1987 W124 260E: Pulling the instrument cluster
 

Hello, could someone please tell me whether its possible to pull the instrument cluster in this car without removing the steering wheel?

If you have to remove the steering wheel. How do you disable/turn off the airbag? Thanks a lot

First, extend the wheel all the way out with the electric adjust.
Clearance will be just enough to remove the IC without removing the wheel.

If you need to remove the wheel:

1. disconnect battery.
2. Remove carpet on RF floor.
3. Remove plastic panel on toeboard.
4. Remove the RED connector to the airbag module.
5. Using a T-25 torx, loosen the airbag retaining bolts (2) that are on the back of the steering wheel spokes.
6. Disconnect the airbag plug from the steering wheel.
7. Remove the 10mm allen bolt from steering shaft (read up on various cautions for holding wheel whilst applying torque to bolt.)
8. Matchmark the wheel to retain alignment. Remove wheel.
9. Remove the IC using pull hooks, or by getting your arm under the dash and pushing. IC will be limited in movement until you disconnect the speedo cable.

Assembly, as they say, is the reverse.

Jim

May I humbly suggest this thread in the wiki
 

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/71691-lets-pull-instrument-cluster.html

Rgds,
Chris W.
'95 E300D, 355K

I have a 87 260E and did not have to remove the steering wheel to remove the cluster. There are good instructions with photos in the archives on removing the cluster. On my car I had trouble with the top of cluster catching on the dash . I used a piece of tin inserted above the cluster to get the cluster to slide by the part of dash it was catching on. From reading the archives I think I am the only one to have this trouble.

I never pull the steering wheel on a W124. Just pull hard.

[QUOTE=JimFreeh;2835996]First, extend the wheel all the way out with the electric adjust.

What is the electric adjust, where would it be located on the 1987 260E? As far as I see, I only have the signal turn lever and the cruise control lever mounted on the steering column. Could it be that you have to wiggle these levers in a certain way to extend the wheel? Thanks!

your car won't have the adjustable steering wheel.

Still no need. I never have any trouble.

Trick is to remove the left vent and then you can pull it out without any hassle.

I guess the left vent can pulled straight out with a plier ?

If all you want is the cluster removed, use a pair of hooks with the steering wheel all the way forward. The hooks are available from MB. You will have to remove the hush panel to disconnect the speedo cable and a few things before you can completely remove the cluster.

Hope this helps

If you want the real deal - not knocking those who choose to fabricate their own:

Baum Tools | Audi , BMW, Porsche, Volkswagen, Mercedes, VW, Jaguar, Ferrari

Click on -> Catalogs

Click on -> Download Mercedes Catalog

Item #140-0233 - beware there are 2 pullers with this same part number. You'll need to examine the part description field to ensure it matches your MB model.

A lot of MB dealers will not sell specialty tools. I've purchased all of this type of gear from the Baum site a number of times over the years.

The issue I find is that you are pulling on the speedo cable to get enough room to unscrew it with your hand. If you remove the left vent, no pulling is needed, no damage to the cluster or warping the sides from it being pushed in from either the OE tool or makeshift tools. I've done all methods for removal, and left vent is best. No damage, quick and painless.

Just use a coathanger to pull the little tabs down to remove the vent. No special tools needed :)

Make or buy 2 hooks, I will even sell mine if necess
Then just pull out cluster. It is straightforward.

Hello to Larry Bible! I have been away

Also, the first time you pull the cluster out is the toughest. I had to rock it out left to right to get it out. It also helps to release the speedo cable from the clip underneath the carpet behind the brake pedal so it lets the speedo cable move an extra 1-2 inches. The last 2 times was alot easier than the first time.

Hello Doc! I think about you from time to time, especially when going through Fort Worth.

Take care!

I am going to see if I can remove the two vents adjacent to the IC. I got the left one out now, how do I get the one on the right off? It seems to have only one set of clip (on the far left), I don't see any clip on the right.

Some photos for souvenirs...