On my 97 E-320, the digital odometer does not display the top 2 rows of dots for the numbers. Is this likely an instrument cluster problem or is it possibly a light bulb that is burned out?

It's the cluster.

Thanks for the info. Isuspected the cluster.

New clusters are about $1,000, but a company called Beckmann Technologies sells rebuilt units for less than half that amount, IIRC.

http://www.beckmanntechnologies.com/

There are also a couple of companies on ebay that will rebuild yours for about $200.00, but you have to send them yours, so you won't be able to use your car for about a week.

Here's one for $225.00 plus shipping:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-C-E-Class-Instrument-Cluster-Repair-Service_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1207Q7c39Q3a1Q7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c240Q3a1308QQ_trksidZp328 6Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem330277258300QQitemZ330277258300

Here's one for $199.00, shipping included:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-E-Class-Instrument-Cluster-Repair-Service_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1207Q7c39Q3a1Q7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trksidZp328 6Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem250300555273QQitemZ250300555273

Both appear to give a lifetime warranty.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

This is a fairly-common failure in the 1996 and later W210 E-class cars. It won't affect drive-ability, but it is an annoyance to some MB owners.

Thanks for the good information.