Chris W., Thanks for the superb pictures and the whole article, especially where to insert the tool and pull the cluster. I would like to add two comments:

1) I have the factory tool 140 589 02 33 00 and its length with the handles is 7-1/4".

2) My 1994 E420 does not have a speedometer cable running to the cluster, it is electronic and has an electrical connector in the back. I spent probably an hour looking for the cable and the clip as both your article and the CD Service Manual says it must be unclipped.

Andras

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2004 E500 4Matic 138,000 miles

What a great desciption on removal of the cluster. I have just removed my 190E 1991: W201. I managed to pull the cluster out very carefully using needle nose plier and a soft cloth so as not to mark the cluster. On my car the speedo cable came through the firewall so didn't haver to lift floor mats, however gave the cable a good pull from the engine compartment to release it from its retaining clips on route from the tranny to cluster, this gave me a few more inches to work with as you'll find you need it.I did not remove my steering wheel but would next time as it is awfully tight. When removing the big black plug that houses all the wires (15 of them) DO NOT REMOVE the metal clip that connects them to the 15 pin receptacle that plugs into the back of the cluster. Use a small flat screw driver to ease the circular plug out. I made the mistake of taking the metal retaing clip off and all the wires came out..I now have to find the wiring diagram and replace them all ...what a nightmare.! Once the wiring harness was removed I was able to get my hand onto the brass speedo cable and turn it anti clockwise to release it( oh yes, I tightened it first and had to use long needle nose to loosen it. I haven't replaced it yet but may have to release speedo cable at the tranny to get it back on. I'm going to go to the expense of replacing all bulbs because this a job i'm in no rush to do again. Does anyone know how to remove speedo cable at tranny?. By the way ..my E320 2000 cluster removal was a piece of cake compared to this. Ok..now I have completed the job. I did not disconnect the speedo cable at the tranny but in conversation with Mercedes they suggest disconnecting at the tranny as you put a lot of stress on the cable if you pull too hard and are at risk of damaging the cable or clock-spring (I think the clock spring returns the speedo needle to zero when you de-accellerate) on the cluster. if you damage the clock spring you'll notice the needle will be jumpy or vibrate. Mine does at very low speeds but otherwise is ok. I replaced the two cluster illumination bulbs from Mercedes and they are 3 watt. I also replace the turn signal indicator lamps ($5 each).

The correct instrument illumination lamps for the W140 S500 is a Philips 12v 2w (France) bulb, not a 3w bulb as many suggest. See photos.

BOBB

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'98 S500 W140.051 119.980

Thanks

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Collector of Fine Hose Clamps
'77 240D 'AVA' is in heaven now
'80 240D Kanarienvogel
'82 300TD 343k was my daily driver 'ADOLPH' In Surgery for a severe Deer Bite to the Nose
'88 560SL 102k 'White One'