MB Instrument Cluster Removal Tools

[mattjpreston]

I'm looking to remove the instrument cluster from my 96 SL (R129) to fit some chrome rings to the gauges. Does anyone know what the part number is for the removal tools I need and also how much they cost from the stealers? I have seen them on ebay, mainly available to order from Germany, but would prefer to buy them here. Are all stealers willing to sell you them to private customers?

Thanks

 

[richard]

Hi

2 useful tools are

Long Wedge (for unclipping things), MB part nr W115 589 03 59 00
Dash pulling hooks (for removing vents/clusters), MB part nr W140 589 02 33 00

The hooks come as a pair. You can see pictures in the comand-aps retrofit document at http://www.mercupgrades.socm

I can not remember the cost of them. The 'W' in the part number means tool, and the dealer's don't get much (if any) discount on them allegedly ... but they were not extortionate.

I'm sure the dealer will supply them.

Be careful when removing clusters, the tools need to go far into the slot and be rotated so they catch on the tabs far down the sides of the cluster - if you slip or hook the plastic front, you can crack it ..

On some cars its possible to get hand up back of dash and push on cluster ..

Cheers
Richard

 

[MangoMan]

Here...... did actualy post this before.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GENUINE-MERCE...ryZ10398QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[miro]

The 'W' in the part number means tool,

I always wondered about that ... in relation to the American president.

 

[grober]

You have seen the pictures now----- wire coat hanger +narrow nose pliers a bit of twisting in a vice and voila!!

 

[RKC-benz]

You have seen the pictures now----- wire coat hanger +narrow nose pliers a bit of twisting in a vice and voila!!

I am bumping this thread back up...

I have just wrestled and failed to dislodge my instrument cluster to replace the bulbs... I tried a coat hanger hook which even with lots of force wouldn't budge the bu66er ... I also removed the lower trim and attempted the very awkward shove it from behind. Didn't shift. But also I'm pleased not to have broken anything whilst shoving it all around...

Maybe an upgrade to the original tool will do it, maybe a visit to the Indy... Final suggestions?

 

[renault12ts]

...try, try, again.

 

[Dieselman]

If the cluster hasn't been out for a long time it sticks to the rubber wedges. Try a thin shafted, but strong screwdriver in by the dashboard wood trim and used as a lever to pries the cluster forwards a bit.

 

[RKC-benz]

...try, try, again.

I fought it ... Original tools?

 

[RKC-benz]

If the cluster hasn't been out for a long time it sticks to the rubber wedges. Try a thin shafted, but strong screwdriver in by the dashboard wood trim and used as a lever to pries the cluster forwards a bit.

Tried very similar by running a thin bladed knife around the surround to release the "stiction"...

 

[RKC-benz]

I've given in and ordered the MB tool off eBay for£17.50 ... My wire coat hanger was just not quite tough enough - it bent under load too easily.

Will report later in the week.

 

[Dieselman]

Tried very similar by running a thin bladed knife around the surround to release the "stiction"...

The wedges are further back, at the rear side of the cluster.

Just pry it out.

 

[RKC-benz]

The wedges are further back, at the rear side of the cluster. Just pry it out.

That's tomorrow's plan now... Where exactly am I aiming for? Centre? Left or right?

 

[Dieselman]

There are four of them, but you won't get to them.

Just carefully lever the cluster out from the edges to break the grip.

 

[sam88]

Im trying to remove the instrument cluster from CLS W218 but I am struggling to get the wood trim off first. It seems held by something on the left of the steering wheel where the microphone is. I could really do with some help on this...

 

[RKC-benz]

I managed to get the instrument binnacle pulled out today with a pair of the OE MB tools bought off eBay. It worked a treat as they were a bit stiffer than the hooks I made out of coat hanger wire.

Once out, rather than pull out the cables, I was able to swap out the two failed bulbs quite easily with a pair of long nose pliers gripping their holders.

I love it when a plan comes together - info and net is just great. I particularly liked a thread I saw somewhere with a cracked binnacle, clear perspex in pieces - that was my cautionary tale that made me pay proper attention!

Drove home tonight with a full set of dash lights. Nice.