240 Estate -2000

[KentBenz]

In the last few weeks the outside temp display was loosing characters. The display has now completely gone and the same problem is happening to the clock display. Discussions with local delear indicates the whole of the instrument cluster has to be replaced at a cost of £500+. Can anyone offer any guidance if this is the case and are there any other options. Many thanks.

 

[robertjary]

I've had the same problem on the temperature display on my E220 CDI estate for over a year. I'm sure that it's just a connector problem (between the pcb and the lcd display). If and when I can get hold of a faulty unit I'll have a go at remaking the connection. Unfortunately, dealers replace rather than repair many parts that are repairable.

 

[tom7035]

Your diagnosis is likely spot-on.
What an opportunity out there some young entrepreneur is missing, simply fixing duff MB electronics!
Like you, I wouldn't have the bottle these days to dive into the binnacle in the car without having a look at a spare unit first! Might be difficult finding one though, they'll all go back for a touch with a soldering tool and back onto the shelf for another few hundred quid!

 

[television]

On some of these units there are spare parts.
MB also say that if the seal is broken no negotiation can take place. I read that as, these units go back and are refurbished.

Re the actual faults on every VDO unit that I have seen the IC's are bog standard. can only be three things, the segnent driver chip, display or bad soldering. all of these bits are standard within their group. I understand from Jberks that these things are multi layered so a little de soldering. A digital camara is a god send these days with the camara pluged into a large monitor

How anyone can build a unit where it cost £500-£700 to fix a clock is crazy

Malcolm

 

[tom7035]

On some of these units there are spare parts.
MB also say that if the seal is broken no negotiation can take place. I read that as, these units go back and are refurbished.

Re the actual faults on every VDO unit that I have seen the IC's are bog standard. can only be three things, the segnent driver chip, display or bad soldering. all of these bits are standard within their group. I understand from Jberks that these things are multi layered so a little de soldering. A digital camara is a god send these days with the camara pluged into a large monitor

How anyone can build a unit where it cost £500-£700 to fix a clock is crazy

Malcolm

This is a bit over my head Malcolm, but I get your drift.
Tom.