I decided to resolder the climate control unit on our 560 SEL ('89).

So I busily went ahead and removed the two screws holding the ashtray in place. Knowing the radio has sharp corners, I also decided to remove the wood around the shift lever to keep it from getting damaged.

I then attempted to remove the radio, which is a retrofit (Clarion). It wiggles, but won't slide out. After meny frustrating tries, I removed the right subdash and the center console kick panel. I could find no srews, latches, or anything of any kind holding it in place.

It now looks I have to remove the driver's side lower interior too, but before I do this, I wonder if anyone else has had similar problems. The radio seems to be caught on something. When I try to force it, the entire center console front flexes.

I have to say that whoever installed this and made it so difficult to get it out is now getting my most deplored and hated moron of the year award. (Sorry - I just had to get that off my chest).

Isn't removing the radio supposed to be something like a 15 minute job?

__________________
Henry Bofinger
1989 560 SEL (black/black)
2001 Audi TT Roadster (silver/grey)

Most of these radios have a frame that slips into the cubby. There are tabs you bend outwards to keep the frame from being pulled out of the cubby. The radio slides into the frame and clips to its sides.

If the radio has a removable face, it probably has a couple of slots into which you fit a particular tool to release clips keeping the radio from sliding out. Some models have tabs extending from the sides of the case of the radio. Push in the tabs as you pull out the radio.

If that doesn't work, see it you can get a knife or similar object between the radio holder and the frame (top and bottom) of the console to push down the tabs holding the frame in place. the tabs usually bend up from side to center so start with the knife in the center and slide it to the sides. With the ashtray out, feel the bottom of the radio for the tabs so you have a better sense of what you're up against.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Sixto -

Yes, the radio has a removable face. I will look carefully at that option.

Will update - thanks for the help!

__________________
Henry Bofinger
1989 560 SEL (black/black)
2001 Audi TT Roadster (silver/grey)

I got the radio out, with no material damage, put plenty to the English vocabulary.

There were tabs, bent at the TOP (where you can't really slip anything in to straighten them). I had to remove both sides of the center console, etc. All of the sudden I was FOR the death penalty (I got overt it).

I have slipped the radio back in, no tabs, anything, and it's snug enough. I was thinking of maybe wrapping tape around it for friction on certain areas, but tehre was no need in the end.

NOTE to anyone who puts units in - please be kind to the next person working on the car a few years later.

NOTE TO WHOEVER IT WAS IN VIRGINIA THAT PUT A CLARION RADIO IN A BLACK 1989 560SEL A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, THEN BELOGNING TO A REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER IN MANNASSAS: You are lucky my name is not Tony Soprano....

__________________
Henry Bofinger
1989 560 SEL (black/black)
2001 Audi TT Roadster (silver/grey)