Mercedes S-class W220 (2000 and up)instrument cluster failed including spedometer, flashers, signal control, engine temperature, and other information critical to safe vehicle operation. Upon investigating it was determined that this is an extremely common problem caused by a series of defective transistors which the manuafacturer has since discontinued and replaced with a similar model. Inadequate heatseaking for the transistors coudl also explain the problem. This is particularly odd because the car has only been in production since 2000 and production is continuing strong. The cluster has 5 of these transistors, 3 of which are in series and go bad causing the described failure. The transistors cost about 50 cents each when purchased in bulk... hardly justifying a $1600 repair. The siemens model: Buz102S sipmos power transistor was replaced by the spd50N06S2-14 power transistor. This problem also causes the cars diagnostic computer and dash board controls to stop functioning. This could be dangerous. Not knowing car speed couldl also be very dangerous. Visitation (September 23, 05) update: The consumer indicated that there were no warnings prior to instrument cluster failure and that he couldn't see the gauges. The dealer indicated that the cluster has been superseded numerous times.

- Darnestown, MD, USA