Seven problems related to dashboard failed have been reported for the 2000 Mercedes Benz S Class. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6) September 2009 air blower to heater and air conditioning quit working. Mechanic replaced fuse. Air blower worked for 2 days. Returned November 2009 and was told air blower would need to be replaced. February 2010 automatic trunk locks quit working. Now trunk lock only works with key, no longer automatic. March 2010 air blower replaced. Worked one week, then began malfunctioning until it no longer works. March 2010 dash lights began to flicker, then entire dash went out. Door locks no longer automatic, no indicators for speedometer, turn signals, temperature controls etc. Mechanic checked and replaced fuse. No results. Mechanic indicated that instrument cluster would need to be replaced. Internet research resulted in identifying recall of instrument cluster for 2000 "s" series, but that my VIN #[xxx] is not included in the recall. Internet research reveals that all these malfunctions are common among the 2000 "s" series along with the instrument cluster malfunction and does appear to be closely related to the instrument cluster issue. Mechanic indicated that he has replaced hundreds of the instrument clusters for specifically the "s" series, primarily year 2000 and has seen many of the issues with my s430 correlating to the instrument cluster malfunction.
On February 16, 2008 the dash lights went out while driving at night, instead dash read something like cluster failure with a lightning bolt in the center. There were no turn signals either inside or outside when the lever was pushed. When I shut off the car the dash read 1 malfunction. I have noticed it working again, however not sure when it will go out again. I brought this up while at the dealership for service. They said there is a recall, but my VIN is out of range.
: the contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealer for regular maintenance, who determined the instrument cluster had failed. The dealer expressed this was a common problem with many vehicles under a recall but the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. There were no warnings prior to the incident. The manufacturer was notified and confirmed that the vehicle was not under a recall. The contact found recalls #06v028000 about the interior lighting affecting the instrument cluster. The vehicle had not been repaired.
: the contact stated without warning the dashboard lights failed to illuminate. The dealership determined the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. There was a NHTSA recall, # 06v028000, regarding the interior lighting. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.
2000 Mercedes Benz s-430 instrument cluster complete failure.
: the contact stated the dashboard failed to illuminate. The dealership has been alerted who determined the dashboard panel needed to be replaced and reprogrammed. Also the key sensor malfunctioned. The sensor prevented the key from turning the engine on and off. As a result of the malfunction the vehicle was inoperable. The dealership was alerted and the key sensor was replaced which corrected the problem. The model is a s430. There is a NHTSA recall, # 06v028000, regarding the interior lighting. The VIN was not included in the recall.
Failure: 2000 mercedes S Class instrument cluster failure. All electronic gauges, including mph, rpms, fuel gauge, heat sensor, etc. , ceased working on approximately September 10, 2005, and have not worked since. I have called dealership and will be taking car in for service. I have also called mercedes directly. I have heard that this is a common problem with this make of car. I consider this is a safety issue.