E420 Instrument Cluster Replacement

[Garry Lay]

The multi-information display of my 97 E420 instrument cluster (the lower portion of the cluster that shows the clock, temperature and total miles) was not working properly lately. It would work (showing respective information) only when I first open the door or after I remove the ignition key. It would not display anything when the engine is running. I pulled the cluster out and replaced all 3 clear bulbs (I did not, however, replace the 3 red bulbs just below the clear ones because they looked fine to me) but that did cure the problem. Took the cluster to North Hollywood Speedometer (VDO cluster repair shop) and was told it would cost $500 to fix it. Ask the dealer that they want $710 for a new complete cluster plus labor to recode the mileage and install.

If I don't want to pay that kind of $ to repair my cluster, do I have any options other than just live with it? Can I locate another used but working cluster from the same car and find someone or may be even the dealer to recode the cluster to the correct mileage and then install it? If a used cluster is showing similar milage, can I just plug-in and install or would the car computer system recognizes that it is a different cluster and show the information of "True Milage Unknown".

Thanks for any advice.

Garry

[mbdoc]

You can buy used part from "bone-yard" & it will work BUT will display the mileage from the other car. OF course it must be from a 1997 E420!!

ONLY other option is the new/reman unit from dealer!!

[suginami]

If you go the boneyard route, there are a number in Southern California.

There is one in Sun Valley, although I don't know the name. You might try calling Enrique, the owner of Mr. MB Motors. There are dozens of posts from membes on this site that have gone there. He is off of the 101 freeway off of Reseda Blvd. in Tarzana. He can help you out locating a used part somewhere.

Do a search on "Enrique" or "Mr. MB Motors" and you'll get a ton of hits.

There is also A-1 professional Benz and Beemer in Anaheim, CA. It is not far from disneyland, close to where the 5 freeway crosses Katella.

I have posted the contact info before if you try a search...

[Garry Lay]

Can a used cluster from a bone-yard be reprogramed/recoded to show the correct mileage of my car. I am guessing if you just install the "bone-yard" cluster without recoding, it should logically just show the mileage of the donor car. However, I read another thread though the search here that it may display "True Milage Unknown" on the cluster unless it is properly reprogramed. Is it true?

Garry

[mbdoc]

ONCE a cluster is programmed that is IT. Can't be changed.