Weird issue with '07 E320 instrument cluster after jump starting it. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TX76513 · #1 03-15-2016, 10:38 AM

Lost communications - probably when the battery went dead. Even replacing the battery you need to supply power through the OBD port so the ECM doesn't power off. I would definitely try a battery disconnect and reboot/Flash before I through $$ at a new cluster.

If replacement is necessary Google ACTRONICS - they reman W211 clusters.
Plan #2 Pound on your MB Dealer for a "goodwill" repair. They should antae up 50% as a cluster should last the life of the car.

97 SL320 · #2 03-15-2016, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX76513

If replacement is necessary Google ACTRONICS - they reman W211 clusters.
Plan #2 Pound on your MB Dealer for a "goodwill" repair. They should antae up 50% as a cluster should last the life of the car.

On a nearly 10 year old car? I'm sure MB will tell you what to pound.

If a cluster should last the life of the car, why are there so many companies that repair clusters across all makes?

How are cluster electronics any different than any other system in the car that should make them last longer?

TX76513 · #3 03-16-2016, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

On a nearly 10 year old car? I'm sure MB will tell you what to pound.

If a cluster should last the life of the car, why are there so many companies that repair clusters across all makes?

How are cluster electronics any different than any other system in the car that should make them last longer?

I have had personal good luck with goodwill repairs -but I also have a good relationship with dealers. A good attitude helps too, and you never know unless you ask.

Complete failure - I still have working electronics in 30 year old cars. Reasonable expectations its one thing to replace a radio another a $2K cluster.

97 SL320 · #4 03-16-2016, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX76513

I have had personal good luck with goodwill repairs

Examples? Please cite year / model of car , miles , date / type of repair.

ROLLGUY · #5 03-17-2016, 01:50 AM

When the car was at the repair shop, a complete diagnostic was done that showed all the fault codes. There were 4 pages of codes, and most were stored, but some were current. The majority were from under voltage. Several were related to systems that display on the instrument cluster. Unless I am missing something obvious, it appears that the cluster does in fact need to be replaced or repaired. I hope a trip to the dealer to request a goodwill repair is fruitful. If not, the cluster will get removed and sent for repair. Could there be some test that I can do that will reveal an easy fix? If not, a repaired instrument cluster is in this cars future......Rich

TX76513 · #6 03-17-2016, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

Examples? Please cite year / model of car , miles , date / type of repair.

Your sort of a troll and creepy when we are trying to help the poster...but
2003 W211 SBC system goodwill repaired (ALL OF IT) 2015 with 100K on clock. This is easiest to validate as it was a "shared" vehicle with another forum member. I would have loved to post the MB maintenance sheet showing this but it went with the car when sold.

97 SL320 · #7 03-17-2016, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX76513

Your sort of a troll and creepy when we are trying to help the poster...but

By asking for details to substantiate a claim you made? Besides, you are helping the poster by listing details.

However, the goodwill repair on a 12 year old car isn't as dramatic as it appears. MB extended the SBC warranty on 03 - 06 cars from 4 to 10 years + unlimited mileage.

The extra 2 years goodwill would be like extending a 4 year warranty 8 months.