500SL Center armrest latch repair

[G-Benz]

I have heard that the plastic latch on the console (the one that moves the center armrest forward or back) is prone to breakage. Looks like an inexpensive piece, and that it can be replaced easily in under an hour.

I discovered mine broken a month ago (daughter stepping on it while climbing into rear area).

Is this something you can obtain easily, or does it require replacement of the entire armrest?

GBENZ: This is a simple repair and not expensive. Suggest that you contact Tom Hansen at Caliber Motors for the best price ( I paid around $15 retail a few years ago). I recall that I removed the cover, turned it over and unscrewed the slide track assembly, replaced the latch, then reassembled.
Jim4x4
91 500SL
67 Corvette

[MBenzNL]

Some of the screw attachments broke off in my center armrest lid and I can only get a complete lid to replace the one I have (no separate parts available according to the MB dealer).
A new center armrest lid costs 880!!!Dutch guilder (approx. 375 US$) because it is illuminated, adjustable and central locked...

I got myself a new center armrest lid from the original German MB partsservice site for 250 Deutsch Mark (approx. 125 US$) of which my local MB dealer doesn't know it exists .

G-Benz, Thanks for complimenting the new signature pic. Fortunately not everyone in the Netherlands drive cars like the ones I drive...otherwise it wouldn't be as much fun as it is now .

greetingz,

[G-Benz]

jim4x4: Do you have a number/address, etc. for Caliber Motors in order to contact them?

[G-Benz]

Problem fixed.

Part was $6.98 (good price) + $3.00 shipped via FedEx (even better), took about 30 minutes including reinstalling the armrest.

Thanks jim 4X4 for pointing me to Tom @ Caliber, thanks MBenz for the pics!

[d2bernhard]

How does the cover come off? There is the big black round button one pushes to release it from locked positions, and the outer trim ring. Which one is first?

Thanks.

[G-Benz]

Trim-colored button along the drivers side...depress and the cover opens "sideways", unlike the standard forward-opening consoles...

...hinge screws are accessible from within once cover is open...and loosening a few screws inside the top releases the upholstered cover from the frame.