I would appreciate it if someone could enlighten me on how the indicator lamps located behind the rocker switches on the veritcal area of the center console are accessed. All of the indicator lamps for the top row of switches and two for the second row are out.

Secondly, I would like to hear what some opinions are concerning the longevity of engine oil when highway driving approaches 100%. I intend to take a 5000 mile trip across the country and back in the next week and currently have 1000 miles on the most recent oil change. On a gasoline engine, I would not think twice about 6000 highway miles on an oil change but, I am ignorant of the toll diesel engines exact upon their oil. Any information would be appreciated.

The lamps in the center console are fed via fiber optics from a bulb behind the Heat/air pushbutton assembly. The safest thing to do is to have a qualified tech replace it. If you want to try, remove the ash tray, and radio, then the 2 screws at the bottom edge of the wood. Carefully slide out the pushbutton assembly/wood panel. Look straight back in the center of the hole you just opened for what could be described as an octopuss like cluster of wires (fiber optic cables actually), in the center is the bulb, replace it and don't forget to test it before you put it back together. Good Luck

As for the 5000 mile journey across country on the same oil, in my opinion the oil in diesels should be changed every 3000 miles. The ash content and by products from the combustion of diesel fuel is high and the filter can only handle so much. As always keep checking the oil level at every fuel stop and have a good trip.


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MB Medic
14 year MB tech
7 year shop foreman @ independent MB/Volvo shop