Instrument cluster removal for light bulb change (pics). Do not pay anyone to do this or

[Brett San Diego]

I'll personally come over to your house and thump you in the back of the head. It's so easy (if you have the right tools).

I got my bulbs from the dealer. $6 each (ouch), but I wanted instant gratification. I couldn't wait a week to order them online or something. These were the bulbs that light the odometer and outside temp display. Only one was out, but I replaced both for the hell of it.

Here is my tool kit. Cluster removal hooks and radio keys (and ignition switch removal wires or something like that that I don't think apply to the W140). Got mine from www.zdmaktools.com, $20.


Insert the hook alongside the cluster.


Catch a groove, push the T-handle outward a bit to help the hook catch the cluster and pull outward and toward you. Tip: Pull only one side out first then the other. It takes a good tug.


The springs that hold the cluster are shown in this pic.


The lower spring seat showing the lip that you have to pull over the spring to remove the cluster.


Replace by simply pushing back in place. My dash leather suffered damage in the hands of the previous owner or his mechanic. I'd recommend using something to "shoehorn" in the cluster protecting the leather.

Brett

[Classic_wong118]

Great pic and illustration.Not as complicated as I
though.good info,welldone Brett.

[Rainmaker]

Wow Brett those are EXCELLENT pics / instructions.

Everybody, you better read Brett's instructions carefully, or else this can happen (see pic below). Which will make the dealer's $100 bulb change seem a bargain.

Make sure the hook grabs in the correct section, and angle the tool slightly out, otherwise it can slip, and rip part of the lens out. And pull one side at a time; that way not so much pulling force is required (less chance of slipping).

[96S320.]

thanks for the details and the pics, I just ordered my kit and will replace my bulbs this weekend.

[Brett San Diego]

[markopolo36]

you are rigth men,that's the easiest job in the wordl,I do the pulling whith a old scruwdriver,I just copy the form I see in the pic's and I pull my instrument cluster in a minute. thank's for all the tips. mark

[markopolo36]

by the way,for anybody guessing what car is that,is a 1993 mercedes 400e,but I sold that one and I buy a 600s.pic's coming anytime mark

[96S320.]

be careful pulling the cluster out - I ordered the kit, and now have a big crack in my cluster , and it didnt even pull out. If you want to use my kit - send me a Email and I'll mail it to you. NMOSKOW501@aol.com

[BENZDOC]

here is my proven pre 95 safe pull. 95 and up have the safe pull cluster. (a modified shoehorn on the side to prevent the breaking slip) when reinstalling lightly grease the 4 rubber contacts on the cluster for next time. use this if your nervous about it.. http://benzworld.org/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1183772&posts=4&fid=13

[Old Punk]

Yo Bret,
I own a 96 S320. Yours car has a stitched dash is it leather. There are plenty of small detail differances between UK and US models. I was quoted £100 thats $175 to change the bulbs, been drivin in the dark for a few weeks now, your thread as saved me ££££££ Cheers dude.