Question about speedometers in 190Es
 

I am replacing my speedometer in my 190 and i have come to know that different models of 190Es have different top speed limits on the speedometer. Is this due to the actual gears inside the speedometer itself or is this due to the gear attached to the driveline? I am trying to put an instument cluster from a 16V into an 8V which will soon have a different engine in it. the stock 8V speedometer tops off at 125mph i think and the stock 16V tops off at 140 mph i think. Can i change out these speedometers and my readings would stay accurate? Thankyou

George,

Good question! I have been told that it is the gearing within the speedo, but I have yet to confirm this.

i think that it is the gearing within the speedo because the transmissions can be swapped no problem...but i will confirm this for sure once i get my new instument cluster in about a week.

My 1987 16 valve speedometer goes to 160MPH. I have no idea how it is geared.

Maybe give Palo Alto Speedometer a call. They might know the answer. They specialize in VDO. www.paspeedo.com

I swapped out the speedometer and the gearing is within the speedometer. My readings are accurate and now my speedometer goes to 140mph instead of 125. Question answered...

You need to figure out what kind of differential the car has where you will get the spedometer because if they are the same, then you wont have to worry about it. I think that the 2.3-16 has limited slip 3.25:1 rear end ratio, but Im not positive. the 2.5 turbo has 3.07s I think.

Check on the rear end ratios.

Most spedo shops can make reducers and stuff to put on the back of the spedo head to match your rear end.

Austin