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Center Console Panel & Ashtray Removal (Howto)
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Author
Posted 8/30/2007 2:52 AM
pleubner



Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Vehicle(s): ML270CDI Brabus-W163,SL55 AMG-R230,ML320 CDI-W164
500
Center Console Panel & Ashtray Removal (Howto)

I needed to replace the ashtray since the Mercedes Dealer in Abu Dhabi, UAE (Car now in Switzerland) tried to force open the lid in his wild efforts to free a coin that was jammed in there.

Given that I am very much into DIY for my W163, I decided to do the job myself.

Here are the picture documented Instructions in case anyone else might feel the urge to do the same.

 

 

#87384
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Author
Posted 8/30/2007 2:53 AM
pleubner



Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Vehicle(s): ML270CDI Brabus-W163,SL55 AMG-R230,ML320 CDI-W164
500
1. Positioning the seats

adjust the seats first to the lowest, then farthers back position. This makes it easy to remove the side panels.

 

 





(01 - seatPlacement.jpg)



Attachments
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Attachments 01 - seatPlacement.jpg (189KB - 79 downloads)
#87385 - in reply to #87384
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Author
Posted 8/30/2007 3:02 AM
pleubner



Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Vehicle(s): ML270CDI Brabus-W163,SL55 AMG-R230,ML320 CDI-W164
500
2. Remove cup holder covers

This step is a little awkward, but with a little guidance shouln't be a problem.

Essentiall the covers are just clipped on.

It is best to pry off the cover by applying pressure from the inside bottom corner , then transversing along the bottom edge.

The bottom edge seems to be the side that gives way the easiest. For the other cup holder I make my life a little easier by using my "swiss"  accessoire

Don't take the cupholder all the way out.

Note the position of my fingers : thumb & bent index finger!.

The reason you need to remove the cup holder covers is that the center console panel has a "lip" that goes underneath, and makes it very hard to remove given the angle that the panel must come out.



Edited by pleubner 8/30/2007 3:25 AM




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Attachments 02 - CupHolderCoverRemoval - 01.jpg (236KB - 134 downloads)
Attachments 02 - CupHolderCoverRemoval - 02.jpg (240KB - 76 downloads)
Attachments 02 - CupHolderCoverRemoval - 03a.jpg (137KB - 71 downloads)
Attachments 02 - CupHolderCoverRemoval - 04.jpg (242KB - 60 downloads)
Attachments 02 - CupHolderCoverRemoval - 05.jpg (191KB - 68 downloads)
Attachments 02 - CupHolderCoverRemoval - 07.jpg (183KB - 63 downloads)
Attachments 02 - CupHolderCoverRemoval - 08.jpg (251KB - 59 downloads)
Attachments 02 - CupHolderCoverRemoval - 09.jpg (178KB - 62 downloads)
Attachments 02 - CupHolderCoverRemoval - 10.jpg (224KB - 56 downloads)
Attachments 02 - CupHolderCoverRemoval - 11.jpg (204KB - 57 downloads)
Attachments 02 - CupHolderCoverRemoval - 12.jpg (170KB - 63 downloads)
Attachments 02 - CupHolderCoverRemoval - 13.jpg (117KB - 59 downloads)
Attachments 02 - CupHolderCoverRemoval - 14.jpg (213KB - 61 downloads)
Attachments 02 - CupHolderCoverRemoval - 14a.jpg (115KB - 71 downloads)
#87386 - in reply to #87384
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Author
Posted 8/30/2007 3:35 AM
pleubner



Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Vehicle(s): ML270CDI Brabus-W163,SL55 AMG-R230,ML320 CDI-W164
500
3. Remove Gear Selector knob

Pry up the covering using your fingers.

Twist the black lock ring on the bottom of the knob to the right

remove knob by pulling strainght upwards (I gave the knob a little twist left & right as I pulled upward)

NOTE: Due to the angle at which the panel needs to be removed it is best to have the lever remaining in position "D" or "N". The position "P" makes the removal of the panel impossible





(03 - GrearSelectorRemoval - 01.jpg)



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Attachments
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Attachments 03 - GrearSelectorRemoval - 01.jpg (239KB - 97 downloads)
Attachments 03 - GrearSelectorRemoval - 03.jpg (120KB - 82 downloads)
Attachments 03 - GrearSelectorRemoval - 04.jpg (127KB - 82 downloads)
Attachments 03 - GrearSelectorRemoval - 02a.jpg (70KB - 85 downloads)
Attachments 03 - GrearSelectorRemoval - 04a.jpg (70KB - 86 downloads)
#87388 - in reply to #87384
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Author
Posted 8/30/2007 3:43 AM
pleubner



Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Vehicle(s): ML270CDI Brabus-W163,SL55 AMG-R230,ML320 CDI-W164
500
4. Side Panel Removals

Pry the panel off starting from the lower middle edge. When you have the panel out enough, assist the process by also reaching in from the top. Work your way towards the rear.

The panel is only clipped on. No screws!.

Once the panel is unclipped you can then pull it towards the rear of the verhicle. The panel is hooked into the front part (see large pictures below).

NOTE: This the point where you will be happy to have postioned the seats as low as possible! :-)

 





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Attachments
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Attachments 04 - SidePanelRemoval - 01.jpg (176KB - 81 downloads)
Attachments 04 - SidePanelRemoval - 02.jpg (196KB - 68 downloads)
Attachments 04 - SidePanelRemoval - 03.jpg (170KB - 59 downloads)
Attachments 04 - SidePanelRemoval - 04.jpg (168KB - 56 downloads)
Attachments 04 - SidePanelRemoval - 05.jpg (192KB - 62 downloads)
Attachments 04 - SidePanelRemoval - 06.jpg (118KB - 52 downloads)
Attachments 04 - SidePanelRemoval - 07.jpg (86KB - 57 downloads)
Attachments 04 - SidePanelRemoval - 08.jpg (187KB - 59 downloads)
Attachments 04 - SidePanelRemoval - 03a.jpg (84KB - 64 downloads)
Attachments 04 - SidePanelRemoval - 05a.jpg (102KB - 64 downloads)
#87389 - in reply to #87384
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Author
Posted 8/30/2007 3:51 AM
pleubner



Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Vehicle(s): ML270CDI Brabus-W163,SL55 AMG-R230,ML320 CDI-W164
500
5. Toolset

You need a T20 bit to unscrew the 6 screws (3 each side) that hold the top console panel in place.

You also need a phillips (cross) screwdriver later to remove the ashtray lid cover.

 





(05 - TooSet - 01.jpg)



Attachments
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Attachments 05 - TooSet - 01.jpg (85KB - 63 downloads)
#87390 - in reply to #87384
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Author
Posted 8/30/2007 4:05 AM
pleubner



Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Vehicle(s): ML270CDI Brabus-W163,SL55 AMG-R230,ML320 CDI-W164
500
6. Remove Side Screws

Don't touch any other screws!.





(06 - SideScrews - 01.jpg)



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Attachments 06 - SideScrews - 01.jpg (202KB - 74 downloads)
Attachments 06 - SideScrews - 01a.jpg (98KB - 68 downloads)
Attachments 06 - SideScrews - 02.jpg (158KB - 55 downloads)
Attachments 06 - SideScrews - 02a.jpg (83KB - 53 downloads)
Attachments 06 - SideScrews - 03.jpg (188KB - 57 downloads)
Attachments 06 - SideScrews - 03a.jpg (92KB - 59 downloads)
Attachments 06 - SideScrews - 04.jpg (175KB - 57 downloads)
Attachments 06 - SideScrews - 05.jpg (183KB - 64 downloads)
Attachments 06 - SideScrews - 06.jpg (162KB - 67 downloads)
#87391 - in reply to #87384
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Author
Posted 8/30/2007 4:16 AM
pleubner



Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Vehicle(s): ML270CDI Brabus-W163,SL55 AMG-R230,ML320 CDI-W164
500
7. Console Center removal

Here comes the tricky part.

The only way the panel will come out is at a 45% angle straight outward. There will be a little juggling around to find the right position.

At this point you will also appreciate the position the gear selector lever is in. (which you should have set priot to removing the knob)

Start at the rear end. Use both hands to ease the panel upward at the rear to about 45% angle then straight backward at this angle.

 





(07 - ConsoleCenterRemoval - 02.jpg)



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Attachments
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Attachments 07 - ConsoleCenterRemoval - 02.jpg (118KB - 88 downloads)
Attachments 07 - ConsoleCenterRemoval - 03.jpg (209KB - 72 downloads)
Attachments 07 - ConsoleCenterRemoval - 03a.jpg (115KB - 74 downloads)
Attachments 07 - ConsoleCenterRemoval - 04.jpg (208KB - 60 downloads)
Attachments 07 - ConsoleCenterRemoval - 05.jpg (230KB - 80 downloads)
#87392 - in reply to #87384
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Author
Posted 8/30/2007 4:20 AM
pleubner



Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Vehicle(s): ML270CDI Brabus-W163,SL55 AMG-R230,ML320 CDI-W164
500
8. Unhook the ashtray harness

pull straight out.

 





(08 - unhook AshtrayHarness - 01.jpg)



(08 - unhook AshtrayHarness - 01a.jpg)



Attachments
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Attachments 08 - unhook AshtrayHarness - 01.jpg (165KB - 66 downloads)
Attachments 08 - unhook AshtrayHarness - 01a.jpg (83KB - 72 downloads)
#87393 - in reply to #87384
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Author
Posted 8/30/2007 4:22 AM
pleubner



Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Vehicle(s): ML270CDI Brabus-W163,SL55 AMG-R230,ML320 CDI-W164
500
9. Ashtray removal

There are 4 screws hold in the ashtray (same T20) bit to remove.

 





(09 - AshtrayRemoval - 01.jpg)



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(09 - AshtrayRemoval - 02.jpg)



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Attachments
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Attachments 09 - AshtrayRemoval - 01.jpg (237KB - 79 downloads)
Attachments 09 - AshtrayRemoval - 01a.jpg (127KB - 60 downloads)
Attachments 09 - AshtrayRemoval - 02.jpg (96KB - 58 downloads)
Attachments 09 - AshtrayRemoval - 03.jpg (96KB - 50 downloads)
Attachments 09 - AshtrayRemoval - 04.jpg (212KB - 63 downloads)
#87394 - in reply to #87384
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Author
Posted 8/30/2007 4:27 AM
pleubner



Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Vehicle(s): ML270CDI Brabus-W163,SL55 AMG-R230,ML320 CDI-W164
500
10. Ashtray Cover removal

The lid cover is held on by 2 screws. A simple removal using a small sized phillips screwdriver. The lid cover will pull straight out.

 





(10 - AshtrayCoverRemoval - 01.jpg)



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Attachments
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Attachments 10 - AshtrayCoverRemoval - 01.jpg (173KB - 57 downloads)
Attachments 10 - AshtrayCoverRemoval - 02.jpg (169KB - 49 downloads)
Attachments 10 - AshtrayCoverRemoval - 03.jpg (165KB - 50 downloads)
Attachments 10 - AshtrayCoverRemoval - 04.jpg (176KB - 51 downloads)
Attachments 10 - AshtrayCoverRemoval - 05.jpg (198KB - 48 downloads)
Attachments 10 - AshtrayCoverRemoval - 06.jpg (177KB - 46 downloads)
Attachments 10 - AshtrayCoverRemoval - 07.jpg (189KB - 52 downloads)
Attachments 10 - AshtrayCoverRemoval - 08.jpg (155KB - 54 downloads)
#87395 - in reply to #87384
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Author
Posted 8/30/2007 4:31 AM
pleubner



Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Vehicle(s): ML270CDI Brabus-W163,SL55 AMG-R230,ML320 CDI-W164
500
11. New Ashtray

The new ashtray comes as a complete unit. At 45 Euro's (approx 40 Dollars)  a good deal!.

 





(11 - NewAshtray - 01.jpg)



Attachments
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Attachments 11 - NewAshtray - 01.jpg (201KB - 52 downloads)
#87396 - in reply to #87384
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Author
Posted 8/30/2007 4:35 AM
pleubner



Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Vehicle(s): ML270CDI Brabus-W163,SL55 AMG-R230,ML320 CDI-W164
500
12. Installation

To install just follow the removal process in reverse order.

 Tips:

1. when putting the side panels in place -  first hook in the front part

2. replacing the cup holder covers -  hook in the top part first, then push down to clip the bottom edge in place.

3. Don't forget to attach the ashtray harness prior to replacing the panel !!!!!!

 

#87397 - in reply to #87384
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Author
Posted 8/30/2007 4:37 AM
pleubner



Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Vehicle(s): ML270CDI Brabus-W163,SL55 AMG-R230,ML320 CDI-W164
500
RE: Center Console Panel & Ashtray Removal (Howto)

Have fun !. This must be the first DIY for the R230..... more to come in the future..... pity I didn't watch (and document) the repair the dealer made to the roof!, or the Alternator.

Both seem to be a problem that get's often reported.

 

 

#87398 - in reply to #87384
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Author
Posted 8/31/2007 1:28 AM
Marsden
Classic MB




Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Capital City USA
Vehicle(s): Mercedes-Benz
5000
RE: Center Console Panel & Ashtray Removal (Howto)

Wow, excellent.  You got nads bro!

And even better, the smarts (and patience) to pull it off!  

#87495 - in reply to #87384
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Posted 8/31/2007 3:53 PM
GoCarGo

Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
RE: Center Console Panel & Ashtray Removal (Howto)

I just completed my center console disassembly on my '03 r230 and discovered a variation between our year models. The removal of the cup holder facial caps was unnecessary because there were no tabs that fit underneith the radio housing on my burred walnut console trim.

That being said, I surely would not have been sucessful in my wiring mod without your DIY guidance.

Now I want to replace the facial caps on my cup holders with the elongated diamond trim caps (like yours) because mine are plain black. Also, I want to retrofit the newer bright-metal housing console "hardtop button" because mine is the antiquated all-black one.

Thanks again pleubner
#87580 - in reply to #87384
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Author
Posted 9/7/2007 3:35 AM
pleubner



Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Vehicle(s): ML270CDI Brabus-W163,SL55 AMG-R230,ML320 CDI-W164
500
RE: Center Console Panel & Ashtray Removal (Howto)

YYW!

Started off by repairing & modding my W163 (checkout the forum). Now I am surely not going to start   having someone else fiddle with my R230 without documenting everything.

I'm lucky enough to be living in Switzerland/Germany  where most MB Dealers let you watch the repair.

 

#88104 - in reply to #87580
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Posted 9/7/2007 4:34 PM
GoCarGo

Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
Re: Center Console Panel & Ashtray Removal (Howto)

I've three w163's, a '99 430, '05 350 & 500.
#88180 - in reply to #87384
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Posted 9/16/2007 12:19 PM
stevenlev

Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
Re: Center Console Panel & Ashtray Removal (Howto)

Excellent post. I just used the info to install an iPhone holder/charger. While taking part all the pieces looks daunting, it's really not that hard. Anyway, the information and photos were so helpful to me. Thanks very much.
#88986 - in reply to #87384
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Author
Posted 9/20/2007 6:10 PM
pleubner



Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Vehicle(s): ML270CDI Brabus-W163,SL55 AMG-R230,ML320 CDI-W164
500
RE: Center Console Panel & Ashtray Removal (Howto)

Thanks, I'm also thinking of a solution for the ipod. Either FM Transmitter, CD-Changer replacement, etc.... Steve, you got pics of the ipod mounting?.

Edited by pleubner 9/20/2007 6:12 PM
#89425 - in reply to #87384
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