Removing center console in a 126
 

I can't figure out how to go about removing center console in a 126. I took out the ash tray and can see two empty screw holes in the plastic part under that. When I try to wiggle that part, it won't budge. I can't see anything else to unscrew, slide, squeeze together, etc. What am I missing?

Pull out entire ashtray holder after removing tray and two phillips screws. Pull out change holder in front of console and slide the center console forward to remove. You have to tug on it and slight wiggle left to right.

The two screws were already gone, but I can get that change holder to budge. I can see that the console probably should slide forward once the change holder is out. I'll have to fiddle with it somemore tonight.

Thanks.

I'm always afraid I'm going to push/pull too hard and tear something up only to discover later there was some little tab or clip that would have released it had I known about it.

There are tabs on the front and back of the change holder do-hickey. A small flat blade will easily pop them up.

Well, I got everything ahead of the console wood part out and the wood section would not budge. It's almost like it was glued down. I can see where it is supposed to slide forward, but it won't slide.

Pop the plastic trim around the gearshift up, then you can lift the wood at the front of the console and slide it out.

-Jason

JohnHef.

Pffft!

Last night I attempted to remove the black piece that surrounds the shifter. The only thing that would come out was a plastic rim around the inside of the opening in the wood. This came apart in pieces, but the flat "plate" surrounding the shifter won't budge. Is that the way it's supposed to be?

Anyhow, this didn't make any difference. The console wood still won't budge. It feels like it's stuck fast as though it was glued down. I'm afraid of breaking that. Any other suggestions?

You will need to do some gentle prying. I have found that soda spill and such from the life of the car can cause a real serious bond. With that said I also had a PO that did not know how to remove Center Console and broke tabs - then glued it back into place.

Yeah, I'm thinking that's what happened with mine. It's stuck down so well, it's gotta be more than just spilled soda. I can't remember what it looks like under there. I can pull the plastic console sides out away from the wood slightly, so it's not stuck to them. It has to be stuck to a surface beneath the wood. I hope someone didn't use Liquid nails on this SOB!

Well if you f*** it up let me know. I pull the one out of the burned up 500SE for you before it goes to the crusher.

That's great! Thanks, TX. I'll do that. I'm always afraid of trying to fix one thing and creating three more repairs in the process.

I know - like my sig line "benz there done that"