are there any tools to remove the radio/cassette from the 1987 260E without removing the console oak woodtrim pieace? I would hate to have to remove all the wood console and then the cigarette lighter housing and etc. just to swap out the radio. Is there such a tool that you can sort of plug in and pull out the radio cleanly?

Removing the shiftwood trim and ashtray is no big deal on a 124. All you need is a #2 phillips screwdriver, preferably magnetic. It only takes a few minutes, and it's a good time to give the wood a good cleaning.

Removing the radio is a piece of cake;
Have a look at this: http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W124Stereo

Skip the speaker removal procedure if you don't need it and go down the page.