Removing a Mercedes instrument cluster from any of the chassis listed is easy with these special "pull" tools. Many owners do not realize that the instrument cluster is just pushed into the dash panel and not held in with any bolts or screws. To remove the cluster all you need to do is pull it out. But trying to get a good hold on it is another matter and without the right tools, you can break the clear plastic instrument cover or damage the padded dash. You first insert these tools on either side of the cluster. Then you rotate the tools 90 degrees, "hook" the sides and pull it out. Kent recently set out to "build a better mousetrap" by improving the original factory tools. He wanted a tool with a stiffer wire, better handle arrangement, a little shorter, a marked way to determine how deep the tool is inserted, and a means to "sideload" the hook so it would not pop out when pulled hard! SORRY YOUTUBE PROMOTION IS OVER. The first 25 sets of these tools have already sold. LED dash bulbs can be ordered separately below ( see related products).
Product Details
These tools are a result of his effort. Please watch the following youtube video to learn more about their development and how they should be used. https://youtu.be/KLokBcbhhF8
Here is a picture using the tools to remove the cluster in a 1990 300SE (126 chassis):
PLEASE NOTE: Kent's video instructions only cover using the tools to "PULL" the cluster loose from the dash. They DO NOT cover disconnecting the wires and cables from the back in order to get the cluster out of the car. There are too many variables to be able to cover all the different models from 1972 to 1999. On some models, you will need to disconnect the speedometer cable to get it far enough out to work on it. Please see my manual on Instrument Cluster Removal if you have not done this job and need more information to help you completely remove the cluster from the car (see related products below). R107 SL Owners: In most cases, you will need to remove the steering wheel to get the instrument cluster out. The instructions also DO NOT cover the removal of an SL steering wheel or disconnecting the airbag on 1986 to 1989 SL models. See related products below for a video on removing non-airbag steering wheels.
Related Products:
Instrument Cluster Removal and Component Replacement By Kent Bergsma - Download
For all 108, 109, 114, 115, 107, 116, 123, 126, 201, and 124 chassis from 1965 to 1995. I wrote this repair guide to show you how to properly remove your instrument cluster and replace worn or failing components. (NOTE: This is not a detailed manual on how to repair the components.
Bypassing a Non Working Dash Light Dimmer Switch - On Demand Video
If both dash lights are not working including the lights in the upper center console the problem is most likely in the dimmer switch located on the back of the instrument cluster. This is also call the potentiometer providing variable resistance in the wiring to the bulbs.
1973 to 1985 Steering Wheel Removal and Replacement - On Demand Video
In this video Kent shares his technique for removing a padded steering wheel on most 107, 114, 115, 116, 123, 126, and 201 to 1985 chassis. These are the models WITHOUT an airbag.
5th Generation LED Warm White Instrument Light Bulbs x 2
Kent has found and tested this newest LED light bulb that you can install on the backside of your instrument cluster to increase your instrument lighting on your older Mercedes. These particular bulbs will be much brighter with a more yellow cast warm white light, and they don't get hot!
5th Generation LED BRIGHT WHITE Instrument Light Bulbs x 2
This is the newest LED light bulb Kent has found and tested that you can install on the backside of your instrument cluster to increase your instrument lighting on your older Mercedes. These particular bulbs will be much brighter with a white light and they don't get hot!
5th Generation LED AMBER Instrument Light Bulbs x 2
Kent has found and tested this newest LED light bulb that you can install on the backside of your instrument cluster to increase your instrument lighting on your older Mercedes. These particular bulbs will be much brighter with a more AMBER cast light, and they don't get hot!
5th Generation LED RED Instrument Light Bulbs x 2
This is the newest LED light bulb Kent has found and tested that you can install on the backside of your instrument cluster to increase your instrument lighting on your older Mercedes. These particular bulbs will be much brighter with a VERY RED cast light and they don't get hot!