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Champa · #2 03-10-2003, 09:54 PM

ML55 instrument casing retrofit to other W163 models (i.e. ML320, 430, 350, 500)

1. Remove D shape panels from side of steering column (pull from lower side and slide your hand underneath to continue with the other clips).

2. Remove center trim piece behind steering wheel (long plastic piece between steering and instrument cluster, upholstery color).

3. Pull the little tabs you'll see behind the D panels, while pulling slide the casing’s surround frame down. This will remove the frame and expose the casing.

4. Remove 7mm nuts from side of casing.

5. Remove two plastic screws from top of casing (after this the casing should be free to move).

6. Carefully pull on one side of the casing and slide out a bit (you'll see the securing clips from this view). Pull on the clips to separate casing from instruments (getting the first two is the hard part). You might want to consider using a flat screwdriver to carefully keep the casing to fall back on position and re-clip itself on these first couple of clips. You'll have to do one side first and then pull on the other side and do that one too. There are also 2 clips on the bottom.

7. Remove the casing by sliding it towards the passenger side. Watch out for the warning light films, they might fall as you pull the casing out (this are the ones with the warning light icons).

8. Reverse the process with the new casing. Be careful not to damage the instrument needles. Also, first thing you'll need to fit are the knobs for the clock and trip reset. Once you have them in position you can slide the casing into place (try to do it as straight as possible, otherwise only one side will clip properly and you will have to do it again).

Note: Install the casing before putting the films back. You will have to slide them from the side once the casing is clipped to the instruments. As you install the films turn ignition to check that the films are flush and no light escapes to other icons.

9. If you have problems with the icons; the casing might have not clipped itself properly from the bottom. Press a bit on the button until you hear a click. If the casing is clipped properly the films should slide freely and snap into place. You should not see any light escaping from one icon to others, nor any light escaping from around the warning lights.