Retrofit '04 arm rest onto '05?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by pvm21
just test drove an 04 that had the 2 pop up doors - that is no longer the used in the 05 model?
I believe the rest of the world still get the previous console. If so, it should be easy to swap them if you could get the parts or find someone who is willing to do it.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
2005 E500
Yes - Retrofit Appears to Be Possible
Jangy- In response to your original question, there's a guy who posts here regularly who works in CA (I think) and offers this retrofit. I think his name is Steve, he goes by "MBenzNL," and has a web site at www.MBenzNL.com. No idea what the pricing is, but as a previous poster suggests, I think he's buying kits direct from MB which are available because the ROW gets the real armrests. If you get info on pricing, I'd love it if you could shoot me a PM. Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 314
Likes: 10
From: In the shadow of D.C. (No.Va.)
'05 E320CDI, 1987 300E, Vanagon Syncro, Turbo Arrow III
There is a service bulletin about this
If you ask your dealer about this, they will likely cite DTB P-B-68-20/38, which states:
If you receive customer reports in the above model vehicles regarding the design of the new center console (Figure 1), please advise the customer that the earlier design (Figure 2) can not be installed due to changes in the wiring harness. Any attempts to install the earlier design will NOT be covered by warranty.
New center console, part number A211 680 18 50, was phased in during Model Year 2005. Earlier design, part no. A211 680 02 50, was phased out during Model Year 2005.
You are by no means the first one to ask about this though. It's a point of some consternation, wailing, and gnashing of teeth for a few of us.
If you receive customer reports in the above model vehicles regarding the design of the new center console (Figure 1), please advise the customer that the earlier design (Figure 2) can not be installed due to changes in the wiring harness. Any attempts to install the earlier design will NOT be covered by warranty.
New center console, part number A211 680 18 50, was phased in during Model Year 2005. Earlier design, part no. A211 680 02 50, was phased out during Model Year 2005.
You are by no means the first one to ask about this though. It's a point of some consternation, wailing, and gnashing of teeth for a few of us.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 1
From: Orange County, CA
2005 E500
This may or may not be useful, but when i was looking to purchase my 05 E500, I originally wanted the older style console - mostly because i thought it looked nicer, and didnt think the wood would be comfortable as an armrest. In the end, the color and options i was looking for just werent available with the older armrest, so i got one with the newer armrest. My business partner got one with the older armrest. Now that i have had it a while, and have spent time in both cars, I actually like the new one significantly better. The sliding tambour door is more convenient to open, and the cupholders are MUCH better and more functional than the flimsy but admittedly "cool" pop ups that come with the older version. The curved tambour door, it turns out, is quite comfortable as an armrest, especially when your hand is on the shifter. The cup holders are removable, so easy to clean, and if you do spill something, it is totally contained in the center console and easy to clean. I think it is a good design, now I am glad i have it.
