1988 300E, 66K miles. Clock just stopped working. Is it an easy fix or does the instument panel have to come out? Bummer.

I've never had to repair the clock, so I don't know how easy that is, but the gauge cluster does have to be removed to get at the clock. Removing the cluster is a simple matter, with the 2 homemade hooks pulling at the right and left sides of the cluster frame. There is a fuse on the back of the cluster, but don't know if that affects the clock at all. Someone who has done the job will chime in. While the cluster is out, it'd be a good time to replace all the little light bulbs back there, particularly if they're still the originals. We need all the light we can get in these early 124s.

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1988 California version 260E (W124)
Anthracite Grey/Palomino
Owned since new and still going strong and smooth
MBCA member

Past Mercedes-Benz:
1986 190E Baby Benz
1967 230 Inherited from mom when she downsized
1959 220S Introduced me to the joys of keepin' 'em goin'

There are only 10 kinds of people in the world--those who understand binary and those who don't

once the clock is removed from the cluster the clock can be repaired by replacing the two capacitors on the circuit board ,its a common failure in these clocks .

Thanks. It restarted on it's own overnight. If it happens again, I'll know to fix it.

Well, the clock seems to have died. How exactly do you remove the instrument cluster? Make hooks? The panel is a tight fit, doesn't seem like any wire hooks will fit.

hooks, Slip them on either side of the cluster and gently tug. it looks tight but it comes out

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hum.....
1987 300TD 311,000M Stolen. Presumed destroyed

Before tugging on the cluster, take the time to remove the cable to the speedo, either at the back of the cluster (via under dash panel) or at the transmission. A stretched cable can cause the speedo to be jumpy at low speeds and also affect the operation of the cruise control.

Take my advice here....

Remove the vent left of the cluster, this will allow you a much greater access to remove it since you can grab it with your hand. You'll also have more space to remove the speedo cable without having to tug on the unit to pull it out further.

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2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
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