dim speedo

Feb 15, 2010 | 09:12 PM

napaAl

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From: norcal

1996 S320 SWB, 1998 S600

dim speedo

Does anybody know how I change the light bulbs for the instrument panel of my '96 S320?

Feb 16, 2010 | 06:46 AM

benica

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From: Between Honolulu and Offutt.

1998 and 2002 SL 500, 2014 E550 Convertible

Remove the instrument cluster....you'll need a very thin piece of STRONG wire with a bend on one end..."L" shape. Slide it in between the dash and cluster and rotate the wire so the end will pull tight against the back of the cluster and tug it out...slide the wire over a few inches and try it again...the dash should start to pop out and then you can use your hands to pull it out the rest of the way....disconnect the wires....now you have access to the back of the cluster and remove and replace the burnt out bulbs.

Feb 16, 2010 | 10:25 PM

napaAl

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From: norcal

1996 S320 SWB, 1998 S600

Thanks.
What are the actual attachments I should expect. Is it the same spring clip you find on the front edge of the seat control ( v shaped) on the door panel? Sure beats going up under the dash from behind.

Feb 17, 2010 | 01:46 AM

benica

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From: Between Honolulu and Offutt.

1998 and 2002 SL 500, 2014 E550 Convertible

When you remove the cluster...on the back side, you will see 3 or 4 plun in type connectors with a number of wires attached to each plug in. There is a small release "button" or clip that you press in and pull out the connectors. Not difficult at all. Just look at the connector and look for the release clip. No tool needed...just your fingers...as for which bulbs to replace....can't help you...only you know which ones are burnt as the cluster will be in front of you. Replace them all...and then you don't have to worry about it for years to come! Unless your dimmer switch is bad and then that's another part. You might have to remove the cover from the back of the cluster also to gain access to the bulbs. You just gotta figure it out...I just know how to remove the cluster and go from that point. If your cluster needs repairing....here's a link where I send my clusters to:
http://www.nhspeedometer.com/
Hartmut is the owner. Never met him...but his prices are reasonable.

Also, see this link...
http://v12uberalles.com/instrument_cluster_removal.htm

Last edited by benica; Feb 17, 2010 at 05:57 AM.

Feb 19, 2010 | 04:00 AM

napaAl

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From: norcal

1996 S320 SWB, 1998 S600

excellent link. I'm a bit of a heavy handed mechanic. It's the initial removal that scares me.
thanks

Last edited by napaAl; Feb 19, 2010 at 04:03 AM. Reason: more info

Feb 19, 2010 | 04:23 AM

napaAl

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From: norcal

1996 S320 SWB, 1998 S600

I just watched a video of a guy pulling the cluster faster than he coulda scratched his own ***.
click on the e-bay, then search mercedes benz instrument cluster removal tool.

Feb 21, 2010 | 11:42 PM

napaAl

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From: norcal

1996 S320 SWB, 1998 S600

mission accomplished

here's the story.
Watched the hartmut video, and the e-bay removal tool video

Tried some homemade pull wires

. nfg.

Went to "pick and pull" for some interactive training on some W126's and some newer 190's. Grabbed a handful of bulbs for $4.00

Popped the left side air vent per video. Swapped some bulbs

I did notice the older animals, and the mid nineties C & E's use a 3 watt as opposed to the W140's 2 watt speedo bulb. I will keep the dimmer to 3/4 position for now.

Thanks for the help Benica