Speedometer broke...

[Slatewear]

last night. My dash-banging didn't help, so I suspect it's the cable. Right? How difficult/costly to replace in my 280SL euro?

[tecqboy]

What year is your car? I believe that starting in 1989 all SL's used electronic instrumentation. So, no speedo cable.

[Slatewear]

1978 280sl Euro

I know there are more knowledgeable owners of the 107 euros
other than myself here but my spedo is electronic. The spedo and odometer
also stops on my car once in a while. I was told by the mechanic that what was
needed was a new wireing harness. One was ordered from europe but the wrong part was shipped. So i passed on that repair.

Good luck with your troubleshooting and wait for somebody in the know to advise.

steve c. '84 280sl 5 speed stick 184k

[c107]

I believe all speedos are mechanical until model year 1981, probably 1980 in euro versions.

On my '80 USA SLC there are 2 cables, one that goes from the speedo to a silver box behind the dash just above the brake/gas pedals (I'm guessing it has to do with the cruise control as there is a sensor plug attached to it), then a lower cable which goes from that box to the transmission. You can trace the cable if you take out the floor mats and pads.

Each end is available through the various online parts stores, so the failure could be either end if you have something similar.

I ordered an upper cable to replace a wobbly needle and found that it literally is just long enough but a real PITA to attach and remove when I have to get into the cluster for anything. I wound up ordering an upper cable for a 116 car, which is a little longer but not long enough to cause kinking.

Steve

[Slatewear]

Thanks for your help. I guess I'll get my lazy butt in gear and stick my head under the dash.

[Strife]

I've done some examination of the pre-electronic speedometer mechanism (I've removed several for my woodgrain dash projects), and other than the infamous odometer gear slipping, it seems pretty indestructable. I think it's very likely that your cable has a problem. It might even have come off.

[Slatewear]

Hey strife,

I would buy that because there was no warning. No bouncing needle or anything. One minute fine, next minute gone. Is the operation of replacing or repairing a big deal? Are there two cables? Do you know the best check to find out? Does the guage cluster have to come out? If so, I have to fix my odometer gear as well. So, I guess I'm in for a little project. It will have to wait until after Labor day though.