Guest Post: CLK320 Cluster Failure and Repair

Running a small fleet of older cars can always present challenges, as they’re not as simple as the older classics, and are somewhat computerised for their time. I first knew there was a problem when Naomi called me, communicating indicators on Jessica’s 2005 CLK320 weren’t working. We told her to drive home and upon arrival, I found the instrument cluster had totally failed, but was still drivable and the indicators did work, but you couldn’t hear them.

I checked fuses, but they were all ok. It wasn’t long till I determined it was a cluster failure. Luckily, I had the Mercedes cluster removal tools, which I purchased many years ago at Mercedessource, to remove cluster from my W126. Even though C209 is not listed, they work perfectly.

Using the cluster removal tools, I had the cluster out within a few minutes.

The next challenge was to find someone to fix the cluster, within a short space of time. I initially contacted “Ringwood Speedometer Service” and “Automotive Instrument Repairs”, but both business owners were on leave for at least another week. Back to the drawing board, I trawled the web and found Justin at “Australian ECU Repairs”. Justin provided a fixed price for cluster repairs, ranging from $385-$440, depending on the chassis type. As ours was a C209, price was $440, not including shipping.

I sent the cluster via Express Post on the Wednesday and received it on the following Wednesday via TNT Express.

As soon as it was plugged in, cluster lit up and when turning key I had full instrumentation.

After this experience I can highly recommend Justin at “Australian ECU Repairs”. Their website is excellent, allowing online bookings and then providing fast turnaround. I would not hesitate to use Justin now for any ECU or cluster work, even though I’m located in Melbourne.

Author:  Nick Gruzevskis is a contributor to classicjalopy.com, and the custodian of a great collection of classic and modern cars.  Links to some his other articles can be found here