The left side of the instrument cluster on my '82 300D went dark. So yesterday I took it out to have a look at it. There are 3 little bulbs at the top behind the cluster but there are also 2 knobs close to these. Are there bulbs behind the 2 knobs? But my big problem is that I can't take the whole cluster out of the car because I can't disconnect the fuel and temp gauge connecter. How is it supposed to be disconnected??? There are also the individual wires going to the glow plug light, etc that look like they might be troublesome getting off.

Any help would be appreciated.

Yes, if I'm thinking what you are thinking, those are bulbs behind the knobs. Twist them 180* and pull out. The fuel and temp gauge connector can be stubborn sometimes. I usually get two small flat head screw drivers and insert them between the "hooks" that are attached to the back of the instrument and gently pry it up. You should be able to pull the glow plug light, etc. off with little force. Just remember where each one belongs when reinstalling.

Success at last!
 

Thanks for the quick reply SW! There are bulbs behind the knobs and the left one was burned out. I replaced it and now I have light. Unfortunately none of the small bulb lights work, and all of them are perfect shape. I'll have to take apart the whole thing, but I'll do that some other day. Again thanks SW.

Just a guess about the other bulbs. The instrument panel has to be inserted back into the dash before all the lights will work again. When snapped into place properly the ground makes contact. If not the lights will not work. If you bent the sheet metal at the top of the dash when you took out the instrument panel then you may not be getting a proper ground.