W210 instrument lamps

[ackers]

I have a 97 230E W210 and I want to replace a blown heater control lamp and an instrument cluster lamp, I asked my local indy to order them but they will only order and fit. I have removed the heater lamp (thanks to this forum) to check on what type it is, can somebody please confirm that the instrument lamps are the same type R286, if so I will order a pack and change the lot.
Thanks Ackers

 

[television]

The instrument cluster bulbs are not the same as the heater control bulbs and I think only from MB though some citroens use the same lams

 

[ackers]

Thanks television, it looks like I will have to pull the cluster out and have a look.

 

[Aussie Nick]

You can pull the instrument cluster from the front by pulling with fingers under the front. Go slow and careful. It will come.there are two clips holding the whole cluster in. Probably best to unclip one side at a time.

 

[television]

You can pull the instrument cluster from the front by pulling with fingers under the front. Go slow and careful. It will come.there are two clips holding the whole cluster in. Probably best to unclip one side at a time.

No clips,,just a tight fit. You can push from behind, if you can get your hand in or use the MB tools

There is one set of bulbs along the bottom of one type, the 3-4 bulbs that light up the the main instruments are something else

 

[ackers]

Just received the official type pullers, pulled the cluster with a bit of a struggle, steering wheel has to come off, bugger.

 

[Parrot of Doom]

No it doesn't have to come off - there is enough space without removing the wheel.

Pull the cluster out, and turn it vertically through 90'. You will have to remove the two electrical connectors, just swing the plastic arm on the back of each plug through 90' and they'll come straight out.

See this thread for ordering bulbs - they're massively cheaper to get from here:

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=38226

All the bulb values are stamped on the back of the cluster. Order a pack of 10 bulbs and replace the lot.

 

[ackers]

Thanks for that, I've ordered some bulbs. A lot of the post's I have read say don't disconnect as the air bag alarm will need resetting. Sometimes reading too much can be a disadvantage.

Ackers

 

[Parrot of Doom]

No the air bag alarm will be fine. Connect the left side first, right side second (as you're looking from the driver's seat).

 

[jberks]

why are you disconnecting the airbag?
You don't need to remove the wheel to remove the cluster. It may look tight but it will come out with the wheel in place (see my DIY post)
The alarm will trip if you have or turn the ignition on without the cluster in place as it will sense the bulb is missing - but keep they key well away fom the car and you'll be fine.

 

[ackers]

Right, I’ve done it but, Jberks, I’d read your post in the DIY section and it was one of the deciding factors that persuaded me to do the job, but I could not get the binnacle out. The cruise control stalk was in the way, I managed it by turning the wheel slightly to the right. I’ve now had a closer look at your pictures and you have a different wheel to mine, yours has got switches in it. I don’t know if this makes any difference, and it may just have needed that extra tug and I chickened out, but what I have learned, via this forum, is that if you put two E230 W210 side by side, the chances are they will be different.
Just think, I’ve got to do it all again when my bulbs arrive.

Ackers

 

[Parrot of Doom]

I have the older steering wheel. I can promise you the binnacle will come out without removing the wheel.

Disconnect the two connectors on the back and it will come out, you are just doing something wrong that's all.

 

[ackers]

Obviously you were right. Easy peasy now I've done it. Thanks.