Speedometer Removal - 280SE

[John Vipond]

I thought the SE speedometer was held in place the same way as the 280SL. That is not true. How are they held in place and what is the best way to remove it?

[ja17]

Hello John,
I presume yours is a W108 280-SE 1968-1972, they did make a W116 280-SE also in later years.

These instruments clusters in the W108, 280-SE were held in by a large plastic knurled nut, directly behind the instrument cluster up in the dash. After the nut is removed the cluster can be pulled straight outward. Unplug the large electrical plug as you go. The small capilary cable (tube) going to the temperature gauge must be handled carefully. To completely remove the cluster this capilary tube must be unhooked at the engine or the temperature gage can be removed from the cluster leaving the it by itself in the dash.

Removining the one 22mm nut holding the steering wheel on, allows the wheel to be removed and makes the whole speedometer job much easier. The center steering wheel pad pops off to allow access to this nut. A puller is NOT needed to remove the wheel.

If you need more details just let us know.

Joe Alexander

[Tom Hanson]

John,
As your car is a W111 280SE, it should be similar to the W113. The W108 was completely different in the dashboard area. I can look at the parts illustrations and try to help figure it out. I just don't remember at the moment.

[John Vipond]

Both the speedometer and the tachometer are pressure fit on the 111 bodies. They are removed with two tools that slip in along side the gauge and are pulled forward just like the clusters on the newer cars. The center instrument panel has a bracket. This according to a long time service manager at Phil Smart in Seattle.

John Vipond

[Dean Yelenik]

The two tools I think he is talking about cost about $10 each with two required. Sometimes you can make do with paint can openers which cost about 50 cents each.

[Napoleon Hodges]

I made mine from a stiff wire coat hanger. It is in the shape of a "J" for good leverage. Works great!

[ja17]

Hello John,
This additional information is critical since the label"280-SE" could be three completely different chasis (W111, W108, W116). Yes the W111 chasis uses basically the same set up as the W113. There are small metal knurled nuts which hold each of the three guage assemblies in behind the dash. After removing the nuts just push the guages out from behind. Removal of cables along the way for complete removal. Be certain to hook up the brown ground wire under the knurled nuts during re-installation or your dash lights will not work. I remove the tach first and work may way to the right. Here again steering wheel removal will make the job much easier and may keep you from scratching the nice wood dash. Good luck!

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

55 190-SL since 1965
65 300-SE
69 300-SEL 6.3
74 450-SLC euro with stick
83 300-D Turbo
84 280-TD wife
02 SLK-32 AMG

[John Vipond]

Hi Joe,

The '70 280SE does not have the knurled knob and bracket like the '71 280SL. You also cannot access it from the tachometer side like the 280SL. You can reach it from the speedometer side but it does not have the bracket and knurled knob. It is pressure fit and pulled out with the special tools.

John V>

'61 190SL
'70 280SE Cabriolet
'71 280SL
'83 380SL
'86 560SEC

[ja17]

Thanks John,
I just assumed it was the same as the other W111 chasis cars (250-SE, 220-SE, 300-SE). You mention you cannot access "it". I do not know what you are refering to? Note that not all W111 bodied cars have the pressure fit set-up some do have the W113 set-up. When did they actually change, possibly during the 280-SE run? Thanks.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Tom Hanson]

Joe,
I think the change was when the Coupe / Convertible stopped using the wood combi housing (1970 - 71).

[ja17]

Hello Tom,
That makes sense. So just for our information, some of the early 280-SE W111 (1968-1969) did have the wood instrument cover and the W113 instrument set-up? Thanks,

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[John Vipond]

My car was built in September 1969 and titled as a 1970. I hope that narrows it down.

[Tom Hanson]

John,
September 11, to be exact. That's scary, as we discussed.
Joe,
I'll check the application list again. My memory is getting fuzzy lately. Still thinking about how close the fires came to the house last month.. (1/2 mile).

[Robby Ackerman]

John

Thanks for the tour of Seattle in your beautiful 190SL!

Why are you removing your Speedo? Getting rid of excess weight? I expect your mirrors will be the next item to go. Who needs them? It is what is in front of us that matters, not what we've left behind.

[John Vipond]

Hi Robbie,

I'm plannig on racing that 190 of yours, if you ever get it running again!

John

[Robby Ackerman]

HA! Hey, that isn't a very nice thing to say. Actually it will be quite a while before I get it running again. Anyway, I enjoyed 500 miles of supercharged fun before the engine went south.