nope... never had to remove the ashtray on mine. if that particular panel has never been removed i suspect its the window felt part that's being stubborn. From my observation that's the only part where there's friction enough to make removal difficult. try to carefully pry at the trailing edge near the rear quarter glass... there are actually 2 separate window felt pieces if i remember correctly... once you get a corner to budge it'll be easy... just apply a steady even force... no yanking

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85 190E 2.3(SOLD)
86 230E (-->300D) sold
87 300D (-->300TD) sold
68 250S w/ a 615 and manual tranny (RIP)
87 300TD (SOLD)
95 S280 "The KRAKEN" (Turbo 2.9 602 transplant) traded
86 190E 2.3... current project