129 upper storage bin - how do I get it out?

[speace]

The upper storage bin in the center of my dash has a problem with the hinge. It binds when I try to open it. I can tell that minimally, there is a screw that has backed out of the right-side hinge because it is dangling.

I am attempting to remove the compartment for repairs, but I can’t figure how to get it out. I have found the two screws in the rear of the bin. The assembly seems to now be loose in the dash, but the right side seems still attached in the area of the push-button latch/key assembly.

I did a basic search on this site for a thread on this, but I did not see what I need.

Does anyone know the procedure? Do I need any special tools?

Thanks

[kknudson]

No I don't remember (sorry), but it does come out. I think that binding on the right is the latch mechanism.

I had mine out several times before I realized that the problem only occurred after leaving the car out in the sun. Even with the top up the black dash heated up enough to mess up the mechanism.

Although I did clean and grease it (vaseline there), the problem still occurred. But I haven't noticed it this year ????

[speace]

Thanks, KLK

Well, armed with the knowledge that you had yours out and don't recall there being anything unusual about the process, I decided to go for it.

Once I began prying a bit underneath the unit on the lower right side, it came right out.

There is one little alignment tab to watch for when re-inserting the unit. It fits into a slot in the top of the air vent just beneath...

In my case, the screw to the right hinge had backed out and released the tension on the right-side opening spring. Luckily, the screw was right there and once I figured out the right position for the hinge lever, it went back together just fine.

It was binding at first when I tried to open it once I put it all back together. I then realized that I had tightened the two retaining screws a bit too much. Once I loosened those by a couple of turns, and pulled the assembly forward a bit, everything began operating smoothly again.

KLK,
Have you tried loosening those two screws a bit? You said that yours binds when it has been in the hot sun. Perhaps this will help?

[Gilly]

If you keep jerking on this thing you'll break it.
You need to removed the lock cylinder which is to the right of the center vent, this is done by rotating the cylinder to the right 45 degrees, and pushing a thin rod (wire) into the hole in the cylinder, this releases it and you can extract the cylinder, but don't remove the key at that point as the small tumblers will go flying and you'll almost need a locksmith to reassemble it. THEN there is a screw in the botton of the hole the cylinder was in, remove or loosen that screw and the latch assembly will come out and the compartment will come out then.
By the sounds of it a replacement part is required, but with persistance maybe you can repair it.

Gilly

[kknudson]

Gilly I don't remember the details, but the lock mechanism only reacts with the unit. I can be removed without touching the lock mehanisim.

Speace, the problem with mine was it would heat up and not close. The latch (not lock) mechanism was binding.

[speace]

Thanks, Gilly

It is good to know how to get the lock cylinder and actuator out of the way next time.

The plastic parts of my compartment were pretty brittle and there are several cracks. I am positive that I didn't pull on anything hard enough to cause this. I was careful not to exert too much force and it popped in and out past the lock lever successfully. Luckily, with the unit back in place you cannot see the cracks. If I have to ever go back in there I will likely need to replace the assembly. Hopfully, it won't cost as much as my new pair of sun visors.



KLK
So, when your door binds in the heat, the latch doesn't even begin to release?

I ask this because the bind I was describing was not in the lock, or latch, but the door was rubbing the padding on the dashboard keeping it from opening. I just backed off on the 2 screws in the back of the compartment a little, which allowed the entire assembly to come forward just a bit. This provided the proper clearance. It now works really great.

[kknudson]

No mine was (hopefully) the reverse. It would open just fine, but not latch back down when you close it.

It was fun taking it apart and cleaning, etc. I love puttering around on things. And this was my first work on the Benz.

I only live a couple of miles from work, so I'd drive home. Park it in the garage, and a half hour later. Click, it's fine