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  #1  
Old 01-09-2001, 06:00 PM
Jim380
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Is there a way to get years of dust accumulation out from behind the instrument cluster lens? -Thanks, Jim

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  #2  
Old 01-09-2001, 07:29 PM
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The lens is glued to the housing body at the time of manufacture. The only (noninvasive) way to get behind the lens is to remove the instrument cluster housing and then remove both gauge clusters and speedometer head. Special pulling hooks (inexpensive; MB # 140 589 02 33-00) are available to aid in removal of the housing but are not mandatory.
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  #3  
Old 01-09-2001, 07:33 PM
Jim380
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380SL inst. cluster...

Thanks. Do I need to remove the steering wheel to get the cluster out? I wonder how the heck dust get in there anyways. -Jim
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  #4  
Old 01-11-2001, 07:01 AM
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We didn't have a 380SL in Europe, but I presume that it is a W107 SL ("71-"89)...
To be able to take out the dash cluster out of a W107 SL you definitely have to take out the steering wheel; these cars were designed way to small!
If it is a R129 SL ("89 till now) it should be possible to take out the cluster without removing the steering wheel (especially when the car has got an an adjustable steering column).

When you pull the dash cluster out with the hooks mentioned, take care not to damage the cluster and/or dash!
If the car has got an airbag you have to make sure not to turn the ignition key whilst the dash cluster is disconnected; nothing drastic will happen, but the SRS light will be illuminated afterwards (cause the system detected a problem).

Dust in dash clusters (after years of use) is quiet normal in common sedans and especially in open roadsters.

greetingz,
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1993 C250D
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  #5  
Old 01-11-2001, 01:07 PM
Jim380
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Thanks MBENZ. I suppose I just need hand tools + steering wheel puller? I'd like to have the cluster looking clean as the rest of the interior (which is good). -Jim
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  #6  
Old 01-13-2001, 01:21 PM
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Jim,

You just need handtools & some help when you're about to unscrew the steering wheel bolt. The steering wheel itself does not need a puller; it can be taken off fairly easy.

greetingz & good luck,
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www.MBenzNL.com
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  #7  
Old 04-22-2005, 03:16 PM
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After pulling my cluster to clean it, I now have a starter interlock issue and cannot start it with a key. It runs fine if I jump the solenoid! I pulled the steering wheel and seats and carpet too, so somewhere inbetween I messed something up. Take care not to break the oil pressure sending tube going into the back of the cluster, too. Which means DON'T start the engine without the cluster connected :0 I know all about that one...

Be careful!

Scott
1974 450 SL 210,000 miles
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  #8  
Old 04-23-2005, 01:50 AM
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Scott,

You have a '74 SL, which had the seat interlock. The connectors under the seat are in place for the seat belt starter interlock. If they were reconnected, then the starter interlock would take place.
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  #9  
Old 04-23-2005, 08:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jgl1
The lens is glued to the housing body at the time of manufacture. The only (noninvasive) way to get behind the lens is to remove the instrument cluster housing and then remove both gauge clusters and speedometer head. Special pulling hooks (inexpensive; MB # 140 589 02 33-00) are available to aid in removal of the housing but are not mandatory.
I have taken apart about a dozen 450/380/560SL instrument clusters and I have yet to find one with the lens glued in. It is actually sandwiched between the two pieces of the cluster, and around the edges are 8 or so small anti-rattle clips, which must not be lost. I have some notes on how to remove/replace/restore these on my website.
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  #10  
Old 04-24-2005, 02:57 PM
BusyBenz
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I guess by now you've figured taking the cluster apart is possible, so I cant add much here but to say that I had mine apart for the same reason and I had no trouble.

Just be careful not to use harsh detergents where the white lettering painted on the clear plastic for the idiot lights etc. Fantastic, or 409, will dissolve that lettering instantly!

I also took the liberty and repainted the instrument needles. I used TESTORS model paints, mixed yellow with orange to get the right color!

If your odometer is not working, here is an opportunity to glue the little gear that is said to be the cause......you'll have to look for that thread here at Mshop, but there is a method outlay for repair!

Good luck.............BB
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  #11  
Old 04-24-2005, 04:37 PM
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Another tidbit; while apart, it's a great opportunity to polish the plastic lens over the gauges. Over years, these are carelessly polished (by the PO, not YOU, of course) and the plastic is soft and gets scratched with circular scratches. The light shields are held in my tinnerman clips and removable (carefully) with a thin blade.

I've gotten out moderate scratching with PLASTX from McGuiars (sp?) and a flannel cloth from Wal-Mart. Work in an absolutely clean environment and look carefully at the plastic through a light source before final reassembly (it's a dust magnet, and dust in this area is very annoying).

For serious scratching, I've gotten out quite serious scratches with a buffing wheel, drill mandrel and some compound from Lowes. Again, working in an absolutely clean environment is crucial.
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http://juliepalooza.8m.com/sl/mercedes.htm
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  #12  
Old 04-25-2005, 06:48 PM
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FYI to anyone polishing their instrument lenses...3M makes a polish specifically for polishing soft plastics. Get it at your local automotive paint store for about $8. Use a very soft cloth, the new miracle fiber cloths are probably about the best and they are getting real cheap now. Chrome and other metal polishes and polishes for painted surfaces may work a little bit but they are made primarily for things that are much harder than soft plastics.

FWIW,

230/8
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  #13  
Old 02-17-2007, 11:34 PM
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Speedometer panel removal

I wold like to remove the speedometer panel to clean. I read that the panel will come out because it is pressure fit. I have a 1984 500 SL . How do y0u get to the bolt to remove the steering wheel. Does the horn pad just pull off??

Any help will be appreciated.
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  #14  
Old 02-17-2007, 11:46 PM
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You -very carefully- dig out the center embelem (assuming that you don't have an airbag) with a small screwdriver (don't scratch or nick it). I would not do this when the plastic is below 60 degrees. You don't have to remove the pad. In fact, removing the pad is not recommended because it can tear and distort when removed (particularly if it's cold).

This will expose the bolt. DO NOT USE the ignition lock as a brace while loosening it. Use your knees, or get some help in holding the wheel. It is VERY tight. Obviously, this needs to be very tight again (and locktited, in my opinion) when replaced.

Searching this forum there's a lot of info on this job.
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http://juliepalooza.8m.com/sl/mercedes.htm
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  #15  
Old 02-17-2007, 11:55 PM
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For Goodness Sake ...be careful not to break the windshield with whatever wrench / ratchet / breakerbar / extensions / lever...etc. you are using. That bolt is in good and when you do crack it..........

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