Barry,
On a 140 chassis it is very easy to get the instrument cluster out by pushing on it from the rear. This is accomplished by removing the screen by the left door post and then taking out the two screws holding the left vent duct in place. Remove the duct and the two parts below it and put your hand in behind the cluster and push gently on it. By doing it this way eliminates the possibility of cracking the face using the hooks that MB has. Once loose, unplug the four electrical connectors and you're free. Also put the steering wheel into the lowest position, no reason to remove. I drove mine for a week without the cluster!! Ck. you gas level first though!!

Tobias MB
300SE, 300CE, C280Sport, 190/5.0