Is it possible to remove the instrument cluster without removing the instrument panel on a 123 ('83 300 D)? I was looking at my manuals and there's no instructions for pulling out the cluster, just the entire panel (i.e. dashboard). I need to replace the window relay behind the instrument cluster.

there is NO WAY to get to the individual gauges.
It's really easy to pop the cluster-- just remove the lower kick panel and push it out from behind. Be careful of the oil gauge line, it is thin and could be broken by too hard a shove. Remove it with a 3/8" open end wrench after the panel assy is pushed out about 3", unscrew the speedo cable, disconnect wires and you are done.

It takes more time to type this than it does to do the job.

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Nate Stanley
(Currently Benzless)
1985 F-250 6.9l 170K
2009 SCION XB 36.5K
2003 LS430 78K
2012 Kubota B 2320

I just replaced my instrument cluster on a 123 coupe because half of my gauges were broken and the plastic face was cracked off.

There are two methods for removing the cluster:
Method 1. Get the mercedes instrument pull hooks or improvise your own with wire and slide them back behind your cluster on the sides between your dashboard and the cluster sides. Then pull the cluster out as far as you can, it is held in only by tension. Once you've got it out far enough, unscrew the speedo cable, oil pressure line, and unplug the various connections. If the speedo cable keeps you from pulling it out far enough, do procedure A below. Once everything is unplugged, CAREFULLY remove the cluster, making sure not to bump the speedo or tach gauges. THEY WILL cease to function if they are jarred much at all. Don't ask me how I know.
Method 2. Remove your underdash panel (the one right above your legspace) and reach up behind your cluster, using a flashlight to make sure you don't unplug any lines accidentally, and push the cluster out from behind, then unplug and unscrew all connections like method 1. Again, if the speedo is too tight, do A below.

WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T:
-Jar the instrument cluster
-Pry the plastic face off by prying on the front of the cluster
-Force any lines or connections that are too tight.

A. Unclip speedo cable clips. You will find the speedo cable going down from the firewall where all those vacuum lines go to your transmission, it is a fairly thick line. It is clipped to various things twice along its way to the firewall, they are simple plastic clips where you compress the two prongs and then pull through.

I thought this was a metric nut. It's either an 8 or 10mm wrench, I forget which.

10mm

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'83 240D with 617.952 and 2.88
'01 VW Beetle TDI
'05 Jeep Liberty CRD
'89 Toyota 4x4, needs 2L-T
'78 280Z with L28ET - 12.86@110
Oil Burner Kartel #35

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b1...oD/bioclip.jpg

I pulled out the instrument cluster without a hitch. It was pretty simple and looks like someone else in the vehicle's past had pulled it out before. Unfortunately, I ordered the wrong relay to replace the one that I think is causing my window problem. Duh. I had to put it back together and will have to disassemble it again this weeked to replace the relay with the right part.

3/8"??? what's that?!?

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

It was a version of the /8 that never made it to the assembly line.

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D