I have a '99 E320 that have a very dim clock display on the instrument panel. It is only readable at night or barely on an overcast day.

How do I get to back of instrument cluster to replace the burnt out bulbs? I am told that it is a burnt out white bulb behind the back lit LCD display.

Is this true, and how do I remove instrument panel to get at the bulb?

Regards,
Mike

The whole instrument cluster pulls out ( forward ).
M-B sells a tool ( hooks ) for this.
They're worth 5 or 6 bucks.
May be a good " investment ".
If you do a search here on " pulling instrument cluster ", you'll probably find some good directions.
One example:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/32102-how-remove-instrument-cluster.html#post176202
Just ignore any reference to a speedometer cable, as you don't have one.
It's a pretty simple procedure.

__________________
2007 C 230 Sport.

Thanks so much.
Is the point of insertion of tool into the instrument cluster easy to locate?

I'm trying it this weekend. I will let you know if I have any issues.

Are the clock light bulbs easy to locate in cluster, find for sale, and replace?

I believe you insert the hooks at about 10'o clock & 2'o clock postitions, behind the instrument cluster.
Turn the tool 90 degrees ( to let the hooks grab the instrument cluster) and then wiggle & pull at the same time. ( Be patient ).
Some people like to push the cluster from behind, while pulling with the hooks.
Once the cluster is out , reach behind and disconnect all electrical plugs.
After that, you should be able to see where new bulbs are required.
Get new bulbs at your friendly M-B dealer.
DO NOT turn the ignition key to the "ON" position while the plugs are disconnected, as this can cause a faultcode to register & would have to be erased at the dealer.

__________________
2007 C 230 Sport.

Info for a W140, but the basics are the same...

http://v12uberalles.com/instrument_cluster_removal.htm

__________________
1995 S600, 1 of 618 (sold)

"Speed is just a question of money...how fast you wanna go?"

LONG LIVE THE W140!
Visit my Web Page at www.v12uberalles.com

Thanks for the instructions and nice descriptive photos.
I will be tackling it this weekend.

I hope Auto Zone has the necessary bulb. MB is 20 miles away. Auto zone had the fog lamp bulb for $7, and the pair of cabin filters for $30.

Mike

It is not necessary to disconnect the electrical plugs. If you put the wheel all the way down and back, there is just enough room to move the panel toward the door and invert it.

If you do unplug the cluster, do NOT turn the key from the off position.

I'm assuming I can do this with the car off and the key in my pocket.

Yes.

__________________
2007 C 230 Sport.

Instrument panel came out easy making tools from coat hangers. The coat hangers were a little limp so I had to walk it out a little at a time from one side to the other. It didn't take any time and replacing the bulbs was very easy.

I ended up replacing 2 bulbs at $5 each from the dealer. When I replaced them I found one more burned out bulb for the emergency flasher. I will get it another time. I thought I checked them all but I missed one. If anyone else is doing this check the bulbs thoroughly.

Has anyone tried using the aftermarket LEDs instead of the regular bulbs

I have heard of it being done, only to be regretted afterward.
My understanding is that it is a very timeconsuming process with mixed results.
About the only 2 good things with LED's is very long life & minimal power consumption.
The negatives are, they're not bright enough, you can not dim them & the vehicle computer may not like the them either.
So I've heard.

__________________
2007 C 230 Sport.