KevinL

Just got my ML 350 Today. Getting used to it. Drives and corners better than I remember from the test drive

My first little issue is I can not open the front ashtray. I press it and it does not move. Like it is jammed. Tried to lightly pry but did not feel wise.

Anyone ever have a problem?

Also, where the digital trip odometer would be , by the tow alarm. Should there be some type of display? I see nothing...

Manual tells me NAV dvd is also a CD player? True?

Put my first 80 miles on it and I am happy...

JoeTechie

I've had the ashtray stuck. The Cig lighter was popped out and jammed it from sliding forward. Try pushing in with some thin cardboard (like shoebox). Worked for me.

-Joe

sosh

When I had my 02 ML500 the ash tray jammed, dealer had to disassemble the consol to get to it. they found a business card jammed in there. Re the odometer, this is on the dash not near the tow alarm. Near the tow alarm is the trip cpmputer (MPG, Compass, etc.) This was an option and perhaps your vehicle does not have it. And, yes the Nav player should also play a CD when you are not using it and of course the nav disc is removed.

KevinL

Thanks very much

TannTheMan

I have the same ash tray jammed problem with my 02 ML320 that I just bought. Is this problem under warranty? My ML320 has 38K miles and warranty will be expired in June. So I am start putting up a list for the dealer to take a look at. So far I have the following small problems.

(1) Steering pump makes tiny noise, can be heard from inside.
(2) jammed ash tray.
(3) corrosive bults for both the front shock mounting.

Otherwise, I'm very happy with it after putting 300 miles on it. Provided this model still have 2 free maintenances and 6 months/12K more miles warranty. At least I am worry free for the next 6 months!? Should I be??

ictbenz

[QUOTE=TannTheMan]I have the same ash tray jammed problem with my 02 ML320 that I just bought. Is this problem under warranty? My ML320 has 38K miles and warranty will be expired in June. So I am start putting up a list for the dealer to take a look at. So far I have the following small problems.

(1) Steering pump makes tiny noise, can be heard from inside.
(2) jammed ash tray.
(3) corrosive bults for both the front shock mounting.

ML320, STEERING PUMP, JAMMED ASHTRAY, LIKEWISE

Get your steering pump fixed on warranty. Mine's in the shop right now. I bought a 2002 ml320 with 61K -- extended full warranty with no deductible, the ps pump leaks, and they want me to pay $400 of the $900 service tab. I'm looking for a cheaper pump and I'm not having any luck.

sandra1

Well, no one posted except one that the lighter jammed the door from opening. Did anyone get their door to open, and how? I tried the thin cardboard and nothing. Any other solutions besides tearing the console apart? MB couldn't make it easy, could they? Simple flip lid works just as well without issues.

art_arev

You will have to remove the centre console. The ashtray mechanism is quite simple not much to go wrong, BUT anything that gets inbetween, underneat etc. jam the ashtray. After removing the console turn it around, I bet you will find pieces of paper,tootpicks & all sort of rubbish stuck/jammed. Clean all out, turn the console back to correct position & it should work.

sandra1

Anyone have good directions to remove the console without breakage to solve the stuck ash tray issue?

art_arev

Here you are

sandra1

Appreciate the info, will try on my days off.

DrX

Sandra, before you tackle the jammed ashtray, buy some small cable ties to fix the sticky console blind (cupholder lid) as shown in this thread: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163...l#post10403505

The printed instructions call for removal of the gearshift surround, but you don't have to touch that. After you undo 2 screws at the rear, the console panel lifts up easily and pushes the gearshift surround off with it. You can avoid scratching the woodgrain panel in this manner, trying to wedge something under the surround. The front of the panel simply sits in clips.

The ashtray is the most over-engineered part in the car. The mechanism is anything but simple - both the ashtray and the lighter assembly pop up independently as the ashtray slides open.

sandra1

I know, it couldn't simply be a flip lid type ash tray, makes too much sense.

E55BOF

Holy thread resurrection, Batman...

The sliding console blind in my '03 W163 is stuck; it opens about a quarter-inch, and that's it. Dr. X, I can't find the post you mentioned - http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163...l#post10403505 - it's a blind link. If I remove the two screws and lift up the console panel, will it be obvious what I should do to free off the blind and keep it that way?

P.S. My ashtray lid is fine...

DrX

Hmm, the links both work for me - the original and the one you copied. Try another browser or go to Benzworld and put in some search terms. Google search also works.

I fhink you have to remove the whole centre console to get the cupholder out.