Instrument Cluster - Modifications and Special Handling
REF.NO.: 54/73ATO: OUR MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS
DATE: April 1994
(supersedes S.I. 54/73, February 1994)
SUBJECT:
MODELS 129 AND 140
NEW INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
A. MODIFICATIONS VERSUS OLD STYLE CLUSTER
B. SPECIAL HANDLING PROCEDURES WHEN REPLACING CLUSTER
A. MODIFICATIONS VERSUS OLD STYLE CLUSTER
As of November 1993, a new instrument cluster was phased into production for models 129 and 140. This cluster is similar to the one installed in model 202.
^ Speedometer
Odometer is indicated using a liquid crystal display (LCD).
Speedometer will start at the 0 MPH reading.
Replacement speedometers are only available as part of an entire instrument cluster. Individual speedometers and gauges are not available.
Note:
As of approximately January 1994 in model 129, the vehicle speed signal is generated by a vehicle speed sensor (VSS) at the left front wheel. Due to this change, a new instrument cluster with modified electronics will be phased into production
^ Lamp holders for instrument lighting and indicator lamps
New lamp holders have been designed for the thinner printed circuit boards. For identification purposes, the indicator lamp holders are colored blue. the instrument illumination lamp holders are colored black and light green.
^ Audible warning signal for parking brake
An intermittent warning signal is sounded from a loudspeaker in the instrument cluster when a speed of 5 MPH is exceeded with the parking brake on.
^ Oil pressure warning lamp has been discontinued.
^ Diagnosis
The diagnostic mode can be accessed as before, by using the clock setting knob. The test step is indicated by the left digits and the test result by the right digits of the odometer display.
For complete diagnostic procedure, see Diagnostic Manual.
Repair note:
The new style cluster must be replaced as an assembly, individual gauges will not be available. The following parts: entire instrument cluster, cluster housing, indicator lamps and indicator lamp warning symbols can, however, be replaced individually.
In the event that an individual gauge in the previous version cluster requires replacement, the entire cluster will have to be replaced with the new version after existing stock supplies of the old gauges are depleted.
Please note:
Should the previous version cluster require replacement, check cluster for possible max. tire speed label as previously announced in Service Information MBNA 40123, August 1993. This label, part no. 82611.005 (Qty. 10), must also be affixed to the replacement cluster in the same location as on the previous cluster.
B. SPECIAL HANDLING PROCEDURES WHEN REPLACING CLUSTER
As described in Parts Information 1097, of November 1991, when replacing a speedometer the new speedometer must be set to the mileage of the original speedometer.
No speedometer will be sold without being set to dealer specified mileage. This includes any speedometer requiring special ordering" from MBAG.
There will be a $22.00 setting charge for each speedometer ordered and this will be billed as a separate charge on the normal parts invoice. This is also noted on the Delivery Note copy.
For reimbursement of the setting charge on warranty claims, please record the charge as a sublet" with the acronym: "VDOSET".
Orders must be entered via MB-NET and keyed precisely as directed as a Priority 1 order. This will activate the MBNA referral program. Any other priority order will be cancelled and not processed without notification. Speedometers do not qualify for stock order bonus, or obsolescence accrual.
All speedometers will be stocked in Baltimore PDC only and the final shipment from Baltimore to dealer will be within 48 hours of initial processing in Baltimore. This could be up to 72 hours for West Coast orders placed late.
AFA's for any reason will be allowed for up to 30 days from date of dealer receipt. Please note that AFA's for speedometers must be separate and returned directly to Baltimore PDC because of this unique handling. A copy of the Delivery Note must accompany the AFA.
System produced AFA returns will not credit the setting charge. However, if the return is due to VDO or MBNA error, the setting charge will be credited over a standard MBNA 820 Credit Form.
MBNA will accept mileage-set speedometers back for credit as long as they meet standard unused parts return requirements.
This is not to be considered a repair service. This program is designed for replacement units only.
VDO will affix a gummed label on the back of each unit displaying the last 6 digits of the chassis VIN number.
No speedometer/odometer will be set to zero mileage.
For your legal protection we recommend dealers keep a record of transactions made over-the-counter: VIN, mileage requested, name of purchaser, and driver's license number.
The same shipping methods used for locks and keys will apply to all speedometer shipments.
Ordering instructions:
The following are ordering instructions which must be strictly adhered to in order to refer your order to the Baltimore PDC with the necessary date for processing. Failure to follow these rules may result in your order being cancelled/not processed.
All orders must be entered via MB-NET on a separate order using Priority 1 only, stating part number, quantity, mileage reading, and complete chassis VIN number.
For part class, enter "K" as you do for keys. This will allow for the complete turn around data, which is the mileage and chassis VIN number, to be transmitted to the Baltimore PDC.
Enter the part number and quantity as usual and then for the second line, enter the complete chassis VIN number and mileage as in the following example:
VIN = WDBGA42E2NA02064B MILES = 123,456
If premium shipment, next day air (collect), is desired, be sure to enter opt. code "P" in the appropriate field, otherwise, shipments will be bulk-shipped to your normal facing PDC for "DDC" dealer delivery or direct second (2) day air prepaid for Dealers not on "DOS", as previously stated, the same as for locks and keys.
For those dealers who are presently not on MB-NET, please utilize the same order placement procedures for speedometers as you do for locks and keys.