I have a 1983 300dt. I wish to replace burned out lamps in the instrument cluster as well as check out why the odo has become intermintent. Could anyone tell me how to disconnect the speedometer cable so I may slide the cluster out far enough to take a look? I have pulled loose the modular plug and only the speedo cable and a flex line remains, Haynes or Chiltons guides do not help, I have also read other links on the web but they mostly tell you how to remove cluster and not how to complete the process by giving details of unhooking cables. Thanks

Same basic idea for the W123 here in this W124 post.

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W124InstCluster

The cable, in the engine compartment, is attached to a support bar. Unzip the cable tie holding it so the cable can slide through the firewall and allow the instrument cluster to move rearward. Then disconnect everything ( Make note of what goes where) and remove the unit. The speedo cable is attached at the transmission with one bolt.

Dave

__________________
1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car

Thanks for taking time to respond, are you saying its best to disconnect the speedo cable the opposite end of the inst. cluster? I wish to be able to slide instrument cluster alll the way out and need detailed advice on how to remove oil gauge tubing and speedo cable from back of inst. panel, I have already slid panel part way out and pulled out one modular plug, I am almost there but do not wish to do damage because of lack of knowledge. Thanks in advance!

Its very easy to do. Just look at the odometer pictorials and it shows you how to remove the cluster.

http://dieselgiant.com/repairyourodometer.htm

__________________
1981 300D 147k
1998 VW Jetta Tdi 320k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 141k
1979 300D 234k (sold)
1984 300D "Astor" 262k(sold)
Mercedes How-To and Repair Pictorials
I love the smell of diesel smoke in my hair

Bill. You cant go wrong with these instructions.

Thanks for the details, may I ask a few more questions please, the trip odometer only works intermittently, and if its working the main odo. works as well, if its not working then the main odo does not work. It will sometimes work if reset repeatedly but most of the time will hang up on the number 9. Last question, is removing oil pressure gauge line and odometer cable as simple as unscrewing the nut from the rear of inst. panel? Thanks

If that has the mechanical oil pressure ( a tube) then yes, it is that easy.
Once you get the hang of it, taking out the instrument cluster is a breeze.

Unscrew the speedo cable easily too.

Although, in my experience, I always have to squeeze my hand in from the back/bottom and get the speedo undone that way, I have never gotten enough
slack to do it from the top like the instructions/tutorials say.

__________________
80 300D 340K Owned 30 yrs
83 300SD 440K Owned 9 yrs - Daily Driver 150mi/day
02 Z71 Suburban 117,000
15 Toyota Prius 2600 miles
00 Harley Sportster 24k
09 Yamaha R6
03 Ninja 250

If you will loosen the cable from the transmission clip then you will have plenty of slack to grab on to. The clip is on the drivers side of the tranny. Just look under there and you will see it.

__________________
1981 300D 147k
1998 VW Jetta Tdi 320k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 141k
1979 300D 234k (sold)
1984 300D "Astor" 262k(sold)
Mercedes How-To and Repair Pictorials
I love the smell of diesel smoke in my hair