Problems with 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The instrument cluster issue i am experiencing began approximately july, 2012. initially, the dashboard lights would flicker briefly and then illuminate again. subsequent to the frequent flickering incidents, the cluster lighting didn't illuminate at all, with the exception of the small diagnostic viewer. currently, all lighting, gauges, and any diagnostic instruments, including the control buttons located on the steering wheel do not function. in addition to the forementioned, the headlights now constantly illuminate and the turn signal is completely silent and not visible from the instrument panel. i immediately inquired with a certified mercedes benz technician regarding the lighting cluster and control issue and through that inquiry was made aware of the vehicle recall related to the instrument cluster. with that said, i called the local mercedes benz dealership service department and provided the vin number; and the service representative referred me to mercedes benz corporate; i provided the vin number again, and was then told i didn't respond to the recall notification. the facts are contrary to that assertion; because if i had received the recall notification i would have acted upon the request. currently the automobile has no lights and cannot be driven at night, nor am i aware if there is gasoline in the automobile. i have contacted mercedes benz corporation for assistance, who have completely excused themselves of this very serious problem. your assistance to this very important matter is very much appreciated. *tr

On starting the vehicle, the instrument panel was black without illumination or reading. as a result, gauges to speedometer, odometer, fuel, warnings to malfunctions, tachometer, oil pressure, & engine temperature are not present. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz s-class. the contact stated that while driving 58 mph, all of the instrument panel lights and gauges failed. the vehicle was towed to the contact's home and the dealer was contacted. the dealer advised the contact that there was an electronic malfunction. the manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. the failure mileage was 98500.

Mercedes benz has listed a recall on all w220 mercedes-benz vehicles. the recall was about the instrument cluster failing resulting in the cluster to not work. the mph, rpm doesn't work. nothing on the cluster works. when i went on may 12, 2011 to the mercedes dealership to get my instrument cluster fixed because it was recalled i spoke with a lady at the dealer explaining my situation about the part being recalled and that it is defective. she asked me to give her my vin number. when she typed in my vin number, she told me that my cluster is not eligible for a repair. she said the my vin number was a "status 9 issue" and because of this, it voids all warranties no matter what. i spoke with everyone there tying to sort things out and see if i can work out this issue. my 2002 s430 has been in an accident that is why it is a status 9. but the instrument cluster did not fail because of the accident. even after the accident the cluster still worked fine without any sort of problems what so ever for almost a month if i am not mistaken. i strongly believe that mercedes should take action for this issue no matter what. if the part is defective, its defective. that's it. they should take responsibility and replace my recalled cluster free of charge. i would like for the dealer to take in my vehicle and replace the defective cluster. a recalled part like this should be replaced even though a vehicle like mine was in an accident. and my car wasn't in a bad accident and i have proof and pictures to show that it was not hit that bad. i would greatly appreciate if this matter would be attended to and i could get my part replaced. thankyou very much. *tr

Failure of instrument cluster, had to be replaced. *jb

While driving, i lost all electrical systems in my mercedes. power steering, power brakes, lights, display, power windows etc.*ak