometer from MPH to KM. Is that just a simple swap from any ML350 from 2011 to 2015? Is is that even going to work? For example if the donor is a diesel would it work on my gas ML. Any other thing I need to be aware before I order the new speedometer. Would for exemple the number of miles driven going to be what the donor car has or stay the same? Thank you for your feedback
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Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Southern Illinois
, 2023 BMW X4, 1991 190E
Im not an expert by any means. I purchased a used instrument panel off a 2015 AMG Ml for my standard ML350. I like the nice speedo display and higher MPH display. I did cursor check on replacing it but saw it was not just remove one and replacing it. But you cannot just swap instrument panels. Something about having to "virgnize" the replacement panel. I know Mercedes dealers have to replace them in the past if something goes wrong, but usually replacing MPH with MPH or KM with KM. I did locate a person on this site in NJ who Virginized the panels but was not really able to make it happen due to various reasons. It can be done, By the way, I purchased mine on Ebay, it may not be an issue if you purchase a new one from the dealer.
My recommendation would be to research the Virginize process and then wait till you get to Europe to find a used speedo, since they all would be KM or check for a Canadian model. Good luck.
My recommendation would be to research the Virginize process and then wait till you get to Europe to find a used speedo, since they all would be KM or check for a Canadian model. Good luck.
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ML 350
Thank you, since I am driving my ML in Mexico which is a country that is using metric I may reach out to Mercedes here and have them replace it with either a new or used one. Otherwise I may wait to be in Europe. Thanks again
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Joined: Jan 2013
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From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
The instrument cluster is integrated much deeper into the car's inner workings that any of you realize. On the 2012 diesel MLs, Mercedes had to replace the cluster as part of the AEM retrofit when all they needed to achieve is turn on the DEF emission control system a little earlier... in other words, it is one of the most complex and intertwined pieces of electronic equipment on any car. Yes, a dealership can do it, but it is like ~$4K.
A much simpler and cheaper option would be to purchase a decal in km/h that you can apply over the speedometer dial. You're not tinkering with the odometer (which by definition would be put on the permanent record for the VIN) and not changing anything from an operational standpoint.
A much simpler and cheaper option would be to purchase a decal in km/h that you can apply over the speedometer dial. You're not tinkering with the odometer (which by definition would be put on the permanent record for the VIN) and not changing anything from an operational standpoint.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9
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ML 350
The instrument cluster is integrated much deeper into the car's inner workings that any of you realize. On the 2012 diesel MLs, Mercedes had to replace the cluster as part of the AEM retrofit when all they needed to achieve is turn on the DEF emission control system a little earlier... in other words, it is one of the most complex and intertwined pieces of electronic equipment on any car. Yes, a dealership can do it, but it is like ~$4K.
A much simpler and cheaper option would be to purchase a decal in km/h that you can apply over the speedometer dial. You're not tinkering with the odometer (which by definition would be put on the permanent record for the VIN) and not changing anything from an operational standpoint.
A much simpler and cheaper option would be to purchase a decal in km/h that you can apply over the speedometer dial. You're not tinkering with the odometer (which by definition would be put on the permanent record for the VIN) and not changing anything from an operational standpoint.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
You need something similar to these (no experience / affiliation with any). Just make sure the spacing between the numbers is the same as that on your mph cluster as the speedometers are NON-LINEAR (as in the middle of the scale is not half of the maximum speed). There are plenty more if you look around. Someone went that route on their W204 C63 a couple of years ago, and it was sufficient to make the cluster legal so all he had to pay for was enabling the DRLs before it could be registered and plated in whatever country he relocated to.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003141107410.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/i/1005001278507464.html
https://www.gshgbooks.com/index.php?...ucts_id=235763
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003141107410.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/i/1005001278507464.html
https://www.gshgbooks.com/index.php?...ucts_id=235763
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9
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ML 350
You need something similar to these (no experience / affiliation with any). Just make sure the spacing between the numbers is the same as that on your mph cluster as the speedometers are NON-LINEAR (as in the middle of the scale is not half of the maximum speed). There are plenty more if you look around. Someone went that route on their W204 C63 a couple of years ago, and it was sufficient to make the cluster legal so all he had to pay for was enabling the DRLs before it could be registered and plated in whatever country he relocated to.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003141107410.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/i/1005001278507464.html
https://www.gshgbooks.com/index.php?...ucts_id=235763
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003141107410.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/i/1005001278507464.html
https://www.gshgbooks.com/index.php?...ucts_id=235763
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From: Los Angeles, CA
'22 GLE 350 | '15 ML250 | '87 560SL | '19 GLC 300 | '12 C250 (sold) | '02 ML500 | '98 C230
The instrument cluster is integrated much deeper into the car's inner workings that any of you realize. On the 2012 diesel MLs, Mercedes had to replace the cluster as part of the AEM retrofit when all they needed to achieve is turn on the DEF emission control system a little earlier... in other words, it is one of the most complex and intertwined pieces of electronic equipment on any car. Yes, a dealership can do it, but it is like ~$4K.
A much simpler and cheaper option would be to purchase a decal in km/h that you can apply over the speedometer dial. You're not tinkering with the odometer (which by definition would be put on the permanent record for the VIN) and not changing anything from an operational standpoint.
A much simpler and cheaper option would be to purchase a decal in km/h that you can apply over the speedometer dial. You're not tinkering with the odometer (which by definition would be put on the permanent record for the VIN) and not changing anything from an operational standpoint.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9
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ML 350
Interesting re: the AEM retrofit. I had a 2015 Diesel (yes different version of the instrument cluster software), but my cluster was not replaced when I did the AEM recall. Was it specific to the 2012? Also, OP should know he can't use any donor from a diesel. The tach will never be right / is different.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 811
From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
Interesting re: the AEM retrofit. I had a 2015 Diesel (yes different version of the instrument cluster software), but my cluster was not replaced when I did the AEM recall. Was it specific to the 2012? Also, OP should know he can't use any donor from a diesel. The tach will never be right / is different.
