Hey, Ive got a 71 220d, W115. Curious how the guage panel comes out of the dash. I thought it would be easier to figure out... when it came to it I was to scared of cracking something, or breaking it, figured you guys helped out last time so, somebody, Im sure has cracked this code before..

All im trying to do is test the gauge light dimmer, I checked the bulbs and they're all good. Found out how to take the clock out of the dash, so I checked to see if there was voltage on the dash panel "board" were It looked like the dash lights were wired through, and found no voltage, then noticed that the "mystery knob" looked like it was wired to the dash lights... Is the little knob on the left the dash light dimmer switch? Can it be replaced easily?

I'm sure that the instrument cluster on a '71 would be the same as our '68. It has a gasket somewhat like a serpentine belt wrapped around the outside of the cluster, with the ribbed side out. That is what provides the only friction resistance to removing the cluster from the dash area. However the rheostat for dimming the lights is an odd shape and part of it hangs down a bit too far and can sometimes give you a fit trying to remove the cluster. It can also mar the dash below the cluster when moving the cluster in or out.

Not sure how you got the clock out without removing the cluster!?!

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1961 190Db retired
1968 220D/8 325,000
1983 300D 164,150

I was laying under the dash and saw the two stainless knobs so I took them off thinking it would release the dash, but they didnt... Do you know where a guy might find a replacement rheostat? thanks for the help.

I suspect that by this time the only place to find one that is any good is to try the dealer nearest you or to look up the MB Classic Center or something like that. The last reference is for a div of MB that obtains parts for the old ones.

It has been a long time since we had the dash on the old '68 lit, but if your dash is anything like the W123's, full on is not that bright anyway. You could get by with just jumpering the terminals and essentially doing away with the rheostat.

__________________
1961 190Db retired
1968 220D/8 325,000
1983 300D 164,150

Rummur,

The knobs you took off the back of the dash are only on the earlier 114's. If you are talking about a 108 or 109 they were on there until the end of the run.

The rubber gasket was enough to hold the instruments in place, so the knobs were dropped on later cars.

You can clean the rehostat with some "contact cleaner" which can be picked up at Radio Shack. This might cost $15 for a small can, but I think the rehostats are sorta pricy, like $70 or so the last time I looked.

To remove a 114/115 instrument cluster I always just got my hand in behind it and pushed it out. You have to undo the speedo cable and a wiring connector or two, but it is really pretty easy. To reinstall you just puch it back in.

Replace all your dash lights while you are in there. Make sure to use only OEM bulbs as I understand it will make a difference.

Pooka

I think the knobs you removed hold the clock in place on that dash. I use two pieces of fine welding rod fashioned into hooks. slip them in on either side of instrument cluster and then turn them to engage hooks against back of cluster and pull. Has a rubber gasket that just holds it snug. Your speedo cable and oil pressure line may be a little short so you might not pull it too far.

The rheostat is something you can take apart carefully and clean contacts and nichrome wire surface and actually make work again.