I recently bought a 93 500 SEL in excellent mechanical and cosmetic shape, with a couple of small glitches. The steering wheel telescopes properly, but when I tilted up, the switch won't tilt it back down. Instrument cluster also lights up, but odometer, trip odometer and temp readout, though working, are not illuminated. Since I am a BMW convert, this is my first Benz, so I'm looking for some good advice before I hear some unnecessary stuff from a service manager or mechanic. Thanks.

 

The custer pulls out, it is a friction fit, but best done with the tools MB sells. They are hooks that you insert and turn so they catch on the back of the cluster and then gently pull forward. Be carefull not to break the face of the cluster I dont think they are repareable, the depot sells electronic odomoter version so you might have to purchase one from a scrap yard to keep your odometer reading correct. The tilt switch is removed by taking out the screws, that you will find in the parking brake area, remove the head lamp knob by pushing up with a narrow bladed screw driver, and removing the nut, the panel will come off and everything will make sense. I would do the switch first since it is easier when you can drop the wheel down and out.

 

My odometer light has been out almost a year now.
Inspection is coming up so I got the hook tools and
tried to remove the instrument cluster. Well I was
pulling really hard.. that is until I heard something
crack and then stopped.

Should it come out snuggly or is it a bear to get out?
It is a '95 S320.

Thanks.

'95 S320 work car
'36 500K* fun car
*about 20% original