Center Shift Console Gear Light - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

morrib · #1 08-25-2003, 09:52 AM

I have an 87 300D 124 body and I am trying to replace the small light in the gear shift that illuminates the drive letters. I have done extensive searches in the data base and have not found a way to remove the wood trim on this model. Enclosed is a picture of where I am at in the process. There seems to be two catches at the front of the wood trim that I cannot get at. The wood piece itself will not slide at all, either forward or backward at this point. Is there a screw under the carpet? Do I have to get that ash tray holder molding out? I really don't want to crack the wood trim.

#2 08-25-2003, 10:11 AM

This is for the 123. Hope it is the same.
Remove ash tray. Then remove two phillips screws holding cage for ash tray. This holds front of wood down. Then slide wood forward. There is a pin on the rear of wood you don't want to break. It hold rear of wood down.
The light is in middle on the drivers side.
Reassemble is just reversed of above.
When you get to the ash tray screws you may need locator rod or pin to line it up.
Good luck.
Charlie

gsxr · #3 08-25-2003, 10:56 AM

The 124 is different. Pull up the carpet in the tray behind the wood. Remove the one screw you see. Carefully pry upward on the BACK of the wood. The switches may come up with the wood, or may not. When it's pried up, pull it backwards, as there are plastic fingers that locate it under the ashtray. The ashtray stays in place on the 124.

morrib · #4 08-25-2003, 10:58 AM

I have taken the two phillips screws out and removed the ash tray, but for some reason the wood trim will only slide maybe 1/64 of an inch either way. There is something stopping it. Any ideas. I am really afraid of getting too rough with it, as I can only imagine the price of a new wood trim piece.

morrib · #5 08-25-2003, 11:02 AM

Thanks Dave, I'll give it a try this afternoon.

morrib · #6 08-25-2003, 01:41 PM

Just a word to anyone following this thread, do not remove the rubber boot around the hole for the gear shift on the wood trim. If you know how to get toothpaste back in the tube, give it a go. It took a .6 watt frosted bulb tucked under the upper driver's side of the shifter (3.20 at the dealer). The job is easy on the 124 and thanks to Dave again.