W213/S213 E-Class (2017–2022) – Instrument Cluster Flickering, Dealer says £4k replacement :/

sujsuj

Hoping someone here can help, as this forum has been more helpful than the professionals in the past!

Car details:

• Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate – S213 (2017–2022)

• Issue: The main digital instrument cluster (speed, revs etc.) flickers on and off. The central infotainment screen works fine. (see video)

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Timeline:

• About 2 months ago, after a long trip to North Wales (first proper run after a dealer service), the cluster started flickering.

• Two days later, it stopped and worked normally.

• 2 weeks ago, while waiting roadside in a remote area for my partner’s car to be recovered, I got a low battery warning.

• The next day, the flickering returned and hasn’t gone away since.

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What I’ve done so far:

• Paid £200 for diagnostics at the dealer → they say: “Need new screen/cluster, approx. £4,000+.”

• Charged the battery at home (as I drive less nowadays due to less commuting. Unfortunately, charging made no difference.

https://youtu.be/_sYrIwl4QvI

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My thoughts / questions:
✅ The only common link I can see is long trip / low battery – could the issue be battery-related rather than a faulty screen? Last time when I started using car screen was back to normal!

✅ Is this a known issue with S213/W213 cars? Possibly battery control module, alternator or poor ground?

✅ If I get a used cluster (grey market):

• Would the mileage mismatch?

• Could it block the odometer or cause MOT problems?

• Does it need to be coded to the car?
  ✅ Are there good specialists who can repair or refurbish these digital clusters rather than replacing?

• 
  

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Any ideas, hints or shared experiences would be hugely appreciated!
Thanks in advance 🙏

paul_c123

Worth testing the battery properly (which is best done after a full conditioning and charge). And if you replace it, use an AGM battery (if its specified for one, which I bet it is). And if it has 2 batteries, charge/condition both and test both.

Frozen_up_north

Do you have an independent Merc garage or a car electrics repair shop near you? They could be much cheaper.

sujsuj

Great. Thanks. That could be good choice, but provided they have all diagnosis equipments.  Any idea what sort of diagnosis equipment might be needed for this..? 

Goudy

Check the battery and alternator output.
Check the fuses.

But I don't think it's the cluster, some have had replacement clusters under warranty and it's not fixed it, or power problem but a communication problem.
I've read on a few forums that there is possible a communication software update that might fix it.

W213 instrument cluster goes off and on | Interior | MBClub UK - Bringing together Mercedes Enthusiasts

daveyjp

MBclub website is a starting point.  When I had a Merc they provided me some good advice on a problem I had.

It's also a pre requisite of Mercedes ownership to find the best local indie.  MBclub also have a directory of those.