Does anyone know how how involved a job it is to replace the illumination (light bulb?) in the dash that backlights the outside thermometer?

This ia a soldered in bulb on printed circuit board, no parts avail from MB except complete inst cluster. I have found several sources for this type bulb & have replaced at least 50 or more. Not a DIYer unless you do circuit board repairs!

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
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27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

I would do the circuit board repair on mine, but I can't figure how to slide the board out. It just doesn't want to want to release in my 94 W140, and I don't know the trick.
Any help??

Thanks, Barry

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Barry

Is it really? I am glad that the W202 C class comes with an easy to exchange separate light bulb for the outside temperature meter...
Sometimes the designers of mercedes surprise me. It looks like they think that their products last forever and never will break down or wear out.

greetingz,

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1990 300SL-24
1993 C250D with a minor 600+k kilometer
www.MBenzNL.com(the Netherlands)

MB makes a special tool for pulling the instrument cluster. However, I've been advised by a very experienced independent MB mechanic to--take it to the MB dealership and pay the $70/hour to have the bulb replaced.

The problem is that the faceplate on the instrument cluster cracks--according to my source--about 80% of the time when you try to pull the instrument cluster--even when you use the special tools. And the replacement instrument cluster is about $500!

So, the advice is to let the MB dealer take the risk.