Just did mine Thursday (86 190D). Releasing the two clips on and near the trans gave enough slack (without disconnecting the cable itself) to pull the cluster enough to get a hand behind it. The manual says to remove the bottom dash bolster and vent so that you could address it from inside the car.

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Hanno
'79 6.9 Sold (after 27 years)
'83 280SL, 5 spd.
'94 E320 Sdn. 5 spd conversion
'02 E320 Sdn.(on loan to mom!)
'87 300E (5 spd. conversion) Sold
'05 E500 Wagon