How to remove '95 E320 instrument cluster with speedo cable?
 

The WIS says you have to disconnect the cable from the transmission so you have enough slack to pull the cluster out enough to reach behind it to disconnect the cable there. Can you do it without disconnecting the cable from the transmission?

Yes and no. There is enough slack available to remove the cluster without removing the speedo cable at the transmission. However, in doing so it is nearly certain you will kink the speedo cable from pulling it so taught, and from then on the speedometer will have an up-and-down flutter to it.

It bounces up and down for the first 500 feet or so when cold.

I'm working from memory, but I think you have to undo a bracket in the footwell to provide enough slack.

I never have a problem pulling the cluster out part-way, then squeezing my hand back to undo the cable. My wrists are not huge and I have fairly large hands, so that certainly helps.

+1

I didn't think a 95 has a cable.
The symptoms given make me think I am wrong, but later on in the lifespan in the 124 I thought they went electronic.
Easy way to find out is to look for a cable on the trans. (left side of car on the tail shaft housing)
It's not that hard to disconnect it.
I did manage to get the cable off on the ones with a cable without removing it from the trans though. Getting it started back ON is the hard part! I never damaged a cable due to not disconnecting it. The difference between having a hard time removing/installing it and an easy time would be only a few fractions of an inch, and the cable length of course can vary that small amount, so sort of "luck of the draw".
Gilly

Usually a little rough on my hand and wrist, but yes, it can be done without damage. Just be reasonable on the amount of force you use when pulling on the cluster. I pull the cluster out as far as it will reasonably come out, then cock it so I can get my right hand behind it. Find the knurled fastener and then unscrew counter clockwise.

Jim

The '95 definately has a cable, I have two in my garage.

OK, not shown in your signature line, but "who cares"

Wow. Well, I presume that the OP cares whether this is a guess or first-hand observation.

Could be the V8's were electronic?

I didn't work on a whole lot of V8s but that's possible, or maybe the 126 chassis went electronic at some point?

The "who cares" comment was a reflection of the Babymogs signature line, yes i am sure the OP cares. I wouldn't have questioned him if he actually had a '95 listed in his stable. Now he says he has 2 of them, fine, he's the 95 experten.
Gilly

I don't know Gilly if all 126s were electronic, my '91 was. Were the early ones mechanical?

My '95 E320 certainly has a cable drive speedo. As mentoned already, loosening the clip in the footwell gives a bit more slack so the cluster can be withdrawn further, allowing those of us with club hands better access. I found I needed to remove the steering wheel to get the cluster out far enough to release the speedo cable.