Best Dashboard dim light fix for a 124

[kevinaw]

I have read all of the posts and comments describing how to brighten the very dim dash cluster lights on the older model 124s. I have tried about 50% of the fixes and the improvement in brightness were only marginal.
Altering the prisms, sanding them, painting them, adding reflectors, cleaning. Changing bulbs to the fake blue xenon style. Wiring and replacing the rheostat. The most creative suggestion was the cluster of LED lights. (I didn’t try that one).

We own both a 1987 300D and a 1995 E320 and it is apparent that the dash configuration is similar but the brightness on the 1995 dash blows the 1987 brightness away. It is at least 4 times brighter.

I searched on ebay and found a 1995 124 dash cluster. I simply pulled the 300D dash cluster out (I have more experience with this than I should after trying all of the other fixes!) Swapped the gauges, clock, and speedometer from the 300D cluster to the E320 cluster. With the original gauges the wiring works perfectly with no old connector vs. new connector issues.

The final result after swapping the dash clusters is remarkable!

[locry]

what was different between the two?
you just swapped the plastic parts? or did you use the newer electronics or something, don't know anything about the new clusters.

i was the one who suggested frosting the prism by sanding.

[kevinaw]

The differences are very minor with the plastic housing. The electronics have different plug configurations so they all didn't swap properly. they come out of the housing by just a few screws. The only difference is instead of the glow plug orange indicator (built into the cluster housing) it glows red and says check engine.
The gauges were no different on the left, but the newer gauge background has "use unleaded fuel only" Which would be a problem on a 300D!! I simply left my old gauges in place.

[locry]

cool,

so what do you think made it brighter? quality of the prism?

[speedy300Dturbo]

I explained it here: http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W124InstCluster

Scroll down to the bottom.

[RiceCakes619]

no way I can use the 5watt bulb?


I like really bright @ss gadges =D

[DOUG BACKSTEIN]

I think this guy could help you i talked to him about doing my 97 e 420 he lives 30 miles from me hometown.alo.com/crhenkel/myhomepagebusiness.html hopes this help doug.

[kevinaw]

so what do you think made it brighter? quality of the prism?

-----------------

It is a combination of things.

1) The design is simply better.
2) All of the plastic that the light needs to shine through is clear.
3) A 1995 cluster is 8 years younger than a 1987 dash cluster.
4) None of the components were discolored which blocks light.

[axm1955]

Forgive me if I jumped in the wrong forum, but have the same problem with my 83 300SD. Are the newer prism parts documented in speedy300turbos DIY notes also work on the W126 models?

Thanks guy's (and gals)

Axm