300E instrument cluster removal - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

davidg · #1 05-11-2009, 02:01 AM

I have removed the instrument clusters in my 123's a number of times with no problem. When I try to remove the cluster in my 124 (87) it won't budge. I took the speedo cable out of the clip on the side of the steering column near the firewall, and it has several inches of slack, but when I try to pull it out with the hooks, it comes out about 1/4" and no further. I am a big guy(6'4") and cannot fit my body underneath the dash to push it out like I could with the 123's. All the threads I read about this procedure say it is easily done, and I agree on the 123 models, but this one does not want to budge. I really want to pull my speedo and get it repaired. Any new ideas?

ps2cho · #2 05-11-2009, 02:08 AM

My 87 didn't have any real problems...

The speedo cable is the only thing that has the least length....so if you are sure there is slack, try giving it a little more force to come out. I remember mine took a little to "pop" it out of its nice fit. You won't break anything by pulling it with more force because it wont come out further than the speedo cable will. You should have a good 2-3 inches of room to unscrew the speedo before being able to pull the cluster out further.

Ivanerrol · #3 05-11-2009, 04:43 AM

I,m a big guy and have large hands and stubby fingers.
I always go under the steering column. If you have difficulty, just remove the seat - there are only 4 bolts.

big dog 2 · #4 05-11-2009, 09:30 AM

It is not the speedo cable. One time a small metal piece got hung up along the top of my cluster (1989 300E) and it would only come out a few inches. I tried pulling on the cluster several times on different occasions before the piece bent enough for me to get it out. It would not budge otherwise! No permenant damage. I believe the metal piece runs along the inside of the dash housing and somehow got in the way. Be careful not to break the cluster housing with the hooks!

G-Benz · #5 05-11-2009, 10:06 AM

...and with age comes a really snug fit!

The cluster has several rubber shims along the perimeter, and given that rubber likes to adhere to it's enviroment over time, it's probably just stubborn...

J.HIDALGO · #6 05-11-2009, 06:02 PM

Remove the left A/C vent and push the cluster from behind...Probably nobody has ever removed the cluster before...After the first time, it will be a lot easier to remove.

babymog · #7 05-11-2009, 10:04 PM

I'm with BigDog, I've had the same problem. I've remove about 10 this past year, never had to unhook the speedo cable beneath the dash, but then I'm only 200lbs and have average hands.

big dog 2 · #8 05-12-2009, 11:22 PM

Yea!

I used to pull my cluster for various reasons without a problem on several occasions. However, this one time it would get hung up and would not come out! Like I said before, it took a bit of an effort but I got it out after several attempts. Weird how that metal piece got it hung up bit everything in OK now! It is not the speedo cable!