My 1989 300 te has intermittent low dash lights. Every so often the lights are dim...then they improve. Plus, I wish there were brighter than stock...As I age, I need more light.
So, any ideas why the dash lights dim? Any ideas how to improve the stock dash lights.?

I assume you're aware of the location of the dash light dimmer switch. If they are flickering/varying intensity I'd try a new dimmer switch. No idea on making them brighter, I think I have heard some guys will eliminate the dimmer, and just solder those connectors together, getting maybe a bit brighter lights but no control over the brightness any more. Maybe find different wattage bulbs, but I'd be afraid of damaging the cluster (melting).
Gilly

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I've worked on a 300CD, 300SD, E320, an now a 500SEC. All of them needed dash light improvement. They are Xenon bulbs for dash lights.
I bought mine off Ebay. Be sure to indicate year, make,and model.
Good luck!

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I agree that the rheostat on the dimmer should be bypassed to the full on position. Who needs a "dim and dimmer" feature? I jumper across every dimmer I find when working on a Mercedes made before 1995

The safest way to improve the '89 124 instrument lights is to find a later cluster housing, a 94 or 95 300E/TE/260/E320/ etc all the clusters are the same. They have better design for improved lighting/ Swap your instruments into the newer cluster and Voila! Use the search button 124 dash or something, its in the archives, pictures of the difference in the clusters is here also. Higher intensity bulbs will melt the housing.

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