Odometer programming question

[DonB]

I have the intermittent ribbon cable problem with the instrument cluster LCD displays on my 1999 C-230 (missing segments on the readings). 18 months ago, I bought a replacement unit from a post on a forum, but never got around to installing it for various reasons.

This weekend, I removed to old cluster, plugged in the new one and confirmed everything worked, and the odometer reads 21,212 miles (not zero). Now I need to have the odometer programmed with the proper mileage, but the dealer claims it cannot be done unless the cluster is brand new, never used, and with zero miles on the reading. But, lots of places on the internet claim they can program it. What's up, can it be done?