126 Cluster Lights ??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Gregory · #1 02-18-2014, 11:44 PM

I have spent hours trying to learn what should be easy to find.

There are two types of bulbs used in the 300 SD/126 cluster. Has anyone definitively sorted out these bulbs? Has anyone used LED replacements for several years with good results?

There are three bulbs of one type, <3 watts. I found this Sylvania W0133-1644070 Light Bulb 2821 - Push-on used in instrument cluster lighting, 3 watt.

"T10", "194", "2821", "wedge base", are all identifiers that seem to relate to the above Sylvania bulb type. Or maybe some of them relate to the 1.2 watt type. It is really difficult to determine.

There is a variable number of the other bulb type, 1.2 watts, the exact number of bulbs depends on the features of your car. Maybe having 6 or 8 of this type on hand before pulling the cluster is enough to replace all of them?

Locating info and a source for the 1.2 watt bulbs has been difficult. This might be it: Sylvania W0133-1641123 Instrument Light; 12V/1.2W Instrument/Dashboard Bulb; Green/Black Socket

I would also like to find appropriate LED bulbs to replace the two types, but the nomenclature seems to be completely different for LEDs, and finding a reliable cross-match chart has been difficult.

Has anyone definitively sorted out these bulbs? Has anyone used LEDs for several years with good results?

Suggestions? Comments? Advice? Thanks!

charmalu · #2 02-19-2014, 02:51 AM

Here is the list from the Pelican catalog on bulbs for a 82 SD.
I haven`t used the LED`s so no comment on these. there are past thread on the LED`s, sure someone will surface that has done it.

1982 Mercedes-Benz 300SD Base Sedan - Lights and Lenses - Page 1

Charlie

Gregory · #3 02-19-2014, 08:10 AM

Thank you for the link to Pelican Parts.

I see the 1.2 watt bulbs are available two different ways; with the socket base and without.

Do the socket bases ever need replacing? Or are the bulbs that come with the socket base permanently stuck in the base and cannot be replaced with the non-base bulb?

If I buy non-base bulbs and my car has bulbs that are permanently stuck to the bases, then my project is sidelined until I buy the bulbs with bases and they are delivered on the back of a snail.

The 3 watt bulbs seem to be only sold without the base. That indicates that all of the bases are reusable, and do not often fail. Is that correct?

I would like to have everything I need on hand when I pull the cluster so I can replace all the bulbs, do all the other repairs, and then put it back in the dash. But if I must remove the cluster to determine what bulbs are needed, and how many of each, then I'll have the car disabled until the snail mail brings the parts.

This should be easy, but the information on the bulbs is not organized, nor is it complete anywhere.

Add the possibility of swapping to LEDs and it is another information desert.

Gregory · #4 02-19-2014, 08:31 AM

I went out while it was still dark and turned on the key to count the bulbs in the cluster. Nine bulbs are lit, including the hi-beam indicator and the turn signal indicators.

Are the turn signal indicators the 1.2 watt bulbs?

From what I read, there are three 3 watt bulbs. Two illuminate the dials from above, via 2 plastic prisms. What does the 3rd 3-watt bulb do?

JamesDean · #5 02-19-2014, 12:53 PM

This might be helpful for LED replacements:

http://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/led-vehicle-replacement-bulbs/vehicle/1982-mercedes%20benz-300+sd+380+sel--/37-79--/

compu_85 · #6 02-19-2014, 12:54 PM

Their listing for the general illumination lamps is wrong.

-J

JamesDean · #7 02-19-2014, 12:57 PM

Hm you're right. 2821 is the stock number for those. 194 wedge bulbs:

http://www.superbrightleds.com/search/led-vehicle-replacement-bulbs/2821/filter/Cross_Reference_Number,194,21,201:

Ha now there you go!
http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/miniature-wedge-base/194-led-bulb--19-smd-led-wedge-base-tower/1563/

lol.

NJ300sdl · #8 02-19-2014, 01:30 PM

Recommend white LED bulbs, used them for 2 years. Do not know the brand or type. For maximum illumination, the light guides have to be perfect. They can not be brown or melted on the end. I painted the light chambers white and the needles florescent white plus installed chome rings on guages.

Gregory · #9 02-19-2014, 02:15 PM

It looks like the LED sellers use "194" to describe the base of their LED illuminators. So just to verify, is 194 the 1.2W or the 3W OEM base? I'd like to know for sure before ordering 10 LED illuminators to replace the 1.2W bulbs, and then find out the 194 base is actually used for the 3-watt OEM bulbs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesDean