Do I just prise the central off?

[Deliguy]

So do I just prise the centre cap off with a screwdriver or is there a non-breaky way of doing it?

 

[daveenty]

The correct way is to remove the wheel and knock them out from the back.

You could try applying some decent adhesive tape to make a handle of sorts, something like this: _||_ though I've always found by the time I've faffed around it's just as quick to whip the wheels off...

 

[RichardF]

A sat nav windscreen sucker gets mine off.

A screwdriver is too risky.

 

[MancMike]

You can't take the wheel off to remove these, they're covering the nuts.

Gaffer tape formed into a T shape as said should work, or a sharp knife that can get in the small gap and pry it open?

 

[cheddar]

If you look closer there is a notch at one point, I would still use a small screwdriver with tape over the end to avoid any scratches.
There is usually a tool provided in the car where the jack is for removing these.

 

[clk320x]

^^^ what he said

 

[markjay]

A sat nav windscreen sucker gets mine off.

A screwdriver is too risky.

As above.

I removed mine using the suction cap from my mobile phone holder. Just lock the suction cap on the wheel cap then pull it forward slowly. Works a charm.

I should add that mine are the original MB caps; some say that the cheaper aftermarket caps are a tighter fit and won't budge that easy.

In any even I wouldn't use a screw driver because if it slipped it might damage the alloy wheel.

 

[John]

It's the regular 50mm diameter Merc hub caps which need tape or pushing through from the back.

 

[E63AMG]

I've been driving round with a new set of caps in the boot for 6 months! Will be trying the day nav sucker idea tomorrow. Thanks.

 

[Chrishazle]

Looks like a job for a plastic trim removal tool! I got a set as a freebie when I bought a replacement centre shaft for the Comand control knob, something like these :
Car Radio Door Body Clip Panel Trim Dash Audio Plastic Removal Pry Tool 11 PCS | eBay
worked a treat removing the plastic gearstick surround on my 968 tip cab!