W116.org

Hello from a new member! I bought a '79 450 last week and of course joined up straight away. I've had many cars but this a my first Mercedes and I understand I have brought a 'propper' one. I love the car but it does irk me that it doesn't have a rev counter. My Father has owned many '70 s Mercs and they all have had the rev counter within the clock. Does any member know whether it's possible to easily convert my car?

If you are lucky the wiring should be already present as I thought all UK 450's had a rev counter as standard.

If the wiring is absent - this post may be helpful and includes links to other posts Tachometer installation Link

Here is the rear of the Tacho/Clock .



It is easy to remove the clock from the cluster and replace it with a 450 one but make sure you get the correct 450 one as 280 , 350, 450 and 6.9 motors all have a different red-line.



Here is a picture of the correct 450 Tacho which is redlined at 5,800 rpm.

If the tacho swings excessively on gear change and there is any problem with the clock it is usually a matter of replacing condensors which should only cost cents to buy but no doubt be considerably more expensive if an instrument maker fits them.

Best of Luck,

Bill

Thanks Bill

Your amazingly detailed answer has given me all the info I need to do the job, I'll let you know how I get on. Now all I have to do is locate the correct part . . . . .

Kind regards Ed