As a foreign car repair located in New Orleans Metro, we deal a lot with a lot of imports, mainly European and Asian vehicles. This article’s main focus is the instrument cluster issues that a lot of people inquire about.
Many Mercedes Benz W203 C Class have issues with the instrument cluster. From bad LCD screens, to battery drain, these clusters can cause a lot of headaches.
A remanufactured instrument cluster from the dealer can cost $1800 for the part only. Add the programming and the price can easily go over $2000.
A used instrument cluster on Ebay costs only around $150. Some sellers say that some programming/coding MAY be necessary by the local dealer. Other don’t say anything, except the overall condition.
What you are not told is that it is impossible to install a used instrument cluster and expect it to work properly. The dealer will not be able program it for you (read ahead why), they may not even want to try, why not just selling a new unit for $2000?
Best case scenario when a used cluster is installed is that the total mileage shows ——. Worst case scenario: gauges don’t work properly because of difference in coding, car doesn’t start or function properly because of missing drive authorization system. That’s just to summarize the issues.
Here is the truth that you should be aware of when you purchase a used instrument cluster:
1. In the US, Mercedes Benz doesn’t allow rolling back the miles. If you think you can purchase a low mileage cluster in order to roll back the miles, forget about it.
2. An instrument cluster has to be in “virgin” condition, so it can be installed properly with Star Diagnostic tool. A used cluster is far from “virgin” state, which Mercedes says it’s about 100 miles. So, unless you can find a cluster with less than 100 miles total, it will be impossible to program using Star.
3. Coding needs to be transferred from the old cluster to the new one, or done from scratch, if the first option is not possible. This requires Star Diagnostic.
So far, you may notice we need two key ingredients: a “virgin” instrument cluster AND the Star Diagnostic tool. Most people did not even hear about Star, not to mention having one.
At this point, the idea of buying a used cluster doesn’t seem to great anymore. What good to have a “working” cluster if you don’t have the mileage? Not to mention that it may be illegal.
So, you can either pay $2000 to the dealer and get another one, or you can bring the car to us, and we’ll make it work at a fraction of the cost.
How is it possible that we can do it and the dealer cannot? First, as we all know, “where there is a will, there is a way”. We are willing to do everything possible to make it work, and have the right tools to do it. By using direct chip programming, the instrument cluster is disassembled first and then “virginized”. This means that Star will see it as a new unit, ready to be programmed. After programming the chip, the cluster is assembled back and installed in the car, where it’s programmed using Star. Mileage is recognized automatically from the EZS module. During the programming procedure, the drive authorization system is written into cluster as well. Once written, it is impossible to be rewritten, unless the cluster is brought to the “virgin” state again. Coding is transferred if the old cluster was still in working condition, if not it will be done from scratch. After all is done, the “new” used cluster will be working properly, showing the mileage.
As you can see, the process is not for the fainted heart, but it can be done.
If you have a problem with your instrument cluster, make sure you give us a call before spending $2000…At Briskers Foreign Car Repair, we’ll make it work for you at a fraction of that cost.