500e - no center console switch/radio lights
 

No lights behind switches or on radio dial. Switches all operate OK, as does radio. Is there an inline fuse somewhere? From what I can understand, there is no isolated fuse in the box for these functions. I refuse to believe all the bulbs are burned out - I've never had a single one go out in my 1991 300TE. All the bulbs must be on one curcuit, but how to trace? Help!

Believe it or not, when I bought my 92 400E last year, I had to replace 10 bulbs! 1 on center air vent, 1 on passenger side air vent, 2 in the climate control unit, 1 for the shift knob, 2 in the instrument console, and plus 3 tiny bulbs on the Becker faceplate. all burned out, more than 1/2 of the bulbs they used in the dash.

I was wondering how previous owner could drive the car at night:D

Ah - might be bulbs...
 

any trick to getting at them for replacement?

We have had the same problem... on occasion. But the bulbs are fine. I think there is one power feed line to those particular bulbs. Hasn't happened in quite awhile.