general problems of the 2001 Mercedes Benz S500

Takata recall. I was riding my vehicle when all of a sudden the instrument cluster went haywire. I thought it was battery but it wasn't the cause it drained 4 batteries I had on warranty and 1 I had to purchase. I found out the instrument cluster drains the battery and loss of power. I reached to a mechanic and he let me know that the instrument cluster is causing the power loss and needed to be replaced. I did some research and realize their was a recall for the instrument cluster for this defect. This defect could have a serious incident if wasn't properly aware. I would to have a recall if possible.

I was at a stop light on 225 and chambers and when the light turned green as soon as a hit the gas my entire dashboard went blank. I no longer had light and my gauges were not responding either. After doing some research I seen some forums about the recall so I call the manufacturer and was told that even though acknowledged as a safety concern the recall was closed June 2011. I purchased the car June 2010 and no one reached out. I have only one car and I can not drive it because I cant see the speed or if I even have gas. I have kids and like everyone else I work but I can not afford to pay $1800. 00 to fix this and I shouldnt have to. I cant understand how a safety recall can expire. Seems as if there is no true regard to safety.

While driving on the freeway, the back lights in the instrument cluster that illuminate the speed markings started to flicker for a few seconds and then turned off and went dark. Then after a few minuets, the whole instrument cluster went dark and the speedometer stopped working completely. It was impossible to know what speed you are going at.

When backing up in reverse the car begins to smoke from tail pipe. Once in drive it begins to shake and moves slowly in traffic then slowly picks up speed after an unusually long duration. Dashboard is almost totally blacked out cannot read gauges (gas level,speed odometer, engine temperature, mileage). Finally, the air conditioning suddenly stopped blowing.

The contact owns a 2001 Mercedes Benz S500. While operating the vehicle, the instrument panel lighting became very dim and shut off. The electrical fuse was replaced and the failure was remedied, but eventually recurred. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.

For the second time the instrument cluster lighting had to be replace by the dealer. It did the same thing it did under the original recall. No lighting in instrument cluster.

I was driving the vehicle on the highway when all of a sudden the entire dash gauge cluster flickered and went totally dark and stopped working. I was so distracted that I almost ran into the car that was in front of me. The interior lighting went out as well. Now, there is no way of knowing the speed of the vehicle or of seeing any of the other important gauges including gear selection. It is impossible to drive the car safely. The mercedes dealer in manhattan and north America mercedes center in NJ says the car is not covered and that the extended warranty for this issue has expired. They have basically said" too bad" for me in a very arrogant and cold manner. Almost like I should be ashamed for asking them to fix it. This is a low miles well cared for vehicle that has always been pampered and garaged. It belonged to my father. The estimated repair price from the dealer for the instrument cluster is over $4,000. 00. The car is currently sitting in my garage unable to be driven. Frankly, I am surprised at mercedes' refusal to fix the car considering that there was a national recall concerning this very issue and that also there was a need for a mb extended warranty to fix this very same lighting/cluster issue. Not to mention the exorbitant price for the S500 both retail and when it was new. I expected when I purchased the car that it would provide the type of reliability and engineering that mercedes claims to have built it's reputation on.

The instrument cluster panel has been shutdown, I am unable to see my speed or any other relevant information, while driving.