Kilometres to miles

[Patagil]

I recently purchased a 2014 E Class 220d Cabriolet and saw that the bottom left corner displays a constant kilometre reading, yet the speedometer is marked in miles, and both the trip and mileage counters are in miles. Can the onboard computer be configured to convert the constant readout from kilometres to miles?

[Mezuzzi]

It is not feasible to accomplish it.

In UK vehicles, this location on the instrument cluster provides a constant display of the current speed in kilometres per hour.


On vehicles not manufactured in the UK, this location on the instrument cluster indicates the ambient temperature. In UK vehicles, the ambient temperature must be accessed through the instrument cluster menus, as it cannot be permanently displayed at all times.

For the past 20 years, MB has ceased equipping their vehicles with speedometers featuring dual dials, one for miles per hour and the other for kilometres per hour.

Reverting the instrument cluster from UK to non-UK configuration is feasible; however, this modification will result in the km/h display being substituted with a constant ambient temperature display, necessitating the services of a professional equipped with an MB STAR diagnostic computer. This will evidently provide little assistance to you.

You can select to display the current speed (in mph) on the central LCD of the instrument cluster from the menu; however, this will preclude the use of the LCD for any other functions, such as navigation instructions or mpg display

[Grundysp]

From the DVLA.

Since 1977, all vehicles registered in the UK have been mandated to include a speedometer that can display speeds in both kilometres per hour (km/h) and miles per hour (mph).

[Dudeta]

Driving a car in the EU without displaying kilometres per hour is technically unlawful, I believe.

[Mezuzzi]

'Capable' is the pivotal term in this context - MB opted to establish it as a permanent display, replacing the ambient temperature indicator; nevertheless, there is no obligation to maintain it as a permanent feature - this decision rests with MB.

I owned several vehicles (non-MB) equipped with digital screens that allow toggling between mph and km/h, so fulfilling the legal need. It is unnecessary to have it permanently shown.


Upon executing the 'UK Delete' modification (i.e., reverting the instrument cluster from UK specifications to non-UK), the vehicle remains compliant with UK regulations, as it retains the functionality to display speed in km/h, selectable via the instrument cluster menu.

Nonetheless, as previously mentioned, this action will inhibit the use of the LCD display in the instrument cluster for any other purposes, perhaps prompting MB to provide this UK option for convenience. However, the vehicle will remain compliant with UK regulations despite using the non-MB variant of the instrument cluster.

[Grundysp]

Refer to my preceding post.

[Patagil]

Thank you for the clarity. I was concerned that the clock would have been altered and the mileage manipulated, given the car has a relatively low registered mileage of 75,000, however the interior and bodywork are consistent with this mileage.