bryandlewis

Has anyone found a suitable replacement (cover) for the cigarette lighter in the center console? I just want to use it as a power plug. I've taken the chrome trim off the ashtray, so that looks good now. But when I pull out the cigarette lighter it looks unfinished and could allow coins or other objects to get in there. I can't be the first one trying to solve this problem!

Thanks!

Bryan

alanme123

This might help.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...d-ashtray.html

bryandlewis

Thanks for replying! Yes, I read that thread before I started this one. I couldn't find anything about a cover for the power outlet. Maybe I missed it?

Bryan

petee1997

It would be nice if these cars could be ordered without the smoker's package but that is standard for N/A and we can't delete.

bryandlewis

Yeah. The Chrysler Town and Country I bought 15 years ago, the "smoking kit" was an optional item.

I looked at the 12v outlet in my glove box, and I sure wish I could get that cover for the console outlet. I wonder if anyone has had the dealer take that part and installed it there?

Bryan

Nuru

Someone probably has the real part number for the optional kit for the power plug. I have been wanting to switch to this vs the smokers package. I have heard there is a kit to retrofit the non smokers package? Can anyone confirm?

Diesel Benz

Odd that the cigarette lighter is standard in the US (where people smoke less than they do in several European countries) while for us the non-smoker package is standard (smoker package costs another 50 Euors).

The non-smoker socket at the front should be part number A0008204951.

Tomspo04

Completely agree...it makes no sense that these cars have an ash tray and cigarette lighter standard.

El Cid

You could try a junk yard to see if the cover over the other outlets would work.

bryandlewis

Thanks! $22.80 on parts.com. It doesn't seem like tearing apart the console is a do-it-yourself proposition. Do you think a dealer or body shop would be best if I get the part?

Bryan

Nuru

Here is the kit

Nuru

Thanks DB! You are correct.

Nuru

Dealer, I would think. I have the kit, and I think I may tackle the job soon. When I do, I will post pics.

bryandlewis

Sweet! Pictures would be great!

Nuru

Will do.

RSIKR

Another simpler alternative is to buy a plastic dummy lighter that you substitute for the real lighter. It keeps debris and potentially hazardous material out like metal objects that could short out, causing arcing and sparking before the fuse blows. They exist and I have one that is a VW part made in Germany. It is black plastic, removes like the lighter. When you want to plug in a power cap and cord put it in the de-chromed ashtray. I can provide the part # if anyone wants it. The top is marked 12V so it looks more like a power receptacle instead of a lighter.

I had to have the sliding ashtray/cup holder cover adjusted/repaired and the dealer tech battled to get in their for over two hours so I do not advise a DIY dismantling the console. Maybe it is simple.

bryandlewis

That may be a good alternative. If you could share the part number that would be nice.

Sounds like you may have had the same issue with the console cover that I have. My cover will not return to the closed position without some help. Is that a common problem? My did not fix this last time I had the car in because they didn't have time and said they would work on it next time I bring it back.

Thanks!

Bryan

Nuru

It probably is not that bad actually. I will find one of the MB retrofit instruction docs which includes the instructions to open up that area of the console, and see how difficult it is.

RSIKR

The cover was hanging up, repaired and adjusted at the dealer. Then I had to have the Burl Walnut trim replaced under warranty in the entire interior due to fading from the sun, as there was no UV stabilizer in the original finish. Afterwards the front and back sections of the cover began separating at the joint and dragging again and not closing completely without help. Again repaired. The tech worked on it for 2 hours and they then gave me a loaner and didn't finish until afternoon. When I read what he had to remove on the dealer copy of the repair order it became obvious that it was not a simple job. No complaints with the service, they always repair it when I ask.

The part# is A00 7M3 919 311. It is a VW part.

I bought the little rubber tray from the dealer to replace the ashtray but what you did removing the chrome from the ashtray I think is a better idea, gives you a formed cup to get whatever you put there. Some owners line the cup with felt to soundproof the contents of the ashtray.

Nuru

Can you post pics?

RSIKR

Sorry, I can't attach a photo right now.

The object looks like a cigarette lighter, except it is made out of black matte finished plastic and says 12 V on the top.

hyperion667

yeah, I just use old kleenex and stuff them in the socket

tjkaz

The attached is from my wife's Q7. Not necessarily a cover, but a plastic plug in lieu of the cig lighter. If MBZ doesn't carry them, then Audi certainly does.
I generally keep my phone charger in the console cig lighter socket, so I'm not concerned about stuff falling into it. But if I didn't, I'd use something like this for the reasons you and others stated.

Nuru

Wow, it actually looks alright. I probably would have went for it had I read the post before I bought the MBENZ kit.

RSIKR

Same as the one I described.