In reading the CLK (W208) forum at mbworld.com, seems that failing pixels on the readouts for the temperature and clock LCD’s is very common (including my 2001 CLK320 Cab at 40,000 miles).

Seems to me that MB should have been able to record the on-going record of mileage in one of the on-board computers.

I believe the pixel problem has to do with a poor (probably cold) solder joint at the cable connector. Eventually, I'll pull mine out (easy to do) and re-solder the connect pads.

FWIW, you mileage is recorded once a year at state inspection (should be on your receipt, available from your state or CarFax). With the date and mileage established, plus the date of new cluster with 0 miles, a reasonable approximation of your total true mileage can be established (in other words, your car's value does not get cut in half).

I hope you have a good resolution to all this. Thanks for posting what happened to you. It could have happened to almost any of us, and without your post I don't think most people would have ever considered the possibility. Very sorry or your situation, thank you very much for posting.

Paul
98 E300