Mercedes W124 (1994 E320) speedometer bouncing at low speeds

[August Forster]

Hello everyone and Happy New Year!
I have this common problem - bouncing speedometer at low speeds.
Have replaced the shaft with new OEM - no change.
I would very much appreciate if anyone helps to approach to this problem.
Thank you!

 

[gsxr]

This is almost always due to speedometer cable routing problems, and/or not using a Genuine Mercedes cable with the foam tube encasing part of the cable. The cable has to be routed *perfectly* to eliminate the bouncing. It's maddening. I wish it were easier to retrofit the electronic speedometers from the V8 cars.

 

[August Forster]

This is almost always due to speedometer cable routing problems, and/or not using a Genuine Mercedes cable with the foam tube encasing part of the cable. The cable has to be routed *perfectly* to eliminate the bouncing. It's maddening. I wish it were easier to retrofit the electronic speedometers from the V8 cars.

Thank you for the response. The new cable is from MB. I have no idea at where and most importantly how to play with the routing. There is no much room for play at all. The cable, as you very well know, makes two 90 degree turns: one at the gear box and one before entering the cabin and everything is pretty tight. I really have no clue.

 

[August Forster]

The only thing that might alter the routing (I guess) is the fact that I do not not push the instrument cluster all the way back to it's place, assuming that the problem might not be fixed yet and I would need to remove it again.

 

[gsxr]

Yes, the cluster has to be pushed back all the way. Where the cable bends, it must be as smooth as possible (large radius). There is a metal clip near the floor, behind the brake pedal area, for one of the trim panels down there. The metal clip should be aligned between marks on the cable, after the cluster is pushed all the way back.

 

[August Forster]

Yes, the cluster has to be pushed back all the way. Where the cable bends, it must be as smooth as possible (large radius). There is a metal clip near the floor, behind the brake pedal area, for one of the trim panels down there. The metal clip should be aligned between marks on the cable, after the cluster is pushed all the way back.

Thank you!