matrixtna

Hi all,

I recently got my license and I bought a 1990 190E 2.6 for about 4000. It is excellent condition and only has 51k miles, also it was garaged for many years (this is why seller was selling it). I absolutely love the car, and it is MUCH better than driving my mom's Subaru wagon (DUH).

There is only one problem with the car, and that is this. Since it is from 1990, the car has a tape player, not a big deal, I ordered a Blaupunkt cd player to replace it (awaiting its arrival), but right above the player there is a console which is filled with 6 tape cassette holders! I have included a picture to show what I mean.

Is there anything I can buy to replace the tape holders with? My dad was thinking of a CD holder, but that seems a little useless as well. I would be happy with just a blank space that I keep stuff in since the benz doesn't have any place to really keep stuff.

Any ideas?

Thanks

got2bshocking

you can replace the cassette holders with a "Map Pocket" (or storage bin). It's around $50 at your mercedes dealership. The part number to order is 201 683 00 91.

matrixtna

Thanks, just before reading your post I found my way to www.2phast.com and I found out about the storage insert, although he did not provide the part number, so I thank you for that.

matrixtna

I went to a local Benz dealer and I placed the order for that storage tray.
It will cost $45 US Dollars. So now I am just waiting for it to arrive!

mark1952

I have the same set up and am wanting to do the same thing as you have. Do you have a pictures of the new look?
Thanks
Mark

matrixtna

I currently do not have pictures of the completely new set up. I installed my new CD player/Radio last Sunday and that installation went really smoothly (except my antenna doesn't work! Motor could be burned out). I got the call from Mercedes last friday that the Tray was in and I could pick it up anytime.

My Dad is going to be picking it up this Wednesday (tommorow) (as that is his only day off and they aren't open on weekends). So I will probably have the console completely done tommorow December 13.

I'll take a new picture and post it up here, and I'll also probably start a new thread about my antenna problem so I can figure that out

Thanks

EDIT: Oh I forgot to mention. That website I posted earlier, 2phast.com, has a picture of the Benz with the storage tray. I will post up the picture.

Photo Courtesy of Rik Johnson of www.2phast.com

mark1952

Thats GREAT!
Not much space in these cars but this really helps. Looks nice too!
Mark

MTI

Another option, with a modest amount of modificaton, there is an aftermarket CD drawer system made for the W202 that can replace the cassette drawers. The map pocket offer much more utility, but the CD holder might appeal to some.

matrixtna

oh wow, I didn't even realize Benz made a CD tray like that. Oh well, that's why I have an Ipod!

matrixtna

Alright guys, I installed the storage try into my 190E.The installation was really smooth. The only trouble I ran into was when I tried to reattach the plastic surrounding plate to my Blaupunkt. It was hitting the rubber of the tray so I took the tray and shaved a little bit off of it, and it fit in great!

enjoy the pic

billshoff

I bought a cup holder/coin tray that was removed from a '95 Ford Taurus and installed it in the dash over the radio in a 190E. First I removed six cassette trays from the plastic trim ring that surrounds the cassette trays and the radio. They just snap out. Then I centered the Taurus cup holder in the upper cavity of the plastic trim ring and secured it with 3M doubled sided sticky pads (you could use Velcro, too). Then I cut two pieces of black ABS plastic to fill in the cavities on either side of the cup holder and glued them in place.

Reinstall the plastic trim ring/cup holder in the dash cavity where the cassette drawers were. The dash will hold the cup holder in place. It's that easy!! Ford used that cup holder/coin tray in Taurus' and Sable's in the middle !990s, so they've available at the junk yard or on ebay. This part is used to convert the dash in lots of cars with a single DIN opening so demand for the part is high and may cost $20 to $30.

Pros: easy, cheap, looks like factory, very sturdy.
Cons: cup holder/coin tray isn't level (liquid can slosh over the cup rim so a big gulp is recommended.... or a cup lid).

matrixtna

hmm. that's actually pretty cool. The Benz does have some pretty weak options for drink holders, as in the two indentations on the inside of the glove compartment, so props for adding some functionality to the interior of the 190E

on a less serious note Ford parts in a Mercedes!?! I know its just a console piece but cmon man have you no pride!

But really, I think Benz didn't put a substantial or practical cupholder in this vehicle because driving to Germans is not a chore, its a joy.

MTI

Cupholders for consuming beverages while driving are very much an American obsession. There's a lot of room under the arm rest for cupholders large enough for a "Big Gulp"



Homebrew using PVC couplings from hardware store, some koa wood veneer and mounted to a piece of clear plexiglass cut to fit the center console. About $10 in materials.

matrixtna

wow now that's germanesque!

are those custom made or actually from benz?

billshoff

"Ford parts in a Mercedes!?!"

Would it make you feel any better if you knew that the same cup holder/coin tray is available on the Saab 900 from the factory? Now let's see... who owns Saab? Could it be GM?
I knew you'd feel better once I explained it to you!!

matrixtna

Saab Parts in a Mercedes?!?!?!

Dude calm down, that's why I said "on a less serious note" aka I was kidding!

LeftCoastBias

i'm actually keeping my cassette tape holders specifically because there are so few 190's out there that have them in working order.

most have been rotted by the sun and either have missing individual holders or wont shut and stay shut, or are just completely falling apart.



in a few more years, it will be even harder to find original ones and it'll keep the car somewhat time period specific.


...and hopefully fetch me more cash when i finally decide to sell it

tavioman

I have a spare one! I just hate it. It works perfectly tough....

LFDarchitect

Has any done a CD changer in place of cassete holders.

Thanks,
Luis

mikkitf

has anyone done the above?