The cluster lights (for all of the gauges) went out on the S500 today. In the dark they are very dim (the lighting is barely on) and they appear to flicker/get dimmer and brighter and so forth. I examined the three fuses associated with the cluster (all 7.5A) and they all checked out ok. I assume this is the dreaded flourescent inverter that is simply too small to be reliable for 6+ years of operation.

Is there any way to fix this or is it simply a new cluster. If I were to purchase a used cluster off eBay (assuming the risk of immenent failure) how easily is it to reset the milage? Can this be done DIY or does it require the dealership.

Also, where can I get the tools to remove the cluster (eBay? or does Phil have these) and what can I expect to pay?

EDIT: Are the removal tools the same as these:



{Also used to remove the Audio 10 HU on my 94 E320}

Any helpful hints on removing the cluster on the w220?

Thanks!

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

Yes they are the tools needed to pull the cluster. Just stick them in and pull out. My cluster died this summer as well and the dealer wanted $2000 to fix it. I sent my cluster to a place in Florida and for about $550 it was all fixed. Here is the phone number. 754-235-000 Good Luck.
Johan

It is impossible to change or alter the mileages on the cluster without having all require tools & software.
It is possible to change the light, if you are familiar with electronics and good soldering skill. I just changed from fluorescent to LED lights, which looks very nice.

Could you double check that phone number? There aren't quite enough digits there.

Thanks!

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

Call your dealer- the cluster will get replaced- the campaign hasn't been announced yet, but it's coming, seems the feds thought not being able to read your speed might be a safety concern!!

Thanks a lot! Any idea of how to get the service manager to replace it now (before the campaign comes out).

For those interested it is NHTSA id#06V028000

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsearch.cfm

I also attached a pdf of the information for anyone else to print out.

Attached Files

s500 cluster recall.pdf (28.8 KB, 1011 views)

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

Get him to contact his SPOM..they will approve it

2000 w220 instrument cluster gauges started working intermittently and randomly then entire cluster lights went out. Stopped working all together I removed the cluster with keys aka cluster tools now going to send it to cluster repair shop anyone know a reasonable company to send it too

Welcome to Pelican. You will have a better chance of getting a response if you start your own post. This one from 2006 will be ignored when a member clicks on it and sees the date. There's lots of good help here, just start a new post. Good luck.

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'89 260e (212K Mi.), '92 400e (208K Mi.), '92 400e (not a misprint) (146K Mi.), '95 C220, '81 240D--Sold