I have noticed that on some of the 1981, to say- oh- about 1985 W126s that the black part of the instrument cluster (behind the cover) turns white, or spotted. I am wondering what causes this to happen on some models? Is it the sun (like where cars are parked where the sun shines on the cluster alot), or the moisture, or? What is this whiting? Discoloring, or something like mold growing? Any easy fix outside of replacing the cluster?

My 1985 W126 did not even have a hint of this problem, but some I have seen have it terribly. It may be on other model lines and years as well, but mostly I tend to see it on the early (81-85) W126s. There have been a couple of W126s I have been interested in that I have had this and to me, its not very appealing to look at.

Below is a photo of a 1982 W126 with this issue I am speaking of....


IN COMPARISON - here is the dash of my old 1985 W126 without the "hazing"....