It is a stunning car, but it seems to have some odd glitches. Notice that the car uis supposedly running, but the tach is on "0" (zero) and the fuel gauge is below "R", as if the switch is off. Notice too that while all of this is going on that the oil pressure and temperature gauge are working.

Now on my car, when the switch is off, all of the guages go to "zero", which is how I am assuming it is supposed to be?

Safe to assume that there is something wrong with the gauges on this car?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1985-MERCEDES-500SEL-OHH-BABY-LOOK-AT-THE-MILES-WOW_W0QQitemZ4643573752QQcategoryZ6332QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Here is the same view of a different 85' 500SEL on e-bay. This is how mine look when the ignition is off.....

in the one shot you can see the key is on, what i think is happening is the oil pressure sensor is bad, sometimes when it fails it will go to 3bar with the key on and engine off. also the outside temp is on so the key is definately on, also if the engine is hot, it will still show the current temp with key on engine off.

Thanks..

Hmm- that is strange, because on my car, when the ignition is off, all of the gauges go down, just like the one you see in the lower photo.

Also, not sure if you noticed the one in the top photo (the one in question), that the fuel gauge is also down and there are no warning lights illuminated (if the switch is simply on and the engine not running).

without thinking too hard, perhaps the tach is inop.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

you are likely correct, see there is vacuum on the economy gauge

My first guess also.. and after studying the pics, I believe that is the case (or an incredibly low heart rate for engine)

Top Pic

bottom right, key is on
I think the low fuel triangle is on (look at second pic and compare)

so, either engine running or not running

if key is on and engine not running, then pics usually show one or more of the illuminations in the row with temp readout... (battery/brake/etc.) Since none are lit, the engine must be running. If engine running and no readout on tach.. tach not working.

maybe I've been watching too much Sherlock that comes on tonight and tomorrow night and Monday on Biography Ch.

Query: Is this one of the vehicles that if tach not working, then air conditioner won't work? I don't know that one. It's a beautiful car, or at least is photogenic. I know I'm in minority here, but I LOVE those front light designs.. more character and personality than the flat Euros.

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Nello Tare

1982 300D (266,001 mi.) looking and running great

Previously owned:
1976 450 SLC
1983 300D
1976 300D
also
1982 Jaguar XJ6 (loved, but gone)

Who cares guages are simple to fix. The rest of the car is more important.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Seems as though. But if that is the case and the tach is not working, then the fuel gauge also is on the fritz. I have never seen a car that low on fuel and still run.....

No, its not a big deal, but seems rather strange problem on a supposed 35K actual mile car to have a broken tachometer and fuel gauge.

Why its a 20 something year old car. The grounds and connections are probably all coroded.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Mine is 21 years old too and has 266K and its not corroded..... (knock on wood)

My grandfathers 55' Cadillac is 51 years old and its not corroded- all of the original gauges and lighting systems are in perfect working order - for now anyway.....

Thats because yours has 266k miles on it. Sitting is what causes electical problems.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200