Can't answer your question the ashtray, but my 97 202 has had the gas gage issue since day one. The sender, and a bunch of other stuff was replaced in the beginning.

What's really odd, is if the fuel is really topped up, the gage goes to zero, then as miles are put on, the fuel level increases until its full. Takes about 30 miles to get it to read full again.

What I've learned, when the fuel nozzle kicks off, just add enough gas to bring the sale to the next 25 cent increment. Then I never have the gas gage problem.

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport