I'm actually doing this project tonight on my C-just lost illumination for the clock. I believe you car still uses the Mercedes Instrument cluster hooks to remove the IC. tilit the wheel all the way down and out, and you can normally wiggle the cluster free without the hassle of removing the wheel. TO pull the cluster, insert the hooks in the space between the dash and the cluster itself, right about in the middle on the sides. Turn them to face in and give it a decent tug. Don't force too hard as I've seen the plastic lens get cracked by careless hooking. Thats really all there is to it. I recommend replacing every bulb back there since you've already got it out. The bulbs are cheap and it'll save you from having to pull it again. The hooks are worth buyin at the dealer as they come in handy for so many things.

Should you end up needing to remove the wheel, you'll need a small ratchet, a 1/4 socket and a MB airbag removal tool. It's like a long torx bit. There's one on each side on the back of the wheel. Once that's off, there is one 10mm (i think) allen head nut securing the wheel itself. Make sure you mark it before you remove it or you will have a crooked wheel.

On later model cars, MB radio keys are needed to remove the clusters. I don't think the E had this in '98, but to be sure, look in the lower corners of the cluster for slits matching those on the lower corners of the radio. These are even easier to pull out. Check that first before attempting the hook method.

Good Luck!