new to the forum. i have a 1993 400E. probably because of my little one, several coins have been inserted behind the ashtray, which is now stuck to the open position. i have removed the wood grain, removed the 2 screws at the rear of the assemble, but the ashtray will not budge. how can i get it out? a very annonying problem in a car that's otherwise in nearly perfect shape. thanks for any help you can give.

 

honestly I cant give you an answer but hopefully we can work on this togeather, I have only just today bought
my first ever MB, it is a 94 320 CE so I guess the ashtray will be the same, like you it is the only deffect
that mars an otherwise stunning example, my ashtray fails to keep its self closed, I will be addressing this problem without haste over the next few days. isnt this what our forums are so good for....Tom

 

Tom, that's a damn fine acquisition, a great vehicle. I appreciate the feedback and am looking forward to your insight. Together, we shall solve the riddle of the ashtray and ride defect-free once again!

 

was it 124 model?

 

yes in deed mine is a w124 too, bit diffrent body less doors more weight, but boy am I happpy!!!
just this flaming ashtray is my only forbar, I. currently have it wedged shut with a bit of plastic,
(slight mark to walnut wood because of) but would love to make it perfect as it also appears the
cigar lighter does not work. more important I guess for charing Mobile & i-pod.....

So here is my bit so far, ive popped out the ashtray with the release button, ( after putting gear in neautral)
ive undone the 2 screws at the bottom that you can see, ( very careful as not to loose down small space,
picked mine out with long nose pliers ( long point scissor would work ok) ....now ive managed to be able to
rotate the whole meachaism foraward about 35 deg but it seems to stop on peg, Ive tried with reasonable force to
manouver the peg under the stop, but Ive stopped in case I snap something, would try removing stereo to see
if this frees access, but I do not have the correct removal tools,,,,,,,still in a pickle Tom

 

mine's a 124 body style/chassis as well. and I had the same experience as MFB320CE. very annoying.

 

Yes this is deffinetly annoying, would like to try reapir before replacement,,,,,

 

EUREKA!!!! HAVE SOLVED THE PROBLEM..... HAVE FIXED MY ASHTRAY.

YOU NEED TO REMOVE THE WOOD PANEL AROUND THE GEAR STICK.

SO HERES HOW YOU SO IT....

1) REMOVE CENTRE COSOLE LOCK BOX IF FITTED
, IT HAS 2 SCEWS INSIDE BOX REMOVE THESE & UNIT LIFTS OUT.
( IF NOT REMOVE SMALL CARPET, ITS HELD IN PLACE BY FRICTION )

2) UNDO THE SINGLE SCREW AT BACK OF WOOD PANEL ( ITHINK MINE WAS MISSING SO DIDNT NEED TO) BUT THIER IS OBVIOUS TAB WHERE IT SHOULD BE.

3) PULL PANEL REWARD & THEN WHEN LOOSE TILT HORIZONTAL, WHICH WILL POP
GEAR STICK SURROUND OUT, ITS HELD IN RATHER LIGHTLY SO YOU SHOULDNT BREAK,

4) NOW WITH PANEL LOOSE & 2 SCREWS UNDONE DROM INSIDE ASHTRAY YOUR ASHTRAY SHOULD NOW BE LOOSE. ( TAKE CARE NOT TO PULL OUT ELECTRIC CABLE TERMINALS. )

5) MY PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED BY POPPING THE SMALL PLATIC POST BACK INTO IST SLOT ON THE SIDE OF ASHTRAY.

6) NOW REBUILD IN REVERSE & EUREKA!!!! WORKING ASHTRAY....

PRECAUTIONS!!!! ALWAYS MAKE SURE DOORS ARE CLOSED & IGNITION OFF, JUST IN CASE YOU PULL OUT ELECTRIC PLUG TERMINALS & BLOW A FUSE.....

HOPE THIS HELPS SOME .....

TOM