I'm trying to install the transmission end of the speedo cable on my '80 240D. I thought I had it but still the speedo isn't working. I confirmed the speedo end of the cable is not spinning. Is there any way to know that the trans end of the cable is properly keyed into its slot when installing it or is it just a trial and error process?

I've never done speedo cable on a Mercedes but I've done it on other vehicles and yeah, it's often just a matter of wiggling and trying, turning the inner part a little to see if that makes it fit. Once the cable is truly in, the inner part should no longer be free to turn. A second person, therefore, could be really useful.

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

I had the same problem when I was putting my good engine back into the car. I though I had it seated but the bolt wouldn't go back in to secure it. Turned out I needed to turn the cable about a quarter of a turn then it would go in that last half inch. I bet you just didn't get it all the way seated.

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Seth

1984 300D 225K
1985 300D Donor body
1985 300D Turbo 165K. Totaled. Donor Engine. It runs!!!
1980 300SD 311K My New Baby.
1979 BMW 633csi 62K+++? Dead odo

look into the hole, you will see the direction of the slot. turn the cable to match it as closely as possible. you have to take the bolt ALL the way out to get the cable ALL the way in. by all the way in i mean you will not be able to see any of the channels in the end of the cable.

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-Trevor

OBK #12
1980 300SD 333,XXX miles - Totaled
1986 Mazda RX-7 212,XXX miles - impounded and auctioned off
2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited 33,000- SEGR, Provent, Fumoto