E280 (W124) Auto Est (96) Indicator lamps (cluster)

[JensH]

So, I have this tiny niggle...

All my cluster warning lamps work, but those for the indicators just don't show in the daytime and it is a little irritating. They are fine after dusk.

I've read all the stuff warning against over-powered lamps, but it seems odd to me that MB would have thought it ok for these lamps not to be visible in the daytime.

So my questions are:
1 Is it possible that the 12v 1.2 w lamps fitted in my car are actually not the correct spec. and that they might originally have been higher wattage?
2 Is it possible that the right spec. lamps just wear out and dim over time?
3 Given that the lamps are on-off indicators, that don't glow "on" is there really any risk from a slightly higher wattage? I ask this not least because immediately next to each of the indicator lamps sits on the 3 main dial lamps which are 3W (MB N072601 012240) and I can't imagine the fittings or local PCB components are that different?

PFS Parts (link below), supply the following OEM instrument bulbs:
12v 1.2W (as now) (MB N000000 003651, PFM902342)
12v 1.3W (MB N000000 000977, PFM90236 - think PFM might have missed a digit there...)
12v 1.5W (MB N910141 000000, PFM902341)
12v 2.0W (MB N000000 002453, PFM902347)

I thought I'd experiment with these, unless it's really not a good idea - assuming a match on the twist-lock component, of course.

My other bug-bear is my missing vent-lamp and wiring on the N/S, the entirety of which is just plain missing. I am looking for a recon. bulb-holder plus wiring at the moment.

Mission is to have everything working on the car, without obsessing about a concourse restoration!

Sorry about that - a lot of words for two pesky little lamp bulbs!

Jens

http://www.partsformercedes-benz.com/index.php?cPath=40_96

 

[television]

For all the time they are on try the 2.2 watt, I cannot get to the EPC for a short while

 

[JensH]

For all the time they are on try the 2.2 watt, I cannot get to the EPC for a short while

Cheers, Malcolm

Jens

 

[mej]

Looking on the EPC it appears 1.2 watt does the trick (A0005453419), but I wonder if you've had the binnacle out. If not may I suggest you do so and check if the bulb holders are fully inserted intheir slots. If not this may lead to the bulbs appearing weak.

 

[television]

Are not they all just a quarter turn to lock in

 

[mej]

I recall the lower display band holders just push in. My concern is if someone previous to the OP has been fiddling...........

 

[television]

Been on the EPC and should be 1.2w just the same as the tell tail ones

 

[JensH]

Let there be light...

I recall the lower display band holders just push in. My concern is if someone previous to the OP has been fiddling...........

I've uploaded a pic of the rear of the cluster (not mine btw). The bottom 5 l/h lamps (as you look at pic) are, as you say, push-in fittings (sockets 1 and 2 are not in use on my car), all the other lamp fittings are capped with quarter turn locks as Malcolm has said.

Indicators sit at the top either side of the speedo housing, but inside and below the bigger (3W) lamps for main dials.

I've ordered OEM bulbs from the supplier I mentioned, 1.2W, 1.5W and 2.0W and I'll see what's what. I can't see that with the generally very short on/off use there will be a problem with a slightly higher wattage. The fact is I simply can't see the current indicator lamps in any kind of reasonable daylight and given that I am generally listening to Led Zep or similar at volume 11, I can't rely on the MB clicks - actually I'm more into chill these days...

Will report...

& thanks!

Jens

 

[JensH]

Ilumination

Been on the EPC and should be 1.2w just the same as the tell tail ones

Thanks Malcolm,

So maybe MB didn't mean them to be particularly bright?

There's something afoot on my motor, though, because all of the other warning lamps show up fine, anytime. The winkers just aren't the same brightness.

I'll see about straight 1.2W replacements first.

Jens

 

[mej]

No - really you should have no trouble seeing these. I have 2 x S124s in regular use and have had 4 others. All have had clearly visible indicator telltales in all lights.

Bon courage.

 

[JensH]

Indicator warning light, mystery solved...

No - really you should have no trouble seeing these. I have 2 x S124s in regular use and have had 4 others. All have had clearly visible indicator telltales in all lights.

Bon courage.

My replacement Osram (OEM) bulb selection arrived today. Included new black 12V 1.2W capped bulbs.

Removed the cluster and removed lamps installed - identical fit, but there were grey. As you will see from attached pictures, the grey 1.2W bulb is a 24W lamp - so, half the power = half the luminosity.

I have seen the light!
The future is bright!
The future is...
...green!
...and flashing!

Oh, yes!

Thus, previous owners haunt you.
More to come, I fear...