I've got a 1993 W124 300TD, and I love it. Nicest to drive and most practical car I have ever had....
I replaced the tiny bulbs illuminating the heating controls with 40p cheap ones from the local parts man. Two in the centre of the rotary knobs and two that illuminate the temperature dials and switch positions. All was well for 2 days....
Then during a long drive in daylight with headlamps on for bad weather, I noticed the "bulb failure" light on the panel come on briefly, then go out. On arrival I noticed that the headlamp warning buzzer didnt work.
When I got in that night and turned the headlights on all the console lights that are controlled by the dimmer were off! Instrument panel, windows, gear selector, heater controls. Following morning I reseated all engine compartment fuses (none were blown) and the headlamp buzzer came back, but still no interior lights...
So, I would appreciate some help with the following questions:-
a) Is it worth checking the "red fuse" at the back of the instrument panel mentioned in some of the other postings? I am not sure whether this controls the dimmed lighting circuit or not.
b) Could it be the dimmer rheostat in the panel? There is no sign of life when the knob is rotated, so it is not a loose connection. If so, does it mean a complete new panel?
c) Should I have used special MB bulbs for replacement? I noticed that one of the dead ones was a funny plastic one with slightly larger contacts, but the other three looked normal?
Many thanks (as ever) for invaluable help.
I replaced the tiny bulbs illuminating the heating controls with 40p cheap ones from the local parts man. Two in the centre of the rotary knobs and two that illuminate the temperature dials and switch positions. All was well for 2 days....
Then during a long drive in daylight with headlamps on for bad weather, I noticed the "bulb failure" light on the panel come on briefly, then go out. On arrival I noticed that the headlamp warning buzzer didnt work.
When I got in that night and turned the headlights on all the console lights that are controlled by the dimmer were off! Instrument panel, windows, gear selector, heater controls. Following morning I reseated all engine compartment fuses (none were blown) and the headlamp buzzer came back, but still no interior lights...
So, I would appreciate some help with the following questions:-
a) Is it worth checking the "red fuse" at the back of the instrument panel mentioned in some of the other postings? I am not sure whether this controls the dimmed lighting circuit or not.
b) Could it be the dimmer rheostat in the panel? There is no sign of life when the knob is rotated, so it is not a loose connection. If so, does it mean a complete new panel?
c) Should I have used special MB bulbs for replacement? I noticed that one of the dead ones was a funny plastic one with slightly larger contacts, but the other three looked normal?
Many thanks (as ever) for invaluable help.
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