I have just purchased a pristine '87 560SL. The light in the right (tach/clock) pod doesn't work. How can I replace it? I know the cluster will come out the front, but it looks like the steering wheel is in the way. Can I remove the wheel w/o fear of deploying the air bag? Is it possible to change the lamp by removing the stereo and reaching through the opening? I will be changing out the stereo very soon.

You will have to remove the steering wheel to replace the illumination bulbs. To do so you will need a Torx T-30 and a 10mm allen on a big ratchet. After removing the air bag carefully remove the small red connector on the back of the bag then place the bag on a clean surface with the Airbag facing up. Get out the 10mm allen and remove the big cone shaped bolt in the center of the wheel and mark the wheel before removal. The wheel will go on many many ways mark it well. Pull out the cluster with some Mercedes dash hooks and there you go.
Good luck.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Thanks for the info. I was able to get the air bag off, but I was not certain how to disconnect the red connector. I tried gently pulling on it, tried rocking it, sliding it, and even tried to open it as it looks like the connector is hinged. Does one just pry it off with a screwdriver? Again, thanks for your earlier reply.

Yes, I pulls straight up. I insert a small screw driver at the front edge to help..Be sure you're grounded when you do this. One small arc of static and Pow!!

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM