The clock on my 98 ML 320 is no longer bright enough to be easily read. I can still see the numbers so I know the clock mechanism is working but the LED seems to be bad. Can I replace just the clock LED and if so, how difficult would it be. Thanks!

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99 E300 133K
98 ML320 99K
87 Saab 900 Turbo Conv 123K

It's even easier than that! It's just a bulb that needs to be replaced.
I know I posted how to remove the cluster at some point, let me see if I can locate the instructions.

Gilly

Found it, I'll just to a cut and paste on it:

HD:
I'll give an outline of what is involved and you can decide to try it or not.
The 2 dash colored panels on each side of the steering column need to be removed first, then the dash colored strip at the top of the steering column. With these removed, the black frame that surrounds the cluster is removed by pulling out on the 2 tabs at the bottom of the black surround and pulling downwards on the frame.
Next, the cluster itself can be removed by loosening the 2 black plastic fasteners at the top and removing the 7mm screws at each side of the cluster. The cluster will come out quite easily without removing the steering wheel. There is one electrical connector that will need to be removed from the cluster, it is a locking swing-latch that is pretty easy to figure out.
The bulbs are easy to replace by using a small screw driver, they are 1/4 turn to remove. The bulbs most likely will need to come from a dealer or mercedesshop/fastlane I'm sure sells them as well. I recommend doing at least the 3 behind the displays (clock, temp, odometer) since you are going through the trouble to remove the cluster. You may want to replace the illumination bulbs as well, but not the bulbs for the warning displays, I've never had one of these fail yet.

Gilly

Thanks Gilly!

I was just getting ready to search for that cluster removal thread as I noticed the backlighting on mine appears as if at least one bulb has gone out.

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

Thanks Gilly.

I'll get right on it now that I have the info. These lamps have gone out before (under warranty)....I would have expected them to last longer. Is it a heat buildup problem? Surely we shouldn't be expected to have to replace them every two or three years. That's nonsense. I need to order the bulbs and I'll report back when I'm done.

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99 E300 133K
98 ML320 99K
87 Saab 900 Turbo Conv 123K

They sure do burn out alot. Never heard a good explaination of why they do this......

Gilly