300SL Instrument Cluster Interchangability
 

I very recently purchased a used but very clean instrument cluster for my 1991 300SL. It was said by the seller to be from a 1991 300SL. The connectors on the back appear to be the same as those on my original cluster.

When I started to disassemble it to install my old odometer, I found the internal structure to be completely different from my original instrument cluster. it even has an electronic odometer!

I would like to know if this cluster that I purchased will operate correctly in a '91 300SL. The part numbers are:
MB 129 540 71 48 and
VDO 110.008.597/030

Thank you for any advice.

Early R129 SLs had a mechanical odometer display , later got full electronic. All had electrical drive ( no traditional cable )

You wold have to dig up a wiring diagram to see if he connector is the same. What problem did the old one have? What part # for the old one?


Also, I would not expect the seller to take it back since it was taken apart.

Yes, why did you feel you needed to replace the original cluster? Some cluster issues are easy do-it yourself repairs, while others need to be repaired by specialists.

Problem with the original instrumment cluster
 

The original instrument cluster clock setting switch failed, so I purchased a used 500SL cluster thinking they were interchangable. Turns out they aren't, speedometer calibration way off. Then I moved the clock setting switch to my original PC board, successfully, but broke a couple of ribbon cable connections in the process. Repairing the ribbon cables turned out to be a tail chase. Repair one and two fail. Now it's working, but I feel that the PC board is like a bomb waiting to go off.

That's why I'm trying to replace it.

Thanks for your resposes
 

To 97SL320 and tecqboy,

Thank you for your comments and advice. I finally got into the Mercedes On-line parts catalog, and found that the 129 540 71 48 is currently listed as the replacement panel for my '91 300SL. So, I cabled it, tried it and everything works! Speedometer and tachometer appear to be properly calibrated. Resetting the Electronic Odometer will probably require a Mercedes shop.

Thanks again, Bob Deming