PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - HOW TO REMOVE THE CLEAR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL ??

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HOW TO REMOVE THE CLEAR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL ??

The "clear" panel in the cluster is foggy and scratched. I woud like to try one of those headlight cover buffers to clean it up. Anyone have an idea how to remove it from the cluster? Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan Z (Post 2697689)

The "clear" panel in the cluster is foggy and scratched. I woud like to try one of those headlight cover buffers to clean it up. Anyone have an idea how to remove it from the cluster? Thanks.

I can't imagine the clear panel being scratched on the inside. You could probably wipe the inside with a soft cotton cloth and only polish the outside if you have to.

To remove the cluster as a unit, some folks use custom hooks. I just reach under and gently push from behind. The cluster should begin to slide out. Then you need to remove some wiring harness connections, the speedo cable, and the oil pressure tube.

To get at the inside, you remove the instrument cluster components one by one taking care not to damage them. While you're in there, you might see about dressing your indicator arms with a color that dries hard and doesn't weigh much. Check all your bulbs too.

These instructions are for an early 80's W123 but should be similar for other models.

SD is all electronic, no cable or oil line to remove, but still similar methods to remove.
the clear lens is glued to the black frame, so separating will require either cutting or prying to take apart. I'd not bother trying to polish unless it's obviously scratched and you think it'll work. crazed or foggy I'd just replace it with one from another of the dozens in the yards. (lucky for us, the 126 is a pretty popular find in the junkyards... for how long this will continue is not known... I'm stocking up things.

Hell, mine just fell out... The clear cover, that is.

I know how to get cluster out. Thought it might be an easy way to get the clear panel out without breaking something. The inside of panel is hazy, and does not clean up.

I disassembled the cluster completely while leaving the clear and black parts glued together, then used a new, clean microfiber cloth to dust/wipe the inside. A paint stir stick can help get into the corners. It doesn't need to be perfect since the corners are in shadow when installed.

The haze should just wipe off.