W230 speedo light mystery/misery

[Banacek]

Hello all, I have just acquired a very smart 2002 C180 saloon, with very few faults but the most annoying is the lack of information on the light source of the analogue speedo. The needle is illuminated but the field is dark. You tube says that some, sensibly have bulbs or LEDs but sadly not this one. a possibility is that the floppy display panel; a common fault awaiting, is the source. The tacho and temp gauges appear similarly lit but they are all in an apparently sealed sandwich: kudos to the designer of this one!
As we know, in UK all cars are expected to be thrown away after five years, even if the owners are still happy with them. Any help appreciated; currently ordering a replacement instrument panel which will need recoding!

 

[LostKiwi]

Are you sure it's not just set very dim on the rheostat? Normally it's adjusted by turning the trip reset button.

 

[Banacek]

Are you sure it's not just set very dim on the rheostat? Normally it's adjusted by turning the trip reset button.

Been down that road before but thanks. No, the two other clocks, tacho & fuel, are responding to the dimmer.