1984 Speedo/Odom Unanswered!!!

[dgbenz]

On a thread last week I posted the following:YO MB owners, Help Please! Speedo works fine but Odom stopped working after pressing reset button. Does this car have electronic odometer or is it like my 1984 (190D). I had the same problem with my 190D and fixed it by sliding gear back into place. Glued a piece of thin plastic in front of gear to keep it from moving too much. It's been working a long time so far. Does the 380SL have the same set up? Having a hard time getting instrument cluster to come out. Is there a special trick to it? I'am pretty sure you have to turn the steering wheel to get it out, but still can't do it. Any help will be greatly apprecitated. THANKS!!!

[Strife]

I'm almost certain that a 380SL had a mechanical speedometer (and odometer) - the instrument cluster is pulled with two hooks from the sides that you buy or make. You will have to remove the steering wheel to carefully remove it. It has been claimed that it can be done without doing this, but it's impossible without distorting (and probably damaging) my dash padding on my 86.

[c107]

When you get the speedo out, there is a little spring that should be attached to the arm which goes to the trip odometer reset gears. That could have popped off. (Ask me how I know....)

[cbdo]

Yes, indeed, the odo is mechanical; haven't dealt with it myself but broken gears have been reported. I do recall reading that it does just fine unless you hit the reset button while moving, and therefore I reset mine only when the car is ttanding still; it's worked so far.