Rick76,

Thank you. I knew I had seen, somewhere along the way, that failing to do xxxx could cause the cluster to blow when jumping a Mercedes. I can not remember what xxxx is and my searches the last few days have not turned up any evidence. At least you are aware of the same thing I was searching.

From talking to the PO, that is what I suspect happened to my latest acquisition. He mentioned 'jumping it off' at least once and I have always had an aversion to jump starting German cars (there is some different consequence for BMW, and I don't remember what; I may have seen the first reference 10 or 20 years ago).

In any event, concordant with Peter's report, I will replace the capacitor, the 'small transistor' (BC640), and the power transistor (which should be pretty obvious when i remove the cluster). Check for trace integrity, insure proper ground on re-installation, and I think we may be ready to go.

I am not sure I want to pull the cluster in 16° weather and I left everything on the street last night so I can get out tomorrow. I may try to find the picture I have seen posted of the rear of the cluster to get the part number for the power transistor.

I have re-capped several sat receivers with Mouser parts and have a pretty good confidence level with their offerings.