I have an '01 SL500 and one of the light bulbs in the instrument panel has stopped working.

I am not a mechanic but a very handy guy nonetheless. I am simply trying to figure out how the instrument panel comes off for this model year so I can change the bulb myself for $5- rather than taking it to the dealer for who knows how much.

I have checked youtube and google for the answer but with no luck. The closest thing I have found references a small wire with an L on the end of it that tucks under the side of the panel and then pulls it out but I don't see any inset that would allow me to stick the tool into the instrument panel.

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

There may be no 'spot' for the L -tool to go into....you might need to just get the L behind the cluster lips/edges and pull them both out together.

I do not know for sure as I never took out the cluster in my old 1997 SL600 Sport but I'm thinking its the same way as removing a W124 cluster using an L tool on each side.

The soft part of the dash will displace as you push the tool in, and then turn to grab the cluster.

Steering wheel down and out. No key in ignition.

I find it easier to drop the panel below the dash and then push the cluster out from behind.
I came to this after several unsuccessful attempts to do it the "correct" way...

Just e-mail me at ajadesigns@aol.com, I can give you instructions on how to make the tool and remove it.

I can reply instantly via iphone.

Not to worry, the problem seems to have corrected itself. Very weird but i'm not complaining.