How do I remove the clear plastic window over instrument cluster?
 

I have a 2000 c280 (w202) and I want to install some chrome rings around my gauges, but this requires me to have access to the area directly behind the cluster window.

I know how to remove the cluster (although I haven't done it yet) and I know the gauge cluster can be separated from the housing that includes the window.

My question is, how do I separate the window from the housing? Is it clipped on? Pressed on? Glued on?

clear window
 

hi iriete, i do not think you could remove it. instrument cluster to be replace from behind! you got to remove the whole instrument from behind by under dash. make sure you have some kind of marking system(color tape?) before you pop cluster out from behind. good luck, ph7

Thanks for the reply. I understand that I need to remove the cluster. My question is whether or not I can remove the clear plastic lense from the housing to install the chrome gauge rings.

I recently installed the rings on my 500E and you don't or probably can't remove the housing from the cluster. I just slipped the rings for the smaller outer gauges through the center opening and then the center ring can be squeezed or forced into place.

http://fototime.com/51E2713B823D926/standard.jpg

I also got the rings for my CLK and hope to do it this weekend.

The cluster casing and the plastic lens is one piece. when you take out the cluster you will see that the dial gauge will be able to pull from rear.

My goodness. I suppose it's a personal preference, but I very much prefer the look without those rings.

Thanks for the info atikovi. BTW, I think the rings look great! :)

Once the instrument cluster has been removed from the dashpanel it can be separated, just follow this guide. http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&u=http://www.mb-treff.de/tipps-tricks/w202/tachozeiger-klebt-fest/index.php&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhttp://www.motor-talk.de/f73/s/%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG ;
Cheers,Geo.:)

The translation didn't work for me, but thanks anyway Shandy. I think I've got the procedure down for the removal and separation of the cluster from the housing, but it appears there is no way to remove just the clear plastic lense from the housing.

You are right in that the clear part of the front is not available separately ,as I remember' it is either moulded in or glued into the front moulding. If you want to fit the chrome rings is it not just a matter of fitting them when the front moulding is removed from the cluster. The link shows the clips which hold both parts together ,don't let the poor translation put you off.
Geo.

On the W201 (190E/D) the plastic lens is held in place with small plastic glue "welds." A sharp No.11 X-acto blade and a few minutes dispatches the welds in the black trim rim. Once the lens is off, there are a couple benefits. If you install white dial faces, it's now possible to "tune" the speedo, tach with the cluster in place. It also makes installing the cluster rings easier.

Thanks for the replies. When I get around to doing this, I'll post my findings. If there are just a few spots where it's glued or "welded", then I'll probably do what MTI did.

I installed the rings today and they look great. I have the same question as you, how do you remove the clear plastic lens, can't believe it is glued in? someone knows, otherwise how could you install those burl wood covers for the whole cluster face that you see for sale. Come on someone, tell us.

How do I remove the clear plastic window over instrument cluster?
 

Where do you find the chrome rings? I've got to remove my cluster to repair the odometer so I'd like to put some in while I'm in the neighborhood !
Knutz.

http://www.carpartsdiscount.com/category/parts.mercedesbenz.gaugebezels/