Instrument cluster

From W220 S-Class Encyclopedia
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Description

The Instrument Cluster is also known as the Instrument Panel or Multi-function Display.

Hidden Menu

Instrument cluster hidden menu allows to see voltage measurement, vehicle VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and other data.

How to Access

Watch this video or see Access - MFD Hidden Menu Steps below.

Entering W220 instrument cluster hidden menu.

Access - MFD Hidden Menu

  1. Get into car and turn Ignition Lock to Position 1 (ACCESSORIES) but DO NOT start the engine.
  2. Set the Instrument Cluster Multi-Function Display (MFD) to show mileage (total vehicle mileage and trip miles).
  3. Push the R (reset) button on the Instrument Cluster three times within 2 seconds.
  4. The MFD will display something like "UB:12.3V".
  5. Use the Steering Wheel ‘UP’ or ‘DOWN’ buttons for other Hidden displays. The MFD Hidden Menu will scroll through;
UB (Battery Voltage)
DC W220MJ03 (Including ‘OIL LEVEL’ and Motor Type)
ESP DYNAMOMETER TEST
WIA TYP: (Including the VIN)
CONFIRMATION (Service Confirmation)

Setting Clock

With COMAND unit present, the time can be set in COMAND by pressing Service->System->Clock->Set Hours etc.

The time shown on instrument cluster can be set using steering wheel buttons only if COMAND has been disabled using DAS.

Adjusting time without COMAND available

Swapping Instrument Cluster

Pre-facelift vehicles have no redundant mileage storage, thus the only place mileage is stored is the instrument cluster.

Driving without instrument cluster

It is possible to drive without instrument cluster, but the following side-effects will be observed:

  • High beams cannot be switched on (they can, but require pulling the lever to yourself and keeping it pulled)
  • Turn signal lights will work, but the sound feedback will not be present
  • Door control module contour lighting does not work
  • While engine running and key in ignition, it is not possible to open trunk with the button on trunk or the button in driver's doors

Remove instrument cluster

Instrument cluster removal tool is required to remove W220 instrument cluster.

Instrument cluster removal tool
W220 instrument cluster removal
W220 instrument cluster removal
Removal using jigsaw blades
Removal using screwdriver (not recommended)

If the right side of the instrument cluster cannot be pulled out, then the central AC vent can be easily removed and the clip holding the cluster pressed by hand.

Fixing faulty instrument cluster

  • No Backlights
  • Total Power Failure
Instrument cluster with faulty backlights

It is very common for the cluster to start flickering and eventually completely dying once these cars go beyond 100k miles or over 10 years. This malfunction caused a recall notice with Mercedes. Recognized for up to 10 years from MY, for registered owners, Mercedes will honor the recall, with enough coaxing. For everyone else, repair is the only option.

The culprits are one or all of 3 mofset transistors or the high voltage transformer. You could purchase these for 100 USD or less on eBay and replace them yourself, which requires quite a bit of work.

Alternatively, you can send your cluster to an eBay repair shop for less than 200 USD (google: "W220-W215 Instrument Cluster Repair Service").

Repair

The W220 S-Class, has an interesting lighting architecture, incorporating LEDs and fluorescent tubes to generate illumination and back-lighting on the gauges.

Usually, the parts that have to be replaced are 1 transformer and 3 transistors:

  • BOSCH (VOGT V7) transformer. 8948411098, 8 928 460 001, 73173 H
  • MOSFET BUZ102S transistors (2pcs)
  • MOSFET BUZ102SL transistor

In most cases, only the transformer is at fault. Hence, it should be replaced first, before replacing transistors.

It is useful to purchase the original VOGT transformer (~48 EUR), as there have been reports that cheaper Chinese replacement transformers are sometimes going bad some time after replacement (see the photo above).

The original transistor burned
Cheap Chinese replacement transformer leaking
The new vs the old burned transformer

If the instrument cluster is completely dead, the fuse f79 will likely also be burned out.

Repair instruction videos:

W220 instrument cluster repair notes 1/5
W220 instrument cluster repair notes 2/5
W220 instrument cluster repair notes 3/5
W220 instrument cluster repair notes 4/5
W220 instrument cluster repair notes 5/5
W220 instrument cluster repair
W220 instrument cluster repair
W220 instrument cluster repair (RU)


LED upgrade

Video below shows how to test wiring of the instrument cluster connector and how to replace fluorescent tubes with LED strips.

W220 instrument cluster LED upgrade (RU)

Missing Pixel Repair

Very detailed article on how to fix W208 2002 CLK430 instrument cluster which has missing pixels. Should also apply to other MBs including W220.

Before repair
After repair
W220 instrument cluster LCD ribbon cable repair (RU)

Display Defective Warning

"DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!" warning on the instrument cluster.