Wow!
I just did the same thing as FireWalker, just 2 days ago.
He's correct.
Removing the frame that the ashtray slides into takes a little finess, so you don't scratch the leather/vinyl that wraps the console. It has to be worked slowly...straight out.
I suspected a 'fiber optic' deal, running from someplace in the instrument cluster also...LOL
But leave it to German engineering...they did it the best way!
Mike, That was a GREAT post on how to repair the wood piece in the console!
The pictures say a thousand words!
My post here is mostly directed at my buddy, FireWalker.....
He doesn't know I'm lurking around here...watching him take
my credit.. LOL
:p