I have a 2000 E320 that has a sticky, tacky storage/eyeglass compartment, apparently from the South Florida heat, it doesn’t seem to have been caused by anything left in there.
Can anyone tell me
How to remove it; it doesn’t seem to just pull out?
What would get rid of the sticky, tacky surfaces?

 

Open the cup holder,reach down under the wood that goes around the shifter and gently lift it up.No need to unplug the wires just set it aside.At the base of the ash tray you will see two screws,unscrew them and lift the ash tray out.NOw reach your hand up behind the eye glass cubby and on top of it you will feel a tab,press it and the tab will unlatch the cubby so you can pull it out.Clean it up with a spray of wd40 and a paper towel,put a drop of graphite lube on the little cams and slides on the sides and reverse the procedure to reinstall.Might take you all of 15 minutes.
Done
ohlord

 

Thank you very much for such a prompt and thorough reply. I just put the car in the shop for some other warranty issues, but I feel confident in being able to follow your instructions the minute I get it back. It certainly wasn't obvious, but tricky doesn't mean difficult; it is pretty much an interesting German puzzle.

 

Got it out and back in NO problemo! Thank you very much.
Would never have figured that sequence out!
Unfortunately tried WD40, to no avail, 303 Aerospace, nothing still, and Goo Gone. Still tacky. Couldn't sand it out

Got the part number and may try to find a replacement.
No real big deal, but I have all kinds of gadgets and receipts and could use the space.
Thanks again for the help.