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Old 01-06-2007, 01:36 AM
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Strife Strife is offline
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: KY USA
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Using LCD's in cars is an idiotic idea, and it isn't unique to Mercedes. They are prone to mechanical failure, can't take heat or sun, and moisture eventually leaks in. They are somewhat better than years ago but these problems STILL exist. Worse, anything you see in normal "consumer" equipment is completely custom and unique to the manufacturer of the product, meaning, they can stop having it made at anytime or keep getting it made and charging whatever they please. And they do. I think the Feds are eventually going to get upset about this in the odometer area.

My wife's PT Cruiser uses a vacuum flourescent display for the odo; these are more expensive but as long as they aren't mechanically damaged can go tens of thousands of power-on hours, are moisture proof unless actually broken and are less temperarture sensitive. They get dimmer over time but are still usable.

OTOH, a well-made LED display can last 30-100 years and is virtually vibration proof.
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