Cluster - clear plastic cover

[8899]

Could someone please tell me if the clear plastic cover for the instrument cluster housing is a separate, replaceable part? Or, if one needs to purchase the entire cluster housing (part #: 000-542-03-87 at approximately $345.00) in order to end up with a shiny, new clear plastic cover for the cluster?

 

[captruff]

Could someone please tell me if the clear plastic cover for the instrument cluster housing is a separate, replaceable part? Or, if one needs to purchase the entire cluster housing (part #: 000-542-03-87 at approximately $345.00) in order to end up with a shiny, new clear plastic cover for the cluster?

I'm pretty sure you need to buy the entire cluster housing. When I restored my 190E I ended up purchasing new gauges as well as the cluster housing and it was also in the $300.00+ range.

Jeff

 

[Klink]

Could someone please tell me if the clear plastic cover for the instrument cluster housing is a separate, replaceable part? Or, if one needs to purchase the entire cluster housing (part #: 000-542-03-87 at approximately $345.00) in order to end up with a shiny, new clear plastic cover for the cluster?

That is the only way I know of to get a brand-new cluster "glass"...

 

[Hollybrook]

You might be able to remove the cluster and polish the clear plastic if you just have minor surface scratches.

 

[gsxr]

If yours is that messed up, look for a good used one. They are usually in decent shape. I like Hollybrook's idea as well...

 

[Ntrepid]

Using something like Meguiar's ScratchX or SwirlX should be good.


Robert

 

[600Eric]

You might be able to remove the cluster and polish the clear plastic if you just have minor surface scratches.

I have already done this with both the cluster for my 500E and my W210. As long as you have the factory cluster removal tools (really just hooks) it is not difficult at all. I used the Novus 7136 Plastic Polish Kit ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/381058473282?lpid=82&chn=ps ). Worked pretty well.

 

[8899]

Mine has a crack (approximately an inch) in the lower left corner. Probably should just add a new cluster housing on the Christmas wish list...

 

[gsxr]

Mine has a crack (approximately an inch) in the lower left corner. Probably should just add a new cluster housing on the Christmas wish list...

Just curious - does your car have a wood veneer insert, or chrome rings around the gauges? Those aftermarket goodies require prying the clear plastic cover off the frame, and cracking is a common problem as MB never intended the cover to be removed.

If you look carefully in the photo below, you'll see a nice 2-inch crack on the left side by the temp gauge. I swapped the housing to fix it, and did not attempt to swap over the wood piece:

 

[8899]

Just curious - does your car have a wood veneer insert, or chrome rings around the guages?

Nope, neither of those. The crack was there when I got the car....addressing it has been a low priority item...

 

[mistermiata]

Dave,

I installed my chrome gauge surrounds without removing the plastic cover. I removed the gauges and put the rings in through the back.

 

[gsxr]

Dave,

I installed my chrome gauge surrounds without removing the plastic cover. I removed the gauges and put the rings in through the back.

Ah, got it - thanks, Andy! I've never used the chrome rings and wasn't sure if they could be inserted from the rear.