So I acquired an '89 300E last month. Drivetrain is in good condition but many accessories were not working. That included the speedometer, cruise control, odometer, and trip odometer. No problem, really, considering the speedometer cable was broken.

I replaced the speedo cable and sure enough, the speedometer now works and so does cruise control. But the odometers still do not work. I can't find them mentioned in my manuals. Any idea what makes them work?

 

thats already an internal problem in the instrument cluster.

was the counter reset button not halfway pressed or something?

 

I will fumble around some more, but I suspect you are right. Internal problem, replacement is only cure. Thanks for replying.

 

Did you fix this yet? Where did you get the replacement and how much was it... if you don't mind. Thanks!

 

No, never fixed. I have had other more pressing things to do.

 

No need to replace the whole speedo if you are adventurous enough
and a little mechanically inclined.
Remaove the speedo from the instrument cluster and the back cover.
When you have access to the wheels of the odometer, you will see one unnumbere wheel (may be greyish).
It should not turn freely on the axle. If it does that is your problem.
Use a drop or two of ARALDITE or similar hard setting epoxy glue to stick to the axle
(the small rod on which all the wheels of the odo rotate).
Once the glue sets properly, test the wheel to make sure it does not turn freely anymore.
Fix everything back.
SHAN.

 

Amazing! It just goes to show that if you ignore a problem long enough, someone comes along to give you a cheap solution. Thanks, Shan.