Hey guys,

So.....the top part of my center arm rest (the part that opens left and right) has come off (like it usually does), but now it wont go back on.

When I push the "button" on the driver side the pin inside doesn't move....so I need to open the thing up to see whats goin on

I know that the plastic piece separates from the top of it, I just don't know how to do it

btw: I already took out the handle (which allows the console to open "up" (as opposed to left and right))


I know that sounds really confusing/doesnt really make sense....but idk how else to say it


any input?

Pictures of what's wrong would help out a lot <_<
Maybe a Spring is out of place? Or quite possibly some plastic broke?

What I understood was that it Won't Open when one of those side 'buttons' that you can depress is Depressed?

Don't open it up...it's glued all over, and there's a good chance something will snap. I know what you're talking about...I just went through the same thing. The top of my armrest separated into two pieces, so I got to see what was inside...it's a fascinating maze of levers, springs and channels.

With that said, you've got to do 2 things simultaneously to get the pin to go in. Hold down the hook shaped spring loaded lever at the back of the armrest, and then push the side button. The pin should retract. If you push the side button in firmly enough, it should hold the back lever down until you can re-orient the pins next to their holes. Then let go, and everything should be back to normal.

Don't get the impression that I'm some guy who actually knew what he was doing, it took me about 10 tries to do what I'm recommending. I just tried every possible option, and eventually got around to that combo.

Hopefully it works for you. Keep in mind that if your armrest is separating into two pieces like mine did, you're going to have to put everything back inside and reglue it. Let's worry about that problem if and when you come to that. The plastic used on the armrest interiors is ABS, and therefore resistant to most general adhesives. You'll need a two part gel with a catalyst.

Good Luck.

ahhhh. lol good thing I didn't just rip it open like I was thinking about doing

well while I was messing with it, the pin that goes in on front driver side fell out. I thiiiink I might be able to get it in but damn.....this thing sure is a b*tch

ok wow

so now the button on the driver side has completely come off along with the pin right next to it and idk wtf to do

ideas other than buying a new arm rest? lol

Oh man...if the pin fell out, that ,means the integrity of the armrest has been breached.

This is definitely going to have to be my last post of the night before hitting the sack...my first sentence sounded like some cheesy 70's movie where the radiation is leaking from the armrest so RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!

Sorry...anyway, the front pin is connected to a plastic arm or lever. It sits in a channel and shares a common central spring with the pin on the passengers side. If the pin went in, that means the 2 halves are already separated. Running a blade around carefully will eventually separate the two pieces. You'll then have to reglue it back once everything is re-seated. I know it sounds complicated...but the old glue lines will be very apparent once it's open. They will be rough due to the solvent nature of the adhesive MB uses.

I posted pictures of the inside a couple of months ago while I had the case opened. Maybe you can find that thread. If not, I know they're on this computer somewhere. I'll repost them.

I didn't take the trouble to do the armrest myself because I'm a budding mad scientist...the part costs about $300.

Kompressive turns out the light and makes his way to the bed...on the way, he trips over his trusty Golden Retriever who regards him with an equal measure of love and disgust.

Sorry, just saw your "it has completely come off" post after posting mine.

Don't buy a new one. $300 is a rip off. I'll find the pictures in the morning and post them onto this thread. I'll talk you through it if necessary...it'll be like the civilian who lands the plane as the control tower talks him in.

In fact, I'm going to look right now...my kids got a track meet in the morning, but I'll sit way up in the bleachers and wave...that should distract him from actually seeing how bloodshot my eyes are.

If I don't reply in the next 15 minutes, either I can't find the pictures, or my head is resting on the keyboard making the longest sentence containing only the letter "e" in history.

I found the thread with the picture of my armrest. It's on page 5 of the thread named "2004+ Center Console Armrest Retrofit and Troubleshooting"

Hope it helps.

honestly i hate the arm rest... mine is all dull cuz i lay my arm on it when i drive and put my hand on the shifter... i dk thats how i drive

the armrest is very dull and bein 88k miles i guess thats normal but even when i bought the car as CPO it was already fading. i got into a fight with my service advisor and he refuse to change it. it's not peeling but it is very worn, the armrest works still. the left button lifts one drawer and the right lifts the other still but the arm rest just looks so bad. i use a little bit of vinyl cleaner n protect which helps it but after a week or so its same to the dull dry arm rest. anyone have this problem? can i get it replaced under warranty i just need the top part.

thanx ahh i'm very buzzed from drinkin earlier... sorry for the ramble

wrap it with cf fabric.

nah i'ma wrap it newspaper

I say wrap it in the receipt I got for $1500 last week. New lower control arms, re-alignment, both front springs broken, and new brakes all around. I swear...has anyone ever been able to replace MB brakes without having to replace the rotors. This is my 3rd C class, and I never had a rotor turned down. Every time it's "well, the rotors are below spec, so we can't turn them down"...no duh...nobody can for me it seems.

Sorry to wander off topic, but Liquorish reminded me that I just turned 80,000 miles this week, and this is the most work i've ever done on a car so soon. And I'm including my '65 Jag E-type roadster...the world's most sexy and unreliable car ever made.

I've completely forgotten what we're talking about. I'd better eat something.

good thing the person who i bought my car from purchased extended warranty..but you're talking about brakes so warranty still doesnt cover it.
dull armrests, peeling chrome on the cup holders and aluminum trims that bruises like ripe peaches...these cars are a ***** to maintain.

Thanks Kompressive, that pic will be verry helpful

I guess I need to open it up, I'll let y'all know how it goes

if the pin doesn't move when you press the button on one side is because the inner mechanism is connected. when one side is free to move the other side stay locked. I fixed this on a loaner before (yes, i'm that bored). not sure how to explain it, but you'll need to some how force the side that's stuck back onto the center console and then you can close it as usual.

usually its 2 sets of pads for 1 set of rotors general rule of thumb. how many sets of pads have you gone with these rotors? i'm guessing they are OEM rotors? if you are running your second sets on them i would change them. make sure you shop around plenty of good stuff out there and get ceramic pads for sure

hey heyyyyy

I got it to work. When I opened it up both buttons and the spring came out, but I put it all back together (thanks Kompressive for that pic agn) and it works....kinda. I just need to get some glue to keep it all together

sweet guys

I glued it all up using some sort of Silicone glue and put it on and.....IT WORKS!

I'm stoaked....this like made my weekend

Thanks for all the help guys

That's one small step for C owners...one giant leap for stealership avoiders!