Instrument cluster on a 1997 mercedes benz C230 won't always work when I start

The instrument cluster themselves are prone to failure. Add more details about the failure to Mercedes specific website forums and check this link http://www.bba-reman.com/content.aspx?content=Mercedes_Dashboard

I have the exact same thing going on. Sometimes the instrument panel is fully functional, then after shutting down the engine and re-starting... the instrument panel is dead (except for the outside temp., mileage odometer and time read outs). Did you ever get a solid answer to your problem?? jparleye@gmail.com