W126 Gear selector light bulb replacement

[Onne]

Hello all,

I was wondering if the W126 has a light so you can see what gear you've selectedin the old auto box?

If yes, how do I go about replacing this (these?)

Thanks!

 

[stwat]

It does indeed illuminate.

I only have experience of replacing the bulb on a 190. On that you first have to remove the wooden surround then prise off the gear selector gate cover. The bulb and holder slots into the top right corner.

To be honest though, you might not even have to remove the selector gate cover as the bulb holder may simply pull out.

 

[ianrandom]

Yup, you remove the wooden gear shift piece as Stwat says. That involves sliding it forwards, dont just pull it up, the fixings will break. To make room for it to slide forward, remove the chrome ashtray insert. Then you should see on the lower part of the ashtray frame, two phillips screws. Undo those two, the whole ashtray assembly then lifts out, the coin tray is freed, and the wooden piece can come forward and so unclip.

The little bulb you need is in the front end of the selector box gubbins. Noting else to undo, its just there and pops out for replacement.

 

[Onne]

Thanks Ian, I'll have a look tonight, I was about to ask the question...
Does the whole lot slide forward including the plastic selector with PRND32 etc on it?

 

[ianrandom]

Nope just the wooden piece. The rest of it doesnt need to. That is just a box which is mounted to the transmission tunnel. The top can come off seperately if needed.

 

[Onne]

Got the bulb out, love the simplicity if you know how to do it!
Any idea what bulb it takes, I can read it's a 12V 2W and that's it's tiny!

Edit: looks like I need a 1.2w 286 type bulb...

 

[television]

MB keep them all in stock and seldom charge for them, you can get a free coffee too

 

[Onne]

Sadly I don't live near a MB agent, so I went to my local independant motor factors.
Managed to get the bulb changed, as you all said a doddle to do.

While I was there I noticed the fan speed dial bulb has gone too, how do you remove these?

 

[ianrandom]

Pop the fan knob off, The bulb is there to see once the knob is removed. I use a thick-ish cloth and some pliars to pull the knob off.

 

[ianrandom]

Or if you mean the ring around the fan speed? That involves removing that piece of fascia. To do that pop off both knobs, remove the nuts visible then. Remove the ashtray frame, the wooden piece sildes down to unclip. Then switches can be removed from behind by pushing, freeing the panel further. You'll see the little bulb on the rear of the panel.

 

[Onne]

Cheers Ian, you're a star, all bulbs sorted!

 

[Onne]

Well, got the bulbs, but could only get the 1.2 watt variety, and my knobs seem to get rather hot (oh matron!)

I suppose if I were to go for LED that would solve the issue, but what's the opinions on these?

Is the standard wattage for these dash bulbs only 0.4w, as that would explain the excess heat?

Cheers

 

[ianrandom]

Hmm not sure, i replaced all the bulbs in the car but went back and re-did them with dealer bulbs cos i got worried about melting stuff.

 

[Onne]

I think I'll try out these LED bulbs first as they don't get hot... Might put the broken bulbs back in in the mean time. Don't want any melting.

If that doesn't work I'll go to my local MB for a cuppa

 

[Alex Crow]

yes, 0.4w for the knob bulbs, or they get so hot you burn yourself!

 

[stwat]

The LED bulbs look terrible. Way to white and bright. I tried them in my 190 and took them out after a day.

If you can get the part numbers Inchcape is the best place to buy genuine parts online.

http://www.mercedes-benz-parts.co.uk/

 

[Onne]

I thought they might look a bit out of place... visit to MB it is then!
Thanks chaps