How to brighten instrument cluster or how to make cool instrument dials - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Chad300tdt · #16 12-28-2008, 06:23 PM

Be careful with installing higher wattage bulbs. They generate a good bit more heat which can melt the plastic optics.

I installed LEDs that just plug into the stock bulb socket with no modification. They're completely dimmable too. These LEDs have a forward firing LED and 4 side firing LEDs so it works great with the design of our cluster optics.

I used these:
T10 Wedge 5 Ultra Bright SMT LED Light - Automotive LED Lights - LEDLight

These fit the sockets too but you may need to modify the light tunnels a bit for them to fit. They would be pretty intense though.

T10 Wedge 12 SMT Tower LED Light - Automotive LED Lights - LEDLight
T10 Wedge 25 Ultra Bright SMT LED Light - Automotive LED Lights - LEDLight

Here's a pic with the super white LEDs in my cluster. I took it in my garage with all the lights out and the headlights on. The pic is blurry since I didn't use the flash.

Hartge330ci · #17 12-28-2008, 08:07 PM

Does anyone know how many leds are required? I know there a five bulbs in the ac control unit and one for the switches above the ac control unit. The way it looks to me, the switches in the center console have internal bulbs, correct? How many are in the instrument cluster? Anyone have pictures? This is for a w123 car of course.

iwrock · #18 12-29-2008, 03:23 AM

IMHO, they work well, and are easy to read at night.

rrgrassi · #19 12-29-2008, 10:52 AM

I use "yellow glow" LED's in my model trains. I get them at Discount Model Trains in Addison, TX. They put out a light similar to the incadesant. The bright white LED's do cast a blueish light, which does not look proper on the model trains or in the dash lights of our cars.

Hartge330ci · #20 12-30-2008, 09:59 PM

Nobody knows how many bulbs and what size in the instrument cluster?

Bio300TDTdriver · #21 12-30-2008, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hartge330ci

Nobody knows how many bulbs and what size in the instrument cluster?

I know how many are in a 124 console.

Chad300tdt · #22 12-30-2008, 10:49 PM

I believe it's 6 - 2721 bulbs (same as CCU)
and 3 - 2821 bulbs.

JimmyL · #23 12-31-2008, 12:14 AM

I used Chad's link above and ordered 4 of the brite white lights. Expensive buggers at $8 + per light!!

Got 2 for the white wagon and 2 for China [which are already pretty bright]

pwogaman · #24 12-31-2008, 06:15 AM

But what color LEDs will you use under the rocker panels to go with those bright speedo dials?

cewyattjr · #25 12-31-2008, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrgrassi

I use "yellow glow" LED's in my model trains. I get them at Discount Model Trains in Addison, TX. They put out a light similar to the incadesant. The bright white LED's do cast a blueish light, which does not look proper on the model trains or in the dash lights of our cars.

Sounds good, but I can't get my choo-choo to fit behind the cluster. dang it.

I've tried the super white intensity LED's but maybe I bought cheapo's. They light up pretty nicely at first. Dispersion isn't a problem because they go thru those plastic refractors (in m 300D, '92). However, after a few months they burn out and/or get really dim, and I can actually start smelling them. Electrical stink. I think the white dials are the right idea technicaly, but border on ricey at least for an old W123.

My $.02. Happy New Year all!

-Chuck

WD8CDH · #26 01-02-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wgilmore

The factory pointers are coated with a inorganic phosphorescent pigment that is green and very permanent. The phosphorescent green then is coated with a translucent fluorescent pigment that gives the orange / red color that fades over time. I re-coated the pointers with a translucent phosphorescent orange.

So how red were the pointers when new? Mine are very yellow, not even a hint of orange. Much more yellow than even the light orange on the dial now.

When new did the pointer color and the orange on the dial match VDO aftermarket gauges?