Good evening all,

How do you take out the instrument cluster on a 1998 500SL. I need to access the clock. I have 2 Sir Tool wire hooks that are supposedly made to disengage the panel. I have tried 50 times to no success. Can someone please direct as to how to remove this cluster?

Thanks in advance,
Mo

The hooks are inserted on the left and right side of the cluster with the tips of the hooks "up". Insert the tools so the rod is inserted about half-way. Then rotate the handles so the tips would be pointing towards each other (behind the cluster). Then SLOWLY begin pulling the tools out, the tips of the tools catch the cluster and pull it out. Just be careful, if the tips come off, they can break the cluster lense. On your car, it may need to have the steeering wheel removed to remove the cluster. You certainly will want to operate the power adjustment of the steering wheel all the way "out" towards the driver and also dowm as far as it will go.......Gilly

thanks gillybenztech, i will give it a try

Gilly is correct about how to use the hooks. The cluster will clear the steering wheel with it all the way out and down, as I have taken mine out on my 93-300SL.

thanks, AJG382

Instrument cluster half-way out
 

After working on removing the instrument cluster on my 98 500SL instrument cluster per the advice that was kindly giving by members of this tread, I have another question. I have the cluster half-way out after pulling on it rather hard. Is it supposed to come out straight or on am angle? Right now it is on about a 45 degree angle facing down. The rear of the cluster is touching the underside of the console. It seems to be stuck. Any answers greatly appreciated. I almost have it out but do not want to risk breaking it now. Thanks....
Moe

Moe: try moving the steering wheel all the way "out" (towards the driver) and down, this should give you enough clearance. Why do you need access to the clock? I don't believe it is available seperately. I believe the only replaceable part is the outside temp indicator....Gilly

thanks gilly, the clock stopped working

Moe

OK, Moe. I would think a 98 would still have some warranty left. I really don't know what you'll accomplish by pulling out the cluster. On Waynesworlds car, that's a 1990 and has a replaceable circuit board, but that was only up to '93. On yours, you're either missing circuit 30 (fuse?) or the clock is bad, which will require the instrument cluster replacement. At any rate, this should have either a 3 or 4 year warranty on it, I forget which it was in 98, at 3 years, it will depend on the delivery date, on 4 years (which I think it was), you are covered......Gilly

thanks everybody, i got it out

moe

gilly-your right about 4 years but I am over the miles