Bulb Gone

[Tan]

Hi

The bulb between the speedo and the rev counter has blown.

Having read a few posts on this topic I cant decide if I should attempt to remove the housing myself and change the bulb or should i get someone else to do it.

So two questions:

1) How easy is it to crack the lens on the housing and if i do what is the likely cost of replacement?

2) If I do do it myself, what tools do I need and what do these cost and finally whats the procedure for an SL (129 series)

Regards

Tan

 

[sym]

See Ricky's suggestion at the bottom of this thread for the 129

http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=6792

If you can get the cluster out, changing the bulb is easy - you'll need a small flat bladed screwdriver to remove the blown one, and to secure the new one.

The stealership will be able to advise the correct bulb - there are a couple of different sizes, so not sure which you would need. In any case, they cost pennies.

S.

 

[V12]

Tan, many people crack them by trying to remove from the front, if you do it the way i suggested, you will get it out without any damage...

A replacement housing...i am not sure if they are available, TBH.

To drop the underdash panel you need to remove the phillips screws.(very simple)

The bulbs are all colour coded for size and power, make sure you dont put a higher wattage bulb in as it will melt the cluster...seen it so many times!

Total time to remove cluster and change bulb - 5 minutes.

Good luck mate.

Ricky

 

[Tan]

Thanks Ricky

Changed the bulb, easy job. Now for my next one.

Is it the same procedure to get the cluster out on a W140 S-class, have to change some bulbs again.

Regards

Tan

 

[V12]

Yep, just as simple and straightforward.

Ricky

 

[miro]

Hi

2) If I do do it myself, what tools do I need and what do these cost and finally whats the procedure for an SL (129 series)

You need the MB knitting needles. No club member should be without them. You never know when you might need need to embalm a Pharoah.

 

[miro]

You need the MB knitting needles. No club member should be without them. You never know when you might need need to embalm a Pharoah.

......

 

[miro]

......

.......

 

[V12]

These are not always ideal if your cluster is really tight, as pulling too hard on the sides, will flex the cluster and the front perspex 'lens' will crack...

I prefer not to use them just in case, whats an extra minute to drop the underdash?

 

[miro]

These are not always ideal if your cluster is really tight, as pulling too hard on the sides, will flex the cluster and the front perspex 'lens' will crack...

I prefer not to use them just in case, whats an extra minute to drop the underdash?

I hear it happens a lot. I expect that even a minute amount of angle during removal places a massive load on the clear plastic.

I notice that it sometimes helps to push the cluster back in when it seems stuck. It tends to show if both sides have come out the same distance.

 

[Deleted member 2227]

I drop the dash as well.

V12 have you got a spare bulb holder for the back of the cluster as one of my ones is damaged coz a bulb stuck in it!

 

[sym]

Have had no problems or damage with careful use of the hooks - so far !!

Even if the cluster is very tight, you can ease it out by applying some light outward pressure to the portion of dash surround where it seems to be sticking (normally one of the bottom corners), while gently pulling on the appropriate hooks.

I guess dropping the dash is just as quick, and probably safer - but once your cluster has been out once, it should pop out relatively easily with the hooks.

S.