I searched the forum and found out that to remove console wood you first remove ashtray holder and then pull console back and up. I got it loose at front easily and pulled back an inch or so (until it would not go further) but can't seem to get the back (where switches are) to release upward. The front goes up easily....but back seems connected somehow. I don't want to force it.

Any idea what I'm doing wrong?

Nic

'85 300CD @ 137k miles

Nic:
I don't know about the 123 chassis, but the removal of the wood center consol is pictured in the stereo removal article under the DIY tab at the top of the page. You might look at that and see if they are similiar. My 124 fekt "stuck" as well, until I discovered that several switches are clipped onto the wood, and plug into the chassis beneath, and that this was the resistance I was encontering (there is also a screw under the carpet at the back on 124s). Like I say, your 123 may be different, but it is worth a look, maybe.

Thanks JCE, I'll check to see if that helps. Nic.

As far as my memory takes me I think the back of the wood panel is just clicked in...I can't remember any screws being put in there...(but since it has been a long time I am not sure)

greetingz,

The manual says (after removing screws under ashtray):

4. lift front end of cover a little and press hazard warning light switch upward from below out of cover
5. Disconnect plugs on hazard light switch
6. Pull cover toward rear out of center console.

LATE BUT MAY HELP
 

HEY NIC,
I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE GIVEN UP, OR ACCOMPLISHED YOUR GOAL. THE LOWER CONSOLE COVER HAS A "ROD" THAT AIMS TOWARD THE FRONT OF THE CAR IN IT'S INSTALLED POSITION. tHE ROD GOES THROUGH A HOLE THAT KEEPS IT SNUG TO THE BLACK CONSOLE FRAME. MINE IS MADE OF AN ALLOY BUT MOST OF THE NEWER 123 MODELS HAS THE ROD MADE OF PLASTIC. THE ROD IS ABOUT AND INCH LONG. ONCE THE ASHTRAY AND BRACKET ARE REMOVED THE WOOD UNIT SHOULD BE ABLE TO BE MOVED DOWARDS THE REAR FOR THE VEHICLE. YOUR VEHILCE HAS THE FLUSH MOUNTED WINDOW SWITCHES, RIGHT MIRROR ADJUSTMENT, FADER, AND HAZARD SWITCH. THE WOOD UNIT WILL BIND ON THE SHIFTER HOUSING AND THE HAZARD SWITCH. 1) REMOVE THE CARPET OUT OF THE REAR CONSOLE POCKET THIS SHOULD GIVE THE WOOD UNIT A LITTLE MORE ROOM TO MOVE. 2) USE A PICK TOOLE TO REMOVE THE HAZARD SWITCH. CAREFULLY PULL UP IN THE FRONT OF THE WOOD UNIT UNTIL IT CAN SLIDE OVER TOP OF THE FRONT OF SHIFTER HOUSING THIS SHOUD GIVE YOU ENOUGH ROOM TO GET THE WOOD UNIT BACK FAR ENOUGH TO RELEASE THE ROD FROM THE COSOLE FRAME. ONCE THE BACK RELEASES, REACH UNDER THE WOOD PANEL AND CAREFULLY PULL OUT THE PLUGS FOR THE WINDOWS, FADER, AND R. MIRROR. ONCE THE WOOD PANEL IS OUT IT IS VERY SIMPLE TO REMOVE THE OTHER SWITCHES, I HOPE THIS HELPS:)