This is my 2nd posting besides my crying out for help on the stuck ignition lock/tumbler of my 88 300SEL. One of the speedo lights went out on my 97 E320. The shop mechanic told me that this model does not have light bulbs. It uses somekind of LED, and I have to replace the circuit board in the instrument panel. Is he correct? Please give me some advices.

If it is just the backlighting of the board, I am pretty sure it is just the standard incandescent bulb setup.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

They are inserted from the back and twist into the sockets. There are two or three different wattages used so get the right replacement so you don't damage the face of the cluster. Osram is probably the brand used as OEM.

Even if it is the circuit board, rather than the bulbs, they are repairable - or so I am told.

Ok... off to

The first MB that didn't have replacable bulbs on the cluster was the 2000 model S-class (W220 chassis). AS MB replace models they go to "newer" technology & that means less bulbs..

The 1997 W210 chassis does have mini bulbs that are replacable in the cluster. YOUR tech doesn't know much about the product if he told you that they don't have bulbs!

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
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MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Hi MB DOC

You just made me feel so much better,Sir. Apparently the guy who told me that my instrument cluster has no bulb was ignorant. i' gett the cluster out and change the mini bulb. You know, when I asked him about removing the cluster, he said it's a lot of work. But I found out that it only needs to be pushed out or using the hooks to pull out. Hey DOC, you made my day. Thanks a zil.