[CPCookieMan]

Hey guys! I have a MY02 S430 with 130k miles on it, and I've determined I'll need to buy a new cluster for it. I've found a good price on a few, but I have a few questions.

1. Did the shape of the cluster/dash change with the 03 facelift?
2. If not, and I can get a facelift cluster, might that be advantageous in that it might unlock one or two features?
3. Did later years fix the backlighting problem?
4. Will I need programming for the new cluster?
5. Will the mileage be set correctly? (Some clusters came out of cars with 210k miles)
6. Lastly, if I get an 00 or 01 cluster, I've heard those don't have the digital MPH readout that I really like. Any truth to this?

Thanks,
CPCookieMan

 

[imantr]

Hey guys! I have a MY02 S430 with 130k miles on it, and I've determined I'll need to buy a new cluster for it. I've found a good price on a few, but I have a few questions.

1. Did the shape of the cluster/dash change with the 03 facelift?
2. If not, and I can get a facelift cluster, might that be advantageous in that it might unlock one or two features?
3. Did later years fix the backlighting problem?
4. Will I need programming for the new cluster?
5. Will the mileage be set correctly? (Some clusters came out of cars with 210k miles)
6. Lastly, if I get an 00 or 01 cluster, I've heard those don't have the digital MPH readout that I really like. Any truth to this?

Thanks,
CPCookieMan

I am also have plan to swap the cluster, any advice please?

Thanks

 

[G.AMG]

I'm not sure if you can swap a used cluster into your car.

 

[Skylaw]

Hey guys! I have a MY02 S430 with 130k miles on it, and I've determined I'll need to buy a new cluster for it. I've found a good price on a few, but I have a few questions.

1. Did the shape of the cluster/dash change with the 03 facelift?
   
   Ans: No
   
   
2. If not, and I can get a facelift cluster, might that be advantageous in that it might unlock one or two features?
   
   Ans: The cluster must have your VIN programmed to work, and the features that your car came with programmed as well; with that programming you may be able to access a limited number of additional features (e.g., mirrors folding when the car is locked, etc) if those features weren't present originally; you will not get the features that your car wasn't built with just by swapping clusters, and features from another car may not transfer to yours.
   
   
3. Did later years fix the backlighting problem?
   
   Ans: No.
   
   
4. Will I need programming for the new cluster?
   
   Ans: Yes, if you want things to work as the original did.
   
   
5. Will the mileage be set correctly? (Some clusters came out of cars with 210k miles)
   
   Ans: It should; the mileage is stored outside the cluster, and a new cluster should update. If it doesn't, a tech can update it.
   
   
6. Lastly, if I get an 00 or 01 cluster, I've heard those don't have the digital MPH readout that I really like. Any truth to this?
   
   ANS: As I recall, my '00 did not have digital speed readout, and the owner's manual does not indicate that it does. I don't know whether that is a function of the cluster itself or whether it is a programming feature. You can download the various model year owners manuals for North American versions at https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/service_and_parts/owners_manuals
   
   

Thanks,
CPCookieMan

Responses are interlineated following your questions.