2002 E320 Wagon 4Matic - Pixel Repair and Value? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

stephenson · #1 01-04-2007, 02:34 PM

Just looked at a 2002 version - pretty nice, but a couple of issues:

1. Both temp and shifter position displays are blank or nearly blank - in searching the site, appears this is quite common. But, I did not see in my reading a definitive solution or definitive cause. I did see $500 as the basic number to get repaired, $250 if R&R myself and ship to repair facility - this, for two $10 LCDs. Is there a common position and repair procedure, yet, on this high failure item?

2. Right rear door actually had a large rust spot - looked like previous owner had either backed into something that actually bent a spot (just below the large sweeping curve that starts back down) that got rusted because the metal was cracked open - could also have happened if door was thrown open with great force and hit something really hard. Had not been repaired - big deal? Didn't seem like one to me - about $300 probably to grind way down and repair and repaint a portion of the door. Clearly something to include in the deal and take some bucks off due to the serious nature of the problem - but, not a show stopper?

Thanks for your input and thoughts!

stephenson · #2 01-04-2007, 11:18 PM

Hi All!

The lack of responses must indicate something ... no clear answer to the large number of LCD failures ... there must be something more conclusive?

Thanks!

beevly · #3 01-05-2007, 01:36 PM

Pixel-by-pixel failures---> replace entire instrument cluster, so says my dealer anyway when they did mine under warranty. They also said only an MB dealer could reset the mileage on the new cluster.

$300 to repair that rust spot sounds low to me - more like $500 minimum in my neck of the woods. It's not a job I'd bring to the local discount paint shop either.

uberwgn · #4 01-05-2007, 01:52 PM

Is this a car that you can buy right? You make no mention of miles or price. There are lots of these car available.

I'm afraid the pixel issue is widespread and it wouldn't surprise me a bit if it ultimately affects 100% of the population. Our car is getting far worse. It was perfect when we purchased the car 1.5 yrs. ago.

I had thought the scope of the repair was closer to $700. Where did you hear about $20 repair?

stephenson · #5 01-05-2007, 10:23 PM

Sorry - the $10/LCD was just my way of expressing how much the LCDs themselves actually probably cost.

The car has about 89K on it ... didn't see anything else substantive - they want $18K - local car dealership. It came from Boston area so has more than normal aluminum corrosion in engine compartment. Interior was pretty darn nice - black - no tears that I could see.

Has original book (as usual, from what I have seen on the used market, no one has ever completed an entry indicating any maintenance was done) and med kit, etc - spare never used. Tires good. Wheels nice. Nice paint except for the dent/rust spot.

Now, I think I could buy it from $15 probably - maybe even less, but would have to work the dent/rust issue into that number. Just don't like the idea of buying something with built in issues to start with ... what is it really worth?

BTW, are the LCD displays holding up after they are repaired?

Thanks!

garymand · #6 01-06-2007, 12:18 AM

Take a look at Sticky's instrument cluster recall. I stopped into a shop in Sacramento that had about a dozen bad clusters, bad LEDs to can't get MPH only kilos.

It appears shops and customers aren't complaining to Benz about it. Its not just e's, s's too.

Strife · #7 01-06-2007, 12:36 AM

Using LCD's in cars is an idiotic idea, and it isn't unique to Mercedes. They are prone to mechanical failure, can't take heat or sun, and moisture eventually leaks in. They are somewhat better than years ago but these problems STILL exist. Worse, anything you see in normal "consumer" equipment is completely custom and unique to the manufacturer of the product, meaning, they can stop having it made at anytime or keep getting it made and charging whatever they please. And they do. I think the Feds are eventually going to get upset about this in the odometer area.

My wife's PT Cruiser uses a vacuum flourescent display for the odo; these are more expensive but as long as they aren't mechanically damaged can go tens of thousands of power-on hours, are moisture proof unless actually broken and are less temperarture sensitive. They get dimmer over time but are still usable.

OTOH, a well-made LED display can last 30-100 years and is virtually vibration proof.