Just joined, need help/advice. dashboard lights

[k_devereux]

I have just recently bought a 97 P plate E230 estate. A few days ago the light went out that illuminates the mileage and trip counter. They both still work so I am assuming that it is just a bulb that needs replacing. I called my dealer and they said 95 quid plus parts plus vat, just so long as it is only the bulb that has gone. Hinting that if the led is faulty I am looking at major costs.
How difficult/easy is it to get the dash apart sufficiently to change the faulty bulb and what bulb do I need? I am hoping here that it is just the bulb and I can get one before taking the dash apart. I dont fancy paying 95 quid + just to change a bulb. If anyone has any help, information or advice (other than telling me its my own fault for buying a Merc) I would be very grateful, it could be the difference between a Chritmas prezzie for the Mrs and a turkey on the table or no prezzie and sandwhiches!

 

[landover]

Just pull dash out and check the bulbs first. The dash comes out no problem........

 

[k_devereux]

Thanks for the quick response, is it really that easy? I figured newer mercs would need some fiddly tool. I have had 3 other much older merc and they were in the state of repair that I could just lift bits of plastic to get at what was wrong. This is the first one I have paid real money for and dont want any unneccessary screwdriver marks in the dash. If it does pull out that easy then how can MB dealers justify £95+ for what sounds like a 5 minute job?

 

[190]

There is something about warning lights when removing the dash
It?s ABS, SRS or EGR light that stays on when you refit the dash again do a search on the forum and you should find out what to do.

 

[mjtray]

I see that you are based in Reading.....if you want somebody to have a look at it for you, I can strongly recommend the guys at Star Motors on 0118-9462750. They are in Caversham.

Cheers

 

[k_devereux]

Thanks, I will give them a call in the morning