Removing instrument cluster from 300SDL...
 

I'd like to remove the cluster to clean it. Any danger in doing that on the 300SDL - with the SRS system in there I'm a little hesitant... I've done it with no problems on my 300D.

Also, I've seen a photo of a back of such cluster on EBay and it looks quite a bit more complicated than the simple 300D cluster I messed with - looks like some of the plugs may not disconnect easily and also it looks like a ton of wires that will probably need to be labeled or else...

Anything else I should know before I pull it?!

Finally, is there a good plexi-glass cleaner that someone should recommend - my cluster is full of tiny little dots - not sure what they are, I'm guessing it was moisture/condensation, but would like to remove it and get it clean again.

I don't know about a cleaner...

But I've taken out my instrument cluster numerous times with some ease. The wires I had on my cluster were already [factory maybe] marked. You might wanna be careful on the oil/Fuel level/Temp plug...The polarity pin broke off on mine.

coat hanger
 

To Pull it take a metal coat hanger and cut the long flat piece on bottom out. cut that into two pieces, Curl one end using needle nose pliers. about one third of the way down on the outside slide them in and twist until you feel them grab the cluster. GENTLY:eek: tug a little at a time one side then the other it will pop out.
Everythung on the sdl dash is electronic so it will all unplug. I have had mine out about 5 times. TAKE YOUR TIME.:eek: It just sits in there.

On my car I just removed the trim around the headlight switch, reached up, and pushed the cluster out.

-Jason

No problems disconnecting the jungle of wires back there?!

Nope. All the single lights are numberd too, so they're easy to put back.

-Jason

No fundamenal difference between a W123 and a W126.
Same operation, same design.

Even easier, though. No mechanical oil ine or speedo cable....

Jim

Sorry to high jack the post. But I have a 87 SDL and the odometer doesn't work anymore. It doesn't even turn. Do you know where I can purchase that small plastic peg that goes in the back? I'm thinking it went out and will need to be replaced.

Finally pulled out the SDL's instrument cluster for cleaning - had some kind of spots everywhere behind the plexi glass - finally got it all cleaned out the way I like...

I remember that there was some type of light grinding noise at idle (or minimal speeds) coming from behind the instrument cluster and I've assumed in the past that it's probably the speedo cable that needs to be lubed... now that I see that it's electronic I know that this isn't it....

So, what else could be making the low grinding noises back there that I should investigate while the whole cluster is out?! Ideas welcome...

James