I've got a '97 S500 and the left side instrument cluster bulb/s is out. Makes it hard to see the gas guage at night. Can anyone tell me what I'm up against trying to find/replace this bulb myself? Can I do this from under the dash or do I have to remove the cluster?

 

The cluster must out, that is easy. The tools can be bought on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCE...spagenameZWDVW
The cluster is connected with some wires that is easy to plug on and off. They can´t be missplaced then they are all din different shapes so they only fit where they should.

 

Nah you don't need those tools you can do it like this:

http://v12uberalles.com/instrument_cluster_removal.htm

I have a crack in mine from removal and it's not pretty this is the safer option.

 

I followed this procedure (after buying the tools - very cheap insurance) and it worked well. Replacing the bulbs is also easy once the cluster is out. Many warnings out there about cracking the cluster so just take your time.....

Sure nice to see the gauges when the lights are working again!

 

I have used the tools on many Mercedes cars and never got a crack, so if you use them how they should, there will be no problem. This is how they remove the cluster in the shops.