Showing the risks. Best info out here. Thank you for sharing this.

Finally a video that actually shows how hard it is to get these out! The other KZfaq videos make it look like butter some how. It took me at least 3 attempts to get mine out. When I got my r129 there were bent clothes hangers in the trunk from the person that tried to remove it before. I ended up using 2 foot long matco L hooks to pull the cluster from the very back. I also added blue 194 LEDs for the backlight and it looks sick!

I had a similar experience (R129 1990) when using just the hooks. I found the fail-safe method is to remove the carpet below the steering wheel and get your hands up from below. You can either push the cluster out with your hands or use your hands at the back to ensure the hooks connect “nicely”.

I pulled mine out by lowering the panel below the steering wheel and pushed it out from the back.

I wish you had shown access to all the gauge bulbs too...all of my warning row work, but my far-left fuel gauge light is out...'97 W140. Planning on changing all the gauge bulbs along w/fuel one just in case perhaps a new bulb for fuel is shaded diff/brighter than other 4 gauges...and if fuel bulb was at the end of it's life, likely other 4 gauge bulbs are too, so I'd rather replace all w/new of one cluster pullout hoping to not break anything in one attempt. Or who knows, 5 gauges could be more than 5 bulbs...but I didn't see them exposed like the row across the bottom. Thanks for your time and the vid.

Hi, you need to use a flat trim tool and release the flat tabs around the perimeter of the cluster. The tabs hold the cluster in place using spring tension. I used 2 trim tools while applying light pulling force with the hook tools. Mercedes manual shows the hook tools and a tapered wedge-looking tool (trim tool substituted here) for removal. With that tool combo I used, the cluster pretty much falls out.

You should make a video on how to run the spark plug wires correctly or tune up video, because my 92 R129 needs it 😅

pull it out from the top forward so the top releases first. dont rush make sure the lugs are well hooked in then pull slowly.

So my turn signals and emergency’s stopped working yesterday And I also noticed that my interior , map n gear lights , and dash lights stopped working . But when I use the signals or emergencies it makes the sound but the lights don’t flash . What u think ???

Vent! It should be done through a vent hole. Too risky - the tool can slide and break the lenses.. it happened on mine w140 as well

W140, I remove left AC vent put my hand in and push it from inside.

It may be a a little more work but just take out the lower panel under the dash and reach up, push the damn thing out by hand. I just got a w140 and will be doing lot of vids on it :)