Tip - Instrument Cluster lamps
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, USA
1995 S420
Tip - Instrument Cluster lamps
I got fed up of changing the instrument cluster lamps in my car. I was even more fed up of paying the dealer 6 USD for the larger lamp and 4 USD for the smaller lamp. The smaller lamps have no alternative replacement. The larger lamp can be safely replaced with a standard 12V W3W lamp at a cost of 1 USD. This time however, I changed the larger lamps to LEDs (wedge type).
Advantages:
cheaper, at $2 ea.
never has to be replaced.
reduces heat buildup in the instrument cluster.
can be replaced with different colours (I kept mine amber)
Disadvantages:
spotting (light is not dispersed)
dimmer than the incandescent OEM lamp.
I got mine through superbrightleds.com
Shipping charges are high at 5 USD. Parts were shipped next day, but by USPS ground parcel post (cheapest method), and took 10 days to get here, I feel that is ridiculous for a $5 shipping charge that costs the company 73 cents to mail.
Overall, I think it's a winner.
Advantages:
cheaper, at $2 ea.
never has to be replaced.
reduces heat buildup in the instrument cluster.
can be replaced with different colours (I kept mine amber)
Disadvantages:
spotting (light is not dispersed)
dimmer than the incandescent OEM lamp.
I got mine through superbrightleds.com
Shipping charges are high at 5 USD. Parts were shipped next day, but by USPS ground parcel post (cheapest method), and took 10 days to get here, I feel that is ridiculous for a $5 shipping charge that costs the company 73 cents to mail.
Overall, I think it's a winner.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
1
I have a question more along the lines of how to replace the lights. I have one burnt out on the temperature display for the climate control and it's so annoying because I have to turn on the light just to see what temp it's set at.
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
1998 cl 600
ychachad,
How hard is removing the instrument cluster to replace the bulbs? I have 2 bulbs out now - making the speedo completely dark. What do I need to do to swap 'em out?
Appreciate any help.
Thanks!
Z
How hard is removing the instrument cluster to replace the bulbs? I have 2 bulbs out now - making the speedo completely dark. What do I need to do to swap 'em out?
Appreciate any help.
Thanks!
Z
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, USA
1995 S420
Zindallas, long time no see. I have a fairly comprehensive discussion going on at the Benzworld.org W140 forum regarding this same topic, may I defer you to that for more info? Good to hear from you after a long time.
Originally posted by zindallas
ychachad,
How hard is removing the instrument cluster to replace the bulbs? I have 2 bulbs out now - making the speedo completely dark. What do I need to do to swap 'em out?
Appreciate any help.
Thanks!
Z
ychachad,
How hard is removing the instrument cluster to replace the bulbs? I have 2 bulbs out now - making the speedo completely dark. What do I need to do to swap 'em out?
Appreciate any help.
Thanks!
Z
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Canada
1991 190E:1998 E320 4Matic wagon : 2000 E320 4Matic
I was able to easily remove the instrument cluster with small suction cups, got them in Canada at Midland Liquidators for $2 each ..made for removing windows .
