Problem with W202 armrest storage compartment

[OBRABUS]

Hey guys,

I have noticed recently the storage compartment on my W202 arm rest has started to get pretty sluggish, when you press it in it doesn't open all the way automatically any more, I have to pull it before it will start moving.

Has anyone else experienced this? I'm thinking some cogs or something might need to be greased inside?

Grabbed a picture from google to illustrate which part I am talking about:

Cheers.

 

[Koolvin]

Remove said part and give it a good clean, it's well made so may just be dirt and grime build up that needs removing.

 

[DITTRICH]

There are two springs inside.
I infer this statement from the fact that mine still works but is very sluggish.
I did hear something springlike snap a couple of months ago after which I had identical symptoms. Once I can be bothered to figure out how to extract the beast I shall replace.
Les

 

[andy27168]

The one on my AMG has to be opened manually though the latching mechanism still seems to work I have removed it and cleaned and it is still the same, as above it does have two springs one either side, and these were both intact I tried retensioning the springs but no joy, everything looks perfect yet it still won,t open unless I do it.
The one in my C230K is perfect so i may just swap them over.

 

[Comcastle]

Has this happened gradually or did it happen after you'd taken it apart before?

I only say as mine was working fine until I took it apart to clean it just after I bought the car, now it acts just as yours does. I don't think I put it back together quite right and now it won't open on its own any more, I have to encourage it and it generally doesn't stay shut unless its coerced a bit.

I keep meaning to take it apart again to look at it, perhaps something inside has not gone back together properly?

 

[OBRABUS]

Thanks for the replies, yeah I think you guys might be right I did notice a coil spring in there. And no it just suddenly stopped working :fail

 

[Erro]

How did you remove this storage compartment? Mine's broken - one of the guides that helps it slide into the centre console bit has snapped off and I need to remove the unit to glue it back into place. Any advice gratefully received