SEC1939

When did MB make the w211 change on the center counsol to the roll top design? Is one better than the other? I have the roll top & I think with the cup holders I run short on storgage area for things like pens, paper, cell phone.
What do you all think?

TPAbnz

The change occurred for vehicles built sometime after August, 2004. There also is a small amount of hidden additional storage (1" - 2") underneath the cup holder tray.

SAguirre

TPA bnz is probably right on the money about the date. There were some 2005 Es that still had the butterfly armrest, but not many. I personally find the two little cup holders in the butterfly design to be OK since all the beverages that I do take in the car are not that big.

I have the built in phone and I do like that the phone fits very nicely on the top section and that the bottom can either be heater or cooled. In the summer, the A/C can actually maintain two soda cans cold! I think that this was yet another thing that was eliminated from the 2003 and 2004 model year Es that makes them desired models for some folks.

Steve

jschade

My 2005 model year w211 has a June 2004 build date. I feel fortunate to have a 2005 model with both the "butterfly" console and the REST feature.

Having the integrated phone as well, I agree with Steve that the upper/lower separation of the console is a nice feature.

SEC1939

I also wish the roll top version was a bit taller & wider for my right arm & more room for pass arm too

Barry45RPM

They changed the US Spec cars consoles mid year because of complaints that the overly complex (but a wonder to watch open & close) cupholders in the butterfly console don't hold cups well at all and there are electronics inside the console that can be ruined by a spill.

konigstiger

Actually according to J.D. Power U.S. owners could not fit their large size containers so MB adjusted accordingly - had little to do with complexity - at least complaint wise.

glojo

Thank goodness it was only a US update. I like the 'older' style and am pleased that it is still produced.

John

Randy B

The leather on the top portion of the driver's side of the split, is starting to bubble as it seperates from the padding. Any suggestions. Car is out of warranty and MBUSA wants $300.00 for a pair.

Randy B

ATS

Is the butterfly thing leather? On my car it feels like some kind of rubber.

glojo

As much as the wood is wood!

John
A sunny morning in Trquay

crb49

I have an '04 that i bought at the end of '03 and agree that the wow factor of the old holder mechanism is a crackup. I have had to have it replaced though. It's easy enough to see why with the plastic clips, etc. I do like the butterfly double storage but also agree it could be wider. I also have an '01 SL500 and the arm rest seems to be a bit wider and more comfortable. Ah, the little things we MB owners find to complain about!

Brav

Another proud 03 build, 04 model butterfly consol owner

Must say, 04s are the best.

rockyfeller

I thought I could live with the new roll-top design. (Kinda reminded me of my ol S-class design; But then again it did have a REAL armrest above it!) Now I realize it SUCKS and it's one of my biggest gripes with my car. There is NO sort of arm support with this design. Where do you put you arm?!?!? Especially uncomfortable with a short-sleeve shirt and not height adjustable in relation to seat height. This was such a super-cheapo thing for MB to do to us! I remember how cool I thought the old design is and I get jealous everytime I get into an S-class. I would trade this for the old design anyday.

Barry45RPM

They are supposedly an ez swap.

LNL

Do you know where a split top console can be purchased and the cost/effort to replace the roll-top version?

Lou

john doe iii

Proud owner of the butterfly console here.

I like watching those who have never been in my car push the buttom and give the "wow" effect.... lol

Between that and the cd changer in dash... they truely get amazed.. ha ha

Barry45RPM

I'll give you wow.. If only you didn't have to be in Drive tooling around town to insert the CD's into the changer, and if only that mechanical marvel cup holder could hold something bigger than a shot glass! Maybe they were designed as a Beer Stein Holder and a 5 coaster dispenser to put the stein down on while cruising at 100+ on the Autobahn watching video!

john doe iii

Be in drive??? Mine works fine in "PARK"....

I do agree with the cup holder though.... anything larger than a 12oz can of soda sucks!

Barry45RPM

I take it all back. I went back and tried the CD changer & yup... they go in & come out while in Park.

The CD's in the changer have been in there since I took delivery of the car. With Satellite Radio, I just don't listen to CDs much any more.

crb49

Never had a problem. All i ever drink are shots while driving mine...part of the experience.

crb49

P.S. The friend who sold me mine worked with corporate for a few years and sz US dealers had to lobby MB for a few years to even get them to put in cup holders of any kind. The response was, "We should be concentrating on driving not drinking."

konigstiger

Correct! Stuttgart’s take on USA drivers is that they’re interested in doing anything else but driving, while driving.

By the way the CLS has all – large cup holders (appearance questionable), armrest upfront, and roll top in rear. I would say these evolved from E-Class feedback.

rickyfanmdr

I have the split-top console that came with the '03. I am very happy with it.

Kev04C320

I now have the split top console and I like it. Any one wants the original roll top console with Designo poplar brown wood trim, let me know.