300te instument cluster compatability - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Benz Mondi · #1 12-12-2006, 01:12 PM

Because my odometer just went out on my '90 300te at 197,000+, I thought I'd go down to my local MBZ recycler and pick up a 124 cluster for around $40. I was told that for the 300te's the regular 124 cluster wouldn't work. The different speedo gearing on the regular 124 cluster results in a +10 mph reading. Also the 300te cluster is priced for $125, but they don't have one at this time. I've done the searching on this site but couldn't find one that addressed this question.

Is the info that I got from my recycler correct or was he mis-infomed?
At $125 does it make more sense to have mine fixed at a speedo shop?
When a speedo shop works on the cluster, do they also give the whole thing a 'tune up' or do they just fix what's wrong?

Thanx.

lkchris · #2 12-12-2006, 05:06 PM

He's correct about the different rear axle ratios.

Germans compensate in the speedo head, Americans with different gears at the transmission.

david s poole · #3 12-12-2006, 05:08 PM

your recycler guy is correct.take the speedo instrument out and take it apart and go to a website called speedometers . com where you will find all the little gears you need to make it work again. it seems that vdo made their gears out of biodegradeable plastic and they turn to jelly and the teeth break off.the replacements are much more solid.