cheap and easy fix...

remove the instrument cluster (easy). then locate the white plastic dimmer device and solder the two leads together.

this will make it work. of course the dimmer control will stay on bright forever but who cares.

cheap and easy.

__________________
$500 1982 240d owner "Gunter"
125k miles,4 speed manual
crank windows, MB Tex, all original
no a/c, daily driver
Scorecard so far....
$230 Maaco paint job
$27 dimmer switch, $40 shutoff valve, $45 brake MC, $260 calipers, $40 brake hoses, $40 side fender trim, $20 balancing, $109 lifetime alignment, $10 fuel return lines, $115 oil&fuel filters for next 30k miles