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  #16  
Old 11-18-2003, 03:06 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 231
Gerard... in the long run

You'll do more harm and more melting if you keep using the 5W bulbs. The spec is for 3W and you are almost doubling that power. More power = more heat = deformation of surrounding plastics = failure = more $$$ to spend. These clusters cost around $800-$1200 to replace and the light guides are not exchangeable; you have to replace the whole cluster or at least the shell. Just my 2 cents.

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  #17  
Old 11-19-2003, 07:26 AM
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91 300CE M103: 80 450SEL
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 112
Thanks Joseph H,

My 300D is off the road now, but as soon as I get a chance I'll replace with 3W bulbs. G
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  #18  
Old 03-07-2011, 05:03 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2011
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I got tired and went to LEDs

I got tired of poor illumination of the gauges on my 77 300d. I bought two T1-3/4 sized white LEDs. Drilled a couple holes at the end of the light pipes (opposite where the light bulbs go). Wired them in with a 1K 1/4 watt resistor in series with each one (1 LED and 1 resistor in series, do this twice, one for each light pipe). Ran to the variable voltage side of the Rheostat. Threw away those incandescents. Now it works excellent.

Remember, you must angle in the LEDs a bit to reflect off the diffuser at the front of the light pipe.

Keith
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  #19  
Old 06-29-2011, 05:22 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: I now live in Northern Virginia and intend to stay for good.
Posts: 15
Quote:
Originally Posted by suginami View Post
I have another bulb burned out in my instrument cluster in my W124.

Since I'm going to have to pull the instrument cluster to get to the one bulb, I'm thinking of replacing all of the bulbs to a brighter / higher watt bulb, if possible. I also notice the current bubls put out a very yellowish light. It'd be nice to get a whiter light.

Anyone done this?

If so, what bulbs did you use?

I've seen "lighting kits" sold by some guy on E-bay that claims to really brighten things up. He is using 5 Watt Xenon gas bulbs that are blue in color. He claims they put out a terrific amount of bright, white light.

I don't want to pay the $42 that he is asking for 3 bulbs and the instrument cluster pullers.

Anyone know where these bulbs can be purchased separately?

Here is a link to the auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2440503544&category=6763

Guys,

I haven't tried this yet but just still deliberating.
Here's a link that sells LED replacements for most Benz and could answer your needs:

W123 Mercedes LEDs for Cluster Kit $14.99 + $5.99 USPS.
http://www.mercedesleds.com/123.html

Okgolti
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  #20  
Old 11-23-2016, 10:22 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 33
Mercedes dealership sold me 5W bulbs.....big mistake. Nearly burnt my car down. The instrument panel is all melted and charred. Don't use higher wattage!!
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  #21  
Old 12-18-2020, 03:36 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Southeast
Posts: 1,907
LED lights are better

I got LED bulbs for my entire dashboard (for the headlight switch and vents) and for the 2 bulbs that light up the instrument cluster. I didn't bother replacing bulbs for the glow plug and warning lights.

There's a big improvement in it and I got the bright white bulbs. If you're careful and/or if you have small hands and arms (maybe get a female to do this) you can change the instrument cluster bulbs without having to unwire everything. Pull out the cluster, undo the speedometer cable so you can pull it out a touch more, then find the bulbs by feeling around (watch a YouTube video first so you know where about to look) and from memory the old bulbs are twist/turn and simply pull out. Then try to put the new ones in without dropping them inside the cluster otherwise you have to take the whole cluster completely out. Carefully put them in, twist/turn, and you're done. Hook up the speedo cable and push the cluster back in.

If you're going to be doing the dash bulbs, now is the time to undo the center vents and all that because you need the cluster out a bit to get to any screws holding the center and side vents in.

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