Instrument cluster light bulbs?

[borring]

I'm installing rainbow speakers so I have taken out the instrument cluster, air back and the vents. I'm using the possibility to install new light bulbs in the instrument cluster and the vents.
I'm facing one question and one issue, the question is how meny light bulbs to change in the instrument cluster, as far as I can see there is 3 big ones, 5 with a white socket and 7 with a small black socket - they might be 20 years old, and while I'm at it I think I'll replace them all. The issue is that one of the big ones has melted the plastic that reflected the light, I managed to get it out, but if I install a new one, then it's gonna sit on the plastic like the old one. Is it possible to change the plastic? Does it come as a part number or do I need to look for used parts?

 

[Glen]

I have seen these on eBay, bulb and holder together. They are used in many European cars.

 

[borring]

The reflectors can only be replaced if I buy a new instrument cluster house from Mercedes. But I managed to cut away the burned plastic from the reflectors and installed two new LED lamps (Xeon white).

 

[Trae]

I recently changed the odometer gears in my 560SEC and ran into the light bulb issue.

The PO had installed HIGHER wattage bulbs that melted the plastic and the reflective prisms that transmit the cluster lighting.

Found a donor cluster to fix said problems, but wanted to sound the alarm on higher wattage bulbs.

DO NOT put the higher wattage bulbs in the cluster hoping to increase the lighting! All it will do is melt the plastic housing and prisms causing a lot more work in the future.

 

[gsxr]

DO NOT put the higher wattage bulbs in the cluster hoping to increase the lighting! All it will do is melt the plastic housing and prisms causing a lot more work in the future.

100% correct. I've seen this frequently. The late 124 clusters have thicker prisms which are more resistant to melting, but higher wattage bulbs are still a Bad Idea.

 

[nocfn]

Painting the white covers that turn brown, or using aluminum tape on the inside will help reflect the light better into the prism but you are right, the clear plastic melts, there isn't anything you are going to do to fix that short of new box. Also on the outside of the case, be sure that the light doesn't "leak" out of the box by sealing the mating points of the outer plastic with tape to keep the light in as best you can.

 

[Ntrepid]

Go the LED route to clean up the look. The yellow of the incandescent is replaced by the white of the LED. Looks really nice and no need to worry about overheating.

Also, you can replace the bulbs at the bottom of the instrument cluster with LEDs. The LEDs can be purchased on eBay and Amazon very inexpensively.


Robert

 

[nocfn]

OK do you have PN to look at that fit in the w126 cluster? I use superbright led lights on my door puddles and the license plates, but that's about it.

 

[Ntrepid]

Sure.

T10 are for the ones which illuminate the face of the cluster. T5s are for the others such as the blinkers and the strip at the bottom. I believe, although I have not confirmed that a T3 would be for the reserve tank light.

The ones I purchased included the wedge which is the piece that melted on your incandescent.


Robert

 

[nocfn]

excellent, I will have a look at it. While the glow IMO is part of the W126 analog experience, a little brighter is better.

 

[gsxr]

Go the LED route to clean up the look. The yellow of the incandescent is replaced by the white of the LED. Looks really nice and no need to worry about overheating.

Just curious - does the dimming function work with the LED bulbs? Or is it just on/off?

 

[nocfn]

so for the W126/C126 this would be required, 2 each?

 

[Ntrepid]

Yes. They are usually sold in packs of 10. Great in case you have infant mortality of a LED or you accidentally break a lead.


Robert

 

[Glen]

Are these LED's dimmable?

 

[Ntrepid]

Some are. A quick search on Amazon turned up these made by Samsung:

http://www.amazon.com/Dimmable-LED-Replacement-Lighting-Aluminum/dp/B010UMJEOA


Robert