One of the things that you lose when you replace your ashtray with a gauge panel is the lighter socket. This was not a big loss to me since as built by MB the socket is powered only while the key is "on." Knowing that I would lose even this limited utility, I installed an "external" pair of sockets bought at the local McParts. You can see it on the right side of the console in the first picture.

While working on my gauge panel, I realized that there's actually quite a bit of room at the front of the wood console panel -- the one where the shift quadrant and window switches live. My measurements show that the distance from the top of the wood to the transmission tunnel is 3 inches, more than enough for a power socket. All I have to do is to find a pair of sockets that are reasonably attractive (not cheap looking) and that have spring-loaded tops. Anyone ever do this? My search of the forum found primarily discussions of the factory sockets.

Note: I would ordinarily not do irreversible things like drill holes in wood panels but my panel was already "holed" by the PO so I have nothing to lose.

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970