R230lover

Now I can see there is no need for any special tools, but the side clips look to be ones that need to be "released". I am not sure how I'll release it, but hopefully I can figure it out. Wish me luck.

R230lover

When I disconnect the batteries for this job, is there any concern about some functions that need to be "reset" after reconnecting?

In recent past I had an older '98 SLK230 and once I disconnected the battery the radio would no longer work, requiring a password to reset, which I didn't have.

Do I have to be concerned about this sort of thing happening again with the R230 model?

Should I just disconnect the positive wires from the terminals on the batteries, or both?

Rudeney

The clips don't need to be released - they release when you pull firmly on the cover. There is no need to disconnect the battery for doing this job. However, DO NO switch on the ignition with the cluster removed or you will trigger an SRS error that will have to be reset. So, just keep the key 10 feet away until the cluster is replaced. if you do decide to disconnect the battery, you will probably need to re-sync the windows and the ESP steering angle position sensor. Also, I think you'll lose the sound settings on your radio, though not the presets.

R230lover

I was able to remove the instrument cluster fairly easily. However, I do wish I knew about the center locking tab on the trim piece which is the ONLY tab that needs to be released (pryed up in center) during the removal ... so I broke that one off during the process. No big deal, I glued it with epoxy glue and hopefully it will hold tight when I put it back on.

I checked the connectors, it was clean. I even sprayed contact cleaner on both connectors and used some compressed air to blow all around the cluster in case something was floating around in there and causing a short on the circuit board. Then I reinstalled it and started the car. No change.

I decided to ship the ship the cluster to a company in West Hills, California called E Speedo (www.espeedo.com) and they will bench test it and let me know what is involved in repairing it. I spoke to Mike there who said he did a couple hundred of these Mercedes instrument clusters so I am hopeful. Does anyone know of this company?

R230lover

I did disconnect both batteries to do this job, and I wish I didn't because now one of my windows is 2 inches down and it has started to snow here. I am afraid to reconnect the batteries just to close the window for fear it will actually trigger the SRS error that Rodney mentioned. I'll have to just use some wide painters tape to keep it sealed.

R230lover

I have received the repaired instrument cluster and installed it yesterday. IT WORKS.

E SPEEDO is the real deal. They fixed it for just under $800 shipped.

Now on to the other little things that need repair.

This issue has been solved. Thank you all for your help.

moretech

this is good info for our members!!

moretech

next2pool

This is a great thread ! I removed my cluster in order to remove my ignition switch module and now I know to reconnect it before I re-install my switch on Monday. I sent it out to have 2 new fobs programmed--more on that later.

R230lover

The day after I got it fixed I drove the car 600 miles to Sunset Beach North Carolina for vacation. It performed flawlessly for the 1500 total miles I drove that week...

So far this 2008 SL550 cost me my 2004 SL500 (in slightly worse condition with about same mileage) + $3900 + $1014 Mercedes diagnose the issue (was not really needed...a real waste of $) + $800 instrument cluster repair + $100 HID bulb replacement = $5814 + my 2004 SL500 ... not a bad trade, but I wish I never spent that $1000 at Mercedes ... such a waste.

Stay tuned to my other threads for some other repairs which I'll be posting soon:
1) hydraulic trunk is not opening ... must use key to open
2) vario roof will not open
3) tire pressure warning light is lit on my cluster (but tires have correct pressure)

Once again, thank you all for your help