E320 210 Chassis Phone Removal

[MikeM]

I've got a 97 E320 that came with the factory phone installed in the Console and the head unit in the dash.

What I'd like to do is remove the head unit and replace it with the plastic pouch that came in it's spot. In looking at the plastic piece that was originally there, it looks like it slips in and has some type of tabs to hold it it.

Any thought as how to remove the head unit without screwing up my wood door?

Thanks,

Mike

[jcyuhn]

Yup, been there, done that, on my '98 E-class.

It's an easy process, but some assembly is required The entire head unit/door assembly slides right out of the dash. But to release it, you have to remove the ashtray.

Start by removing the shifter surround - the wood piece with the window switches etc. in it. It just pulls up - a good deal of force is required. Open the cupholder door to get a good grip on the tail end. It need not be completely removed, just pull it up and set a bit aside.

At the very front of the area covered by the surround are two phillips head screws. These retain the ashtray frame. Remove them. Open the ashtray door, remove the ashtray, and pull out the ashtray frame. Move the gear shift lever out of park to ease this step. The ashtray assembly has an electrical connection you'll have to remove.

Now for the head unit. Reach into the opening where the ashtray formerly resided. At the back of the head unit/door assembly there's a big plastic tab. I forget whether it's at the top or bottom. Pull it to release the catch which retains the assembly in the dash, and slide the assembly out. You'll have to unplug the head unit as well - mine just used an RJ45 (i.e. phone cord) style connector, yours may differ. You can now take the entire head unit/door assembly somewhere safe to work. The head unit removes out the back of the frame, not the front. There are several plastic tabs which retain it in place.

I also removed the handsfree microphone, the handset, and the transmit/receive unit from the trunk. Anyone wanna buy a phone cheap?

I've not gotten around to ordering the plastic insert to convert it to a storage tray. If you do so, would you please post the part number - my parts guy struggles with requests such as this one.

IMHO. If you were to leave the phone completely in place, the car will remain original and be much more appealing in years to come. Let the others remove their phones making yours one of the few original ones left in the years to come.

Good luck,

[MikeM]

Just what I was looking for, It looked more than pulling on the unit.

I'll look on the plastic box that goes in there and see if it has a part # on it.

Larry, I like originality also, but it's not being used and if I get rid of the car, I'd be more than happy to give it to them, had the same expirence with my departed 400E and it's Becker.
Replaced it with a Blau but kept all the parts and gave them to the new owner.

The phone is like the Becker, replaced by newer technology.

Can't hardly find a Phone service that supports the analog phone anymore.

[MikeM]

I removed the head unit and receiver this morning accoding to your instructions. Thanks a ton.

The clip was on top of the unit, and did cause a little aggrevation, but finally came loose.

Anyway you ased for the filler compartment part #
On the back of the unit it was listed as

# 210-683-00-91

Hope this helps as much as your instructions on removal.

Where is the trunk unit located?
Might as well take it out as well.

Thanks again,