Cup holder removal W209

[pos.k]

Hi guys,
am looking at taking apart my week-old CLK with a view to adding COMAND and Ipod kit myself.
I have seen how to get the lower control panel off (I can see the 2 torx screws that I need to get at - do I really need to remove the ashtray / gear lever surround etc?)
The how to on merc upgrades says that to get the upper control panel out that you simply 'pop' this out by pushing your finger in through the coin tray. As I have the cup holder option, there is no way to get your finger in. How is this removed?

Any help appreciated
Thanks

 

[the_player]

It's dead easy mate. Just follow the how-to guide on mercupgrades.

You will need to remove the ashtray and gear level to gain access to the 2 torx screws that sit behind it. (No idea how you can see them without removing this). Once the two torx screws are out, the whole panel can be pulled off - there is no need to ever remove the cup holder in my experience and I've had mine off about 5 times...


Ben.

 

[pos.k]

Thanks for that - with the ashtray lid folded partway up, if you look up under the control panel, you can see the 4 torx screws - 2 that go straight back, and the angled 2 that you need to undo to remove the aircon controls. It looks a bit fiddly, but do-able with a slim torx screwdriver.
The top is the problem for me, as with the cup holder open, I can get to the edge of the ali trim that goes across for the buttons, but I am reluctant to just lever out from the edge, as I read somewhere that this is quite fragile and can dint quite easily. Would be happier pushing out from behind.
Hmm! will have another look.

Cheers!

 

[the_player]

You don't need to do any prising or pushing so to speak. Once the bottom 2 screws are out you can just grab the thing and it pulls out fine...

 

[pos.k]

No - what I mean is that the top control panel will need prising out - have just tried it again, and it seems very reluctant to budge - and not sure where I should be putting the pressure - top and bottom corners or centrre?
There is a central 'pillar' but this looks part of the side moulding, and not likely to move separately.
where are the clips?

 

[the_player]

When I did mine I firstly took off the gear knob, surround and then pulled out the trim that goes around it (no screws just yank it!). Then I took out the ash-tray to expose the 4 torx screws. I then unscrewed the 2 that are angled (I think its important that you get the right two here).

Once that was done the centre console trim was loose at the bottom allowing me to pull it forward gently and then disconnect all of the wires that go to the various buttons that are on it. When you say the top control panel - I assume that you mean the buttons for the heated seats, esp etc. If so they are part of the trim.

It is a W209 CLK isn't it ? not a W208 ?


Ben.

 

[pos.k]

Hi Ben,
Yes it is a 209 - and a week and 2 days old (but who's counting!).
I am less concered about the lower control panel - the air con, If I can do it with the gear lever surround in place then great, other wise out it comes, and that is well documented.
my difficulty is the top control panel - the buttons - heated seats, headrests dropdown (how cool is that? ).
I have tugged on the edge of the ali that is next to the cup holder, but it doesn't seem to want to move. I apologise if I am just being dense, but how hard do you need to pull on a thin ali trim?

 

[the_player]

Just thinking actually, now that you mention it. When you say that it is a week or so old, do you mean that it is literally brand new ??

Mine is a 52 plate model so is the pre-facelift in which case the interior may be slightly different.

I'll have a look at mine tomorrow morning to make sure I am articulating the approach correctly to you.

You could also drop a picture onto the forum to show us what the tricky bit is.


Ben.

 

[the_player]

OK - just been on the trader to look at some pics. The new model appears to have two pieces of trim in the centre console as opposed to my one so I can see what you are talking about now!!

Unfortunately, I'm not sure what to advise on this although I'm sure some of the more experienced guys on here can probably help you.

I can understand that you dont want to damage the trim. I looked at changing mine from walnut to aluminium and was quoted around 2k!!! expensive stuff. Or more to the point, cheap stuff that is expensive to buy


Ben.