Removing the wood from the center console will give you a little access to the bottom of the ashtray.

To remove center console wood:
1- Pry up black plastic moulding at shifter.
2- Remove console glove box [2 screws in bottom at front]
3- Remove large screw / bolt under console
4- Lift / wiggle wood at back pulling up and rearward
NOTE MB Switches have large pins to connectors. The switches are attached to the wood, so you're slowly disconnecting them.

I once removed the ashtray surrounding wood, but can't remember if the securing screws are both top and bottom. If both, then you'll have to remove radio. Instead of the radio removal tool, I used 2 small steak knives to release the radio clips.

Bob