I have a 1994 S500 (W-140 body) and one of the dash lights are out. Is there a simple way to replace these bulbs, or any tricks I need to know?? At this time, I just need to replace the light behind the outside temperature display. It reads correctly, but no backlight.

Thanks, Barry

THe instrument cluster has bulbs that can be replaced. Removal of the cluster can be difficult as they stick & require a lot of pressure to remove. Make sure to get correct bulbs from retailer (dealer).

Do you just use two hook shaped wires and gently pull out?? (as mentioned with other models clusters).

This looks like it _could_ be simple, but I surely DO NOT want to break anything. This light is not that big of deal.

Thanks, Barry

Yes the factory hooks are needed, however due to broken clusters at many service retail centers we perfer to push from rear as well as "SLIGHT" pull from front w/hooks.

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS DEALER M.B. Shopforeman
190E 2.3 ITS RACECAR
1986 190E 16V

Okay, I have the MB dash hooks, have the bulbs I need, and am motivated to do this.
(more bulbs are gradually going out) :-(
With this car, do I need to disconnect the speedo or tach cables first, or is this all electronic and that is not necessary??

Thanks,

Barry

DON'T use the hooks...
 

Barry,
The hooks are not necessary on the 140 chassis and if the cluster has never been out since mfg'd. then probably stuck.
There is a chance of cracking the face if not hooked correctly and then EXPENSIVE. Here is the easy way:

On the top left of the dash, remove the speaker grille. Then remove the two screws on the bottom holding the HVAC vent duct. Pull the sections of duct out, two or three, and then put your hand in behind the cluster and PUSH it out from behind. There are two large electrical plugs attached to the cluster, no speedo cables etc. Reassemble in the reverse manner and all is complete....and nothing broken!
I think if you do a search on this repair, there is info about it.

Good luck,
TobiasMB
4 MBs

Its already done. I warmed up the interior of the car to make all the plastic parts "softer", and it came out pretty easily with the hooks. As was stated, just take your time, work out each side little by little, and out it comes. There were four electrical connectors, 2 easily removed, 2 a little more stubborn.
Changed the bulbs I needed to, and everything is fine with the exception of one thing.
I was hoping to be able to remove the outside temp sensor board so that I could re-solder a new bulb into the board, but that bad boy was not coming out. It seemed loose, but it was NOT going to slide out. What do I still need to do to fix that, the NEXT time another bulb burns out??

Thanks,

Barry