How to pull instrument cluster out on a 1991 560SEL?
 

I need to replace the flasher bulb on a 1991 560 SEL. Pulling out the instrument cluster seems to be difficult. How do I do it?

It's easy
 

I did an air conditioning job and I wrote it up - the first part was pulling the instrument cluster. Here is a link to the write-up on my site:

http://www.funnyyouasked.com/Mercedes/W126/ExpValve/removal_and_replacement_of_expan.htm

Go down and you'll see the tool you need - don't make it, it's cheap enough to buy from a dealer, but I provided the dimensions anyhow.

I would recommend strongly to put some scotch tape or something protective on the wood (use something that comes off again afterwards!). There is a photo on the writeup of the cluster coming out.

Good luck - doing it right only takes about five minutes!

I wedged a screw driver in there and was able coak it out without damage. I strongly suggest disconnecting the battery as you might possible disconnect the clock terminal and it will spark against the metal back there. When I put my gauges back in they didn't work properly so I had to ground out the gauges with alligator clips as suggested on this forum. Just do everything slowly and there should not be a problem.

Good idea about disconnecting the battery. However, I would be nervous about using a screwdriver to wedge it out...

Nah, I do it all the time. I may have left a little indentation on the dash, but hell. the dash has more cracks than room full of plumbers.

push
 

You can push it out from behind if your arms are long enough,,, really.

Ben

Sorry - my dash is as good as new, so I want NO MARKS!!! There are no cracks, NOTHING! (no kidding - so is the leather (almost), so are the rugs, even the wood - rats! I gotta redo the front suspension! :D)