Hi, the lights on my old '97 E320 went out about two weeks ago and I'm trying to limit my night time driving, what a bummer. Please help by telling me whether I can replace these lights? Somebody told me that I need to replace the whole panel. If so how do I get the cluster out to replace it or to get to the light bulbs?
Thanks

 

You can buy the bulbs from just about any parts house that sells Benz parts.

You need the two dash-pulling tools. Basically, wire coat hangars with the lat 1/4" or so bent at 90 degrees. Stick each one in between the dash covering and the lower left and right corner of the cluster. Turn the tool or bent hangar so the 1/4" piece is now completely behind the cluster edge. Gently but firmly pull the cluster out.

Disconnect the wires in the back, and change the bulbs out.

It's spooky the very first time you do it, but after that, they just pop out. I DO suggest buying the correct tools. Ebay seems to have plenty for sale.

 

Thank you waybomp :-)
The local mechanic I talked to told me I had to buy a whole new cluster, and he said I 'd have to pull the steering wheel too!!!!!! Maybe he tried to sell me one. Ha Ha. Thank you soooooo very much. God bless.

 

Oh, you do need to extend the steering wheel and drop it with the power button. But you do NOT need to remove anything but the cluster.

To be 100% safe, disconnect the battery, but generally, just keep the key out of the ignition while doing the job. If you do disconnect the battery, you'll have to re-enter the radio code, sync the windows, and who knows what else. So, just keep the key out of the ignition when doing the job.