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2000 S430 -Instrument Cluster

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24K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  zft325  
J
#1 · (Edited)
Okay so I own a 2000 Mercedes Benz S430. Recently the instrument cluster light has not been functioning. Now there is nothing to be seen. No lights on the cluster. I originally bought the car at an auction (around '05). Just a week ago, the car's cluster is not working anymore. Last week, I was searching on the web and found recall information issued in '06 about this instrument cluster about this specific car. This year is 2010 and I'm just wondering if this can still be fixed at a lower price or for free as a result of the recall of the cluster. I heard that there is a 10 year warranty and after 10 years, the car would not be covered. But is this 10 year warranty starting from the date of recall of the cluster or from original purchase of the car? As I said before, I am a second owner. I did not originally buy the car from the dealer so I was never informed of a recall until searching on the web myself after the cluster broke down. Now what am I going to do? If I bring the car in, will they fix it for a reduced price or for free because of the recall? I have the recall info with me. The car was originally bought in 1999 from the first owner. Recall info was issued in 2006. Can the car be fixed for free from the recall? Thanks. Any information is appreciated. I really do not have the financial ability to cover the charges on the fix (if its not covered).

*I need info ASAP as I drive the car for work (car service).
 
D
#2 ·
I have exactly the same situation as yours. The 10 year warranty have past 10 months! I called MB of America and they asked me to call local dealers. I called my local dealers and they all checked to see if I was a good (paid lots $$$ for their services) customer. Of course I was not, so they refused to assist (pay partly ie. $300 , for the IC, which is about $1100). There is a dealer in Southern CA that will install a reconditioned IC, with 1 year warranty as a new one, for half price.
 
#4 · (Edited)
First, there are two programs affecting the instrument cluster. The first was a recall, which was done by VIN. If your car's VIN (and vehicle master inquiry, or VMI, run by the dealer) shows the car covered by the recall, you should be able to have it replaced free - whether it was malfunctioning or not. So check the RECALL information and see if your VIN is covered. Post 17 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220-s-class/1254940-instrument-cluster-recall-s-class-2.html has the recall; and one of the early posts has the MB contact number. RECALL CAMPAIGNS DO NOT EXPIRE.

The second is the extended warranty program, covering all W220 and W215 (S- and CL-Class) for 10 years from initial service date. VIN does not matter for the extended warranty; but if you are beyond the 10 year period, you're probably out of luck. Extended warranties DO expire.

If you have decent soldering skills, Instrument Cluster Removal - MBWorld.org Forums might help you; or, perhaps a good radio or instrument repair shop could, with the instructions. Last, post #114 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220-s-class/1254940-instrument-cluster-recall-s-class-12.html provides additional information and repair sources.
 
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