Does anyone have pictures of how the spring is supposed to attach to the cupholder? I found a thread on this topic but it is difficult to translate words into pictures Anyway, the spring on my passenger side cupholder popped out and I can see where one part of it attaches to from the driver's side cupholder. I wanted to remove the drivers side cupholder to see how the spring is attached to it but just wanted to make sure the spring won't pop out on me. Then, I'll have 2 limp cupholders.

Just for you, I took my cupholder out to photograph it. Hope this helps.

1. The spring has a loop on one end and a sort of squred off "S" On the other. Insert the squared off "S" end of the spring through the back of the cupholder, out through the hole in the side to the outside and then hook the tiny last bend back into the other hole in the side of the holder. It should end up in this orientation with the next to last bend laying in the tiny channel on the side of the cupholder. (Note in this blurry (sorry) photo, you are looking at the back of the cupholder.)


2. The looped end of the spring goes into this plastic pocket in the bottom of the opening in the dash. When you insert the cupholder, the spring folds in the middle:


3. While keeping the spring in the proper orientation with the index finger of your left hand, insert one pivot pin on the side of the cupholder into the hole in the side of the opening in the dash (I find it easier to start the right side first). The looped end of the spring has to continue to go into the plastic pocket in the bottom of the opening in the dash. Apply pressure towards the pin you inserted first (right side for me) and you can slip the left pin into it's hole. Voila.

Sunedog,

You rock! I saw where the squared S attached to form the drivers side cupholder but didn't know the looped end goes to the plastic pocket. Like I said, a lot easier with pictures!

Guys, how did you get the cupholder out? Mine is stuck closed because some pennies are lodged behind it and now it refuses to open. Thanks.

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87 300e (white/black; amg body kit)
88 300ce (red/cream; amg body kit)
93 300ce cabrio (white/blue/blue top)
93 300ce cabrio (black/grey/black top)
98 ml 320 (totaled @ 137,000 miles)
99 clk320 (black/grey/black top)

I would try to gingerly pry it open. Try a thin screwdriver in the middle of the top of the cupholder. Be careful to avoid damage to the plastic dash or cupholder.

If you can get it to pivot, you are almost home. At this point, you probably need to remove the entire cupholder, reseat the spring, and then re-install it. Apply medium pressure towards one side and try to release the pivot pin on the opposite side and the cupholder should rotate completely out (free of the dash).

Follow my other procedure for re-installation.

First post! Can't see any pictures. Please help bought my ML yesterday, good caar but lots of work. Think it should be possible to repair 1 of the 2 broken cupholders. If iI would only know how.

Don't know why the photo's became detached from the post. I'll reinsert them below:

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Ironically, I need help this time. The cupholder popped out while away from home and I have managed to lose the damn spring.

Anyone have an extra spring they're willing to part with? The dealer only sells the spring with the cupholder. The parts guy said a spring from any '98 through 2002 ML 320 or ML430 should work.

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I just checked, I thought I used to have some, but not finding them.
At one time they were available seperately. Is anyone here equipped with EPC to check it out?
Gilly

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Thanks for looking, Gilly.

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Behind every great man is a great woman. Behind every great woman is a great behind.

You need part 1636890034. It is kind of expensive for what it is - I paid about $15 2 years ago at parts dot com

Thank you, myarmar. It's $17.25 now before shipping. I'm currently out of work so I need to hold off for now.

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Behind every great man is a great woman. Behind every great woman is a great behind.