possible to turn new odometer forward - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DuckMuck · #1 08-25-2003, 03:29 AM

In order for a Canadian Mercedes to be brought into the US, it is required for the instrument cluster to read miles instead of kilometers...unfortunately, Canadian Mercedes have a speedometer that only reads kilometers, so if one wanted to import a Canadian Mercedes in the US, one needs a brand new instrument cluster...if I purchased a brand new "miles" instrument cluster from the dealership, can the odometer be turned forward to read the corresponding miles as what it originally read on my original odometer in kilometers? I would rather it read the correct mileage instead of being reset back to zero miles. I would actually much rather keep the car with the original instrument cluster, but I am sure that I will most likely run into problems with customs, insurance, or the DMV in the states...thank you...

mbdoc · #2 08-25-2003, 08:05 AM

Most USA VDO speedo repair centers can convert speedometers from miles to KM or vice-versa.

blackmercedes · #3 08-25-2003, 10:21 AM

Duck, you can find lots of kids out there that are "crackers" that have a simple, inexpensive device that can set a Mercedes digital odo to say whatever you like. Mercedes could make the odos tamper free, but does not.

It is my understanding that when you order the new cluster, the dealer can specify the mileage it should read.

Gilly · #4 08-25-2003, 08:38 PM

I believe your information to be false. I have worked on Canadian vehicles that are brought into the US with the same speedometer/odometer assemblies as they left the factory with, including vehicles as new as an ML. As long as the odometer is marked "KM" I believe you are fine, and the speedometer has to read both KMH and MPH, as I'm sure the vehicle in question (a Canadian model) already has. Makes no difference if KMH or MPH is the "primary" or larger marking, as long as both are present.

Gilly

Benzmac · #5 08-25-2003, 09:23 PM

I have seen this.

The dealer can pull the Km out of the Km speedo then put in into the miles speedo. When you do this, it will convert all on its own.

I have done a few with no problems.

(Also, I have heard in rumor, not fact, that there are people who make the sticky face that can be applied and it is corrected for mileage)

DuckMuck · #6 08-25-2003, 10:22 PM

Thanks for all the information! Actually, my car is a 1995 E420, and there is ONLY kilometers for the speedometer, no inner markings for miles...the US version of the instrument cluster has the speedometer in miles, WITH inner markings for kilometers. This is the one that I will have to swap for. It seems the modification must be performed before I bring the car into the US, and receipt for the work must be presented as well when the car crosses the border.

wjm · #7 08-26-2003, 01:23 AM

Duckmuck...

Well lookie here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33675&item=2429630751

What does a new one go for?

I'm sure if no one bids you can work a deal with this guy.

So, you moving to the states or selling your car?

DuckMuck · #8 08-26-2003, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wjm
Duckmuck...

Well lookie here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33675&item=2429630751

What does a new one go for?

I'm sure if no one bids you can work a deal with this guy.

So, you moving to the states or selling your car?

By some weird stroke of luck...this might work...my car has just under 30,500miles on it right now...if I keep my original odometer and drive another few miles or so, I could match the mileage on this instrument cluster on eBay, then do the swap, and I would not need to get the new cluster serviced to match my mileage...

I was actually quoted a price of around $1000CAD for the cluster + labour at the Mercedes-Benz dealership...I am considering moving to the US...the car will most likely come to...thank you for the information!

wjm · #9 08-26-2003, 01:24 PM

Good luck bidding.

I just sent you a PM also.