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.

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