Slow ODO - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

1989560SL · #1 12-13-2008, 12:09 PM

Hi Guys,

Has anyone experienced a slow odometer? Mine is registering roughly 25% of actual, suddenly. I've got a 1990 300SE.

Thanks

LUVMBDiesels · #2 12-13-2008, 01:29 PM

There is a plastic gear that drives the odo from the speedometer. It gets loose and spins on the shaft instead of spinning the shaft. Do a search on Odometer repair. There is a great pictorial of how to fix this. If the gear is shot, you can either pull a speedo from the junkyard (that's what I did) or buy a new one. Do a google search for vdo odometer gears.

Havefun.

Matt L · #3 12-13-2008, 03:03 PM

I recall reading one site that purported to sell these gears, but don't recall at all what it might have been. These gears are notoriously hard to buy unless you have a speedometer repair shop.

Years ago I made one for a SAAB (which also has a VDO gauge). I used modeling clay to make a mold from the old gear and polyester resin to make a new one. It worked for years before the car was finally rear-ended.