W210 ashtray in the dark

[mikemoss]

Unlit ashtray and enthusiastically smoking wife is not a good combination in the dark. Can anyone tell me how to replace the ashtray bulb in a 1999 W210 please? The lighter works fine, so the fuse and power lead must be OK.

 

[mrfiepro]

I don't remember seeing a light when taking one apart.

Having not done this for some time, here is what I remember

To remove unit..............

Remove wood trim from around gear lever. The best method I found for this was to lift it from the rear, which can be got to by opening the cover to the small compartment. When you lift this, the bezel around the gear lever will also come off.

If you want to remove the trim completely, just unclip all the electrical connectors for mirrors, boot, windows and parking sensors (if fitted).

With the trim removed or moved to one side there are two screws underneath the front of the trim, take these out.

You should now be able to remove the ashtray by lifting it up and pulling it forward, it also helps to have it open.

Be warned that the cigar lighter cables are quite short and very fiddly to get back in.


I hope this helps.

 

[mikemoss]

Oh thanks, mrfiepro - sounds all too complicated for my pathetic DIY skills. I think the bulb must be buried somewhere on the right hand side of the ashtray (somewhere alongside the lighter), so it will probably end up on the list for the next service. Just hope Mrs M doesn't stub one out on all that nice polished woodwork in the meantime...