consol cover removal to fix window switch
 

The driver side window switch on my fabulous '86 420 SEL has given up the ghost. How do you get into the wood cover to possibly swap the front window switch with one of the rear window switches that I never use? I can't see any way of lifting that fancy zebrawood short of a crowbar. Are all four switches the same anyway? Having to open the door instead of zapping the window down at toll booths and drive in banks is getting embarrassing. Mercedes drivers are supposed to maintain their cool at all times ;-)

Lift up the carpet peice on the center counsole. you will then see one screw that holds the wood counsole down. remove the screw and carefully lift up the wood. you will then have access to the switches. the switches can be pulled directly out to be replaced.
Good luck!
Adam

It's a little more complicated for the 126 Adam.

Start by removing the ash tray insert, underneath you will find two phillips head screws. Remove them and slide the ashtray drawer out and disconnect the electrical leads for light and lighter. Now the coin tray will slide forward slightly and lift the front while pulling away from the center console wood. If equipped with seat heaters you will have to disconnect the seat heater switches to get the tray out of the way.

With parking brake on, put shifter into neutral or lower. Now the center console wood will slide forward about 10-15 mm. This will disengage the two "L" shaped legs that cam the wood panel down tight. Once the panel has been slid forward you can gently lift at the rear, this will allow you access to the switches from the bottom of the panel.

While you have the panel out, it is the perfect time to replace the little light bulb for the shifter back light. It will be located at the forward left corner of the shifter, might have a small string attached to assist in removal of the bulb from it's socket.

Hope this helps.

bladesmith

The switch(s) probably do not need to be replaced! Just cleaned. Search under my name for the procedure. I have done this several times. The design of the window switches allows dirt to collect and prevent contact. They are easy to take apart and clean and put back together. Just watch out because they have tiny little ball bearings in them which will easily fall to the floor. I recommend taking the switches apart over an old bath towel. That way they won't roll away.

J