Removing Dashboard in W124.

[Timster]

Hi.

I posted last week as I keep blowing a fuse. I’ve traced the problem, and think it’s the wiring behind the dashboard, so I need to remove the dash, and replace a bulb and check the wiring there.

Question: Can I remove the dash without taking off the steering wheel and whole front console, as suggested in Haynes, and I’ve heard rumours that there is a special tool for removing the dash, like the ones you get for car stereo’s. Is this true, if so where do I buy, borrow one from.

Just to put you in the picture, I’ve just had this car a month, and am trying to restore it to it’s former glory. Mechanically absolutely sound, just requiring a bit of TLC on the electrics! It’s a W124 Estate (250TD 1987 model.)

 

[SilverSaloon]

i assume you mean the instrument cluster?

if so you need one of the tools as shown in the link below (or make one from a coathanger):

http://www.poundhost.com/mbclub-file/sym/cluster3.htm

i've never had to remove the cluster from my W124's but on my CLK (W208) i managed to get it out by pushing from behind by reaching up under the steering wheel - but i dont know if you can do that on a 124 due to the design of it.

 

[Sp!ke]

As per Silver Saloon.

Just reach behind from below and give it a shove and it'll come out. Less chance of damaging anything than with coat hangers.

 

[Ian B Walker]

As per Silver Saloon.

Just reach behind from below and give it a shove and it'll come out. Less chance of damaging anything than with coat hangers.

Someone must have very small hands and arms or half your heating and wiring is missing. Attempted this on mine last night, as an experiment during the course of steering column swap. No way Jose. Resorted to the tools On mine the heater trunking gets in the way.

 

[Sp!ke]

I just remove the lower foot lever surround panel (3 bolts IIRC) and then its easy access on the rhs.