How to remove wood panels in a '94 C280 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Crowe · #1 07-07-2006, 09:22 PM

I have a '94 C280 and would like to find out how to remove the cassettee storage bins below the radio. I understanding the open storage compartment that came on the later versions of the C-class will fit the same space.

Also, I need to remove the wood panel that is around the AC controls so that I can replace a bad switch in the top row. I took a look at it the other day but could not see how to remove it and not do damage to the wood. While I am at it I also need to remove the wood panel around the shifter to replace a bulb. I have done this before on a W124 but it was obvious how it came up. Not so clear with the C280.

nikki · #2 07-07-2006, 11:25 PM

I will attempt to do this from memory, I have removed all of your issues on both my C cars several times.

First for the cassette tray, remove the tray underneath the ashtray by lifting straight up. When you do this the wood around the shifter will elevate itself due to the tray being under the wood slightly. After the tray is removed, you will notice one sheet metal screw on each side of bottom extension of the ashtray - remove them. Also there are two screws in the top section of the cassette tray, look from below and your will see them. After pull out the cassette tray and ashtray together as they are connected in the rear. Oh, you will be required (I think) to shift out of Park to get clearance. Also be careful of the wiring for the ashtray light. Yes, the open storage tray will fit right into the space where the cassette tray is now. Again the tray will reconnect into the rear of the ashtray - install both together as you did when you removed the two together.

AC Console wood removal is simple given you have already removed the above stuff, such small tray, ashtray, and storage/cassette bin. You will need to remove the radio using Mercedes Benz keys. After, you will notice two screws inside the radio space recess area on top that need removal. These two screws are the only things holding this console wood in place, other than the tight fit. Then lift the wood from the bottom area near the radio recess and it should come free.

Lastly the shifter surround, specifically the plastic around the shifter panel itself has four tabs that are keyed for specific installation. Just use your fingernails to raise the plastic piece upwards and reinstall the same. The wood around the shifter panel where the window switches are, does not have an screws holding it on, just it's tight fit. Lift the wood from the small tray area up front - it is simple.

Any questions, let me know.

Crowe · #3 07-08-2006, 08:56 AM

Thanks, Nikki for the response.

Ethan · #4 07-08-2006, 12:30 PM

I did this a few years back and need to confirm with my haynes manual, but when I removed my radio/ac wood surround (I didn't have a radio removal tool) - I started by removing the horizontal wood around the shifter first. This was done by removing the plastic surround square of the shifter. I slid a stiff credit card between wood and plastic to leverage up the surround, Then with the exposed opening I pulled straight up on the wood panel with the now open space. Everything else was pretty much as nikki said,

Crowe · #5 07-08-2006, 08:46 PM

Anyone have a part number for the open storage bin that came on the later versions of the W202?. This is the part that took the place of the cassette storage unit.

msethk · #6 07-09-2006, 04:24 PM

this thread has the info you want...

help on 6-cassette tray removal on 202 C-280?

looks like the part # is 202 683 00 91

msethk · #7 07-10-2006, 08:45 PM

maybe someone can verify this price, but I stopped into my local dealer today and they said that 202 683 00 91 is the old part number and that the new number is 202 683 04 91. The cost from previos forums is around 13.00 but the dealer is quoting me 28.00 which seems really expensive (double what other forums state on this).