On my 1990 300 SEL, All of the light bulbs inside the car are dead. They went dead over time and I never did anything about it.

Is it hard to replace this? How I do I take these dash components out to replace the bulbs? Do I need a special tool?

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1990 Mercedes 300 SEL (320,000 miles)
1994 Mercedes E420 (140,000 miles)

The lights for some of these come from what's known as the "octopus", which is a central light with several fiber optic cables coming from it. Apparently the central light is out, or the fiber cables have wiggled free from their mounts. The octopus is located above and behind the climate controls, and is not too difficult to get at. You have to remove the panel first, obviously, and this takes some care. Here's a link to a good pictorial for that:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w126-s-se-sec-sel-sd/1355995-center-dash-panel.html

You might have a look at this too...

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w126-s-se-sec-sel-sd/1426486-octopus-dash-light-led-mod.html


It's also possible that the power window switches have lost thair lights, too-- easiest to replace the switches, rather than the tiny lights themselves. Here's another link (look for post #68):

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w126-s-se-sec-sel-sd/1340751-do-yourself-diy-repair-thread-wheel-2.html

Best-
Dave


Best-

Thanks Dave. Awesome links!!!

To take the instrument panel out to see what is behind it, do I have to disconnect the speedometer cable underneath?

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1990 Mercedes 300 SEL (320,000 miles)
1994 Mercedes E420 (140,000 miles)

You don't have to disconnect the speedo from underneath, but you do have to disconnect from behind the cluster. There's a bunch of wires and such that are connected to the cluster (about five that go to the bulbs behind the "idiot" lights along the bottom). Just take it slowly, and try to remember which goes where. If you have some masking tape handy, you can make little tags as you go. To remove the cluster, you want to have the correct tools-or make a pair from coat hangers. Here's what they look like (they're the T-handle thingies):

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97901

They slip in between the dash top and the sides of the cluster, about an inch or so from the bottom. Slide them in and turn 90 degrees to engage the sides of the cluster, then pull out (gently).

I always keep in mind that these cars are built very well, and are easy to disassemble-- incredibly good design. The important thing is to never force things, and to try and figure out the little tricks-- where the hidden screws are, etc.

Good luck-

Dave

Thank you - what a valuable tool for $4!

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1990 Mercedes 300 SEL (320,000 miles)
1994 Mercedes E420 (140,000 miles)