The front section of the window switches on my wife's 1999 ML320 have 'fallen' into the center console. Ie - when you push the rocker to roll down the driver's window the switch goes into the center console.

I assume it's time for a new switch - is that a dealer-only part?

Any hints on removing the center console?

I followed the instructions here.
http://www.grill.org/rodney/mclass/mlswitch/index.html
and bought a replacement from Performance Products (about $85).
Pretty simple DIY.

Thank you for the link. That will be very helpful.

if the switches still work then don't replace them, the retaining clips are likely broken. what i have done is put screws in it to hold it in place. see picture below, you can put short screws in that round part i circled and that will hold the assy in place. there are 4 so you will need 4 short wood screws

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I purchased a new switch assembly purchased from Caliber Motors and followed the link above from Rodney.

This was the only problem I encountered: The center panel on my 1999 ML 430 was not secured by trim tabs as described in the above link. It was held in place by two plastic "tabs" on the underside of the panel. These are located just to the outside of the upper two rear window electrical connectors on each side--one blue connector and one white. The trick to removing the panel was to lightly pry with a screwdriver blade in the area between each connector and the sidewall of the console while gently lifting up on the panel itself. Very little force was required. Prying straight up as described in the link would not release and probably would damage the center panel in my particular vehicle.

The switches worked perfectly when installed--no reset required.

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Jim Herold--Current: 1987 190E 16V, 1999 ML 430--Past: 1971 280 SL, 1972 250

Just a quick THANK YOU to whomever posted and authored the window switch repair procedure here - I don't post very often but appreciate all the help on the forum that's here when I need it!

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Francis E. Abate
Automotive Restoration & Preservation
Sheet metal, trim and upholstery

I needed to repair or replace my window switches and followed the very helpful instructions at http://www.grill.org/rodney/mclass/mlswitch/index.html.
The wood panel is held in place by six claw type clips: front edge of panel clips are 1" in from sides; middle left side clip is 3&5/8" from front edge; right side clip is 7&1/8" from front edge; two rear side clips aer each 2&3/4" from back edge.

I used carpenters' composite door shims, breaking them short enough to start in front, alternating one side to the other. My wood panel was not as fragile as it looked as the veneer is bound to some sort of composite laminate.

The author of the repair instructions suggests bending copper cams. My take on the problem was dirty contacts and I cleaned them with ribbons of #400 wet or dry sandpaper. I did pull carbon out and the fix was effective; however, I suggest replacement as pitting is likely. My '99 ML320 part # was A163 820 09 10.

Might as well replace the little light while you're there. I never did figure out what the single pink wire was for.

1999 ML430 with 291K miles on the odometer. I have replaced this window switch three times in the last 11 years that I've owned this vehicle. This time I adjusted the contacts as shown at http://www.grill.org/rodney/mclass/mlswitch/index.html.

Easy DIY! My window switch is working again! Thanks guys! I wish I would've seen this post years ago...

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1999 ML430
2003 Chevy Suburban Z71
1993 Honda Prelude V-Tech