The car is a 1999 w210 e 320.
The overly complex "pop-up" drink holder in the center console suddenly won't lock in the 'down" position. It pops up and opens its tines normally, and when you fold it back it up depresses back into its hole smoothly, but won't latch there anymore and just pops back up like a "jack-n-the-box" and unfolds. I can hold it down and close the little trap door that hides it, but that's going to make it worse as things are visibly binding and the trap door is under pressure from the holder trying to come up. Then it doesn't want to open smoothly.

It's minor, but I suspect it's going to get worse with wear. Anyone got any ideas or suggestions?

I'm sure you're right. Was just fishin' if there was something obvious (&cheap) way to fix it.