bulbs for night time cluster illumination ? - Benzworld.org

ProV1x · 09-16-2007, 10:11 PM

either side of my cluster does not light up as bright as the middle area at night, I suspect the 1.2W bulbs are almost burnt out.

my question is does the cluster need a specific bulb only from the MB dealer, or can i use a generic bulb from autozone?

gregs210 · 09-16-2007, 11:07 PM

Hey, Pro.
There are two or three generic 194 bulbs that are basic lighting for the cluster and the rest are dealer only. The 194s you can get anywhere and I would recommend you replace all of them so you don't have to pull the troublesome cluster again.
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

A1EK · 09-17-2007, 05:35 AM

I changed my bubls for 1.5V to get a brighter light, they have been in for 2 years and not given a problems, You can always turn the brightness down with the swtich too...

Franasia · 09-17-2007, 06:46 PM

Hello Pro,

The cluster illumination is taken care of by two yellow holder 2W bulbs. The green holder 1.3W bulbs light up individual pilot lights and the LCD displays.

These bulbs appear to be a dealer only part to me. I could be wrong but that’s were I’ve gotten them.

I’m attaching a picture of the cluster back and one of the bulbs.

Hope it helps.

Cheers.

ProV1x · 09-17-2007, 09:49 PM

thanks. i already replaced those 2 yellow bulbs, but the sides are still dim. which tells me there are 2 other smaller bulbs.

btw, what is the best way to remove the green holders? did u use a small screwdriver?

Franasia · 09-18-2007, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProV1x

thanks. i already replaced those 2 yellow bulbs, but the sides are still dim. which tells me there are 2 other smaller bulbs.

btw, what is the best way to remove the green holders? did u use a small screwdriver?

Yes, a small screwdriver does it. It's probably only 1/4 turn or so.

A1EK · 09-18-2007, 09:07 AM

I too wanted to change the look of my dash a little, so what I did was change the normal bulbs as shown earlier to 1.5V and then changed the bottom ones to blue LED's. The nice thing is being LED's they will not blow and need replacing.!!
I then got a bit carried away and mounted some more LEDS's in the door pannel, looks great at night time!!

Good luck....

gregs210 · 09-18-2007, 09:19 AM

AE1K, where and how did you source the LEDs for the odd bases in the cluster, or did you construct them yourself? I'd love to have LEDs in there if you don't mind putting together something in the way of a DIY I'm sure there are lots of us that would appreciate it.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

OliverK · 09-18-2007, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A1EK

I too wanted to change the look of my dash a little, so what I did was change the normal bulbs as shown earlier to 1.5V and then changed the bottom ones to blue LED's. The nice thing is being LED's they will not blow and need replacing.!!
I then got a bit carried away and mounted some more LEDS's in the door pannel, looks great at night time!!

Good luck....

man, that looks very distracting and kinda cheesy to me. Seems a bit "ricey".

sorry.

gregs210 · 09-18-2007, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OliverK

man, that looks very distracting and kinda cheesy to me. Seems a bit "ricey".

sorry.

You don't have to apologize for an honest opinion, at least not in my book. I don't think I'd "go blue" but I'd love to have LEDs in there. Of course then the pixel issue would happen, after all you can't beat MB, right?