As subject indicates, I have a non-working temperature gauge on my W108.

It is not working at all, needle does not move regardless of engine temperature. Is there some common problems with these gauges I could check first?

It appears by all logic that the temperature gauge, sender and the interconnecting wire/tube is a one-piece part, and must be replaced as one (judging from the parts catalogue,
http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp?TP=1&F=108018&M=130.980&CT=F&cat=232&SID=54&SGR=001&SGN=01
picture #2, part 247)

Is there no other way of replacing just the sender unit?
I feel that the temp gauge is a crucial one to have working, as I have already blown one engine due to three gauges (original in-dash unit and two aftermarket add-ons) not working..
It is not important for me to keep this car in original condition since it's already been molested with a diesel engine, , so any non-standard solutions are welcome too.

Thankful for whatever advice you may have..

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Tomas, Sweden
1966 Mercedes Benz 230S with OM617.912, automatic. Disk brakes from W108
1983 Mercedes Benz 300TD grey, OM617.912 and 5-speed manual
1983 Mercedes Benz 300TD blue 7-seater, OM617.912 and 5-speed manual

Best bet is to add an electric sensor/gauge..the orig is Mechanical and cost big $$$.
Any Auto Parts store.

Sometimes you can snag a used one on ebay, but you never know if it works 'til you get it ....I see guys cut the capillary tube when they remove them, thinking it is an electrical wire ...no kidding !!!

Wonder if they think those are electrons hissing out when they cut it......duh.
" I taught dat wuz da ground wire , Man..."

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A Dalton

Thanks, I did that to my fintail. While it's a perfectly working solution I was never too happy about it, since it's mounted under-dash and is therefore not in the immediate line of sight when driving. Found some old threads about temp gauges and some suggested it could be as simple as a kink in the line, will check that first!

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Tomas, Sweden
1966 Mercedes Benz 230S with OM617.912, automatic. Disk brakes from W108
1983 Mercedes Benz 300TD grey, OM617.912 and 5-speed manual
1983 Mercedes Benz 300TD blue 7-seater, OM617.912 and 5-speed manual

You asked for any non-standard solutions and specified it did not have to be OEM....that is what I answered.
You want it right and correct , do it right.

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A Dalton

Sorry, didn't mean to sound not thankful! I appreciate your advice!
Searched for the part # on google and turns out there's a dealer nearby who sells them for about $350 .. too expensive IMHO since I paid about $1,800 for the whole car. Also sent an e-mail to a reputable used Mercedes parts dealer around here, I'll see if he could have a working one. Found some used, working ones, on German eBay also for about $80, have to check if they're willing to ship to Sweden.
Otherwise I'll have to resort to the electrical after market one, since it can be had for less than $40 with sender and all.
Right now I am pounding my head against a wall since I sold a complete W108 instrument cluster about two months ago, I don't know it the temp gauge was working but now it bugs me, as I will never know.. Lesson learned, never sell any spare parts, buy a barn instead

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Tomas, Sweden
1966 Mercedes Benz 230S with OM617.912, automatic. Disk brakes from W108
1983 Mercedes Benz 300TD grey, OM617.912 and 5-speed manual
1983 Mercedes Benz 300TD blue 7-seater, OM617.912 and 5-speed manual

Yes, it never fails...you get sick of tripping over the same old part that YOU KNOW you will never need....

A parts car is a wise investment if you are into Vintage cars...no matter what make.

I have seen guys change just the cap tube assem., but the it has to be calibrated.

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A Dalton

Hello Tompaah,

I have an over abundance of these used. If you would like a good working original one (tested and guaranteed) for $25.00 just email me ja17@att.net

Take care,

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Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1964 220SE Rally (La Carrera Panamericana someday)
1966 Unimog 404s (Swedish Army)
1969 300SEL 6.3 (sold)
1969 280SL Pagoda
1973 280SEL 4.5
1974 450SLC FIA Rally car (standard trans)
1982 300D turbo (winter driver)
1986 560SEC
1989 Unimog FLU419 (US Army)
1991 300TE (wife)
2002 SLK 32 AMG (350 hp)