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#1
11-08-2005, 09:56 PM
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Instrument Cluster Lighting
1977 240D with about 386K miles
Lighting in the instrument cluster has deteriorated so it is difficult to see individual indicators at night. Dimmer has very limited effect, and unsatisfactory. Please tell me how to get to the lights or how to improve lighting. Is this something that can easily be done? Thank you.
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Toni (near Seattle) '98 E300TD 114K Miles '77 240D Stick 386K Miles 
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#2
11-09-2005, 12:14 PM
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This issue as been addressed many times on the diesel list. Do a search for instrument lighting and you will find a lot of info including using LEDs in place of the regular lamps.
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Bill Reimels Now down to one: 1972 300SE 3.5 W109 (Euro delivery)
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#3
11-09-2005, 10:11 PM
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also **************.com provides a relatively easy fix.
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PagodaLOVER 1967 230SL, manual 1959 180D, manual
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#4
11-10-2005, 06:56 AM
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I would start by indiviually cleaning each bulb, then soldering a wire across the 2 contacts on the rheostat. These cars aren't very bright but they are sufficient. You may be able to reach up under the dash and pull the bulbs and rheostat out without pulling the cluster depending on how small your hands are. I just did this last night so it's fresh in my mind.
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Adam Lumsden (83) 300D Vice-President of the MBCA International Stars Section
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#5
11-10-2005, 06:04 PM
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Basically, the dimmer switch has not changed much since 1961 - probably the only part on the car using identical technology of the car's original inventor Gottlieb Daimler about 120 yrs ago. Its a small brass coil with moveable contact that corrodes over time.
I've never seen an instrument dimmer switch thats fully functional on any MB I've ever owned in my entire life covering models from 1960 - 1979. Never seen one with lights so bright they annoy the driver either. Most people just fiddle with the switch until they get semblance of light sufficient to read the instruments, then they leave it alone. Otherwise pull the instrument cluster and bypass the switch...... or you can buy an upgrade kit with high intensity bulbs and i think you get a new switch too for about $35 at www.**************.com. Be careful who you ask for help at solving the dimmer switch problem - many veteran MB owners of vintage cars will think you are out of your mind.
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