How To: Replace center console
 

Sure the gloss black looks classy, but I was a bit shocked when I was told that gloss black is the only option for the sedan and estate 213.
Coming from a S205 with the open pore black ash center console I also wanted it in my E.

A few months ago the E-Coupé arrived and the problem was solved, I ordered a panel immidiately and it arrived today.

Here is how you do it :y

Tools needed, small flat head screwdriver and a Torx 20 screwdriver

Remove the rubber grommets hiding the two screws, remove them and pull the armrest locking mechanism backwards.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...665b2842c1.jpg


Remove the two exposed screws, then lift and fold the panel upwards
Unplug the black and the white connectors below

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...98f17fcf1d.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...98bed35785.jpg


Now pull the panel slightly down and backwards from its top fitting, lift the entire panel and place it to the side on your lap.
Disconnect the connectors to the 12V socket, media panel, AC-panel, keyless antenna module, analog clock and the two LED-modules for the ambient lighting, they just snap right out.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...12273ba5d7.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...5bf2a1407d.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...007e66f1b6.jpg


Now remove all the stuff from the old panel, touch pad module, ashtray compartment, media panel and the AC-panel
The touch pad is fastened with four screws, the ashtray compartment with just two, they are easy to spot and remove.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...b72ea214ab.jpg


The AC and media panels are just snapped into place, use the flat head screw driver to bend the tabs holding the units, then remove the units from the back.
The lid to the ashtray compartment is just slid onto place, pull it firmly backwards and it snaps off.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...ffd024762b.jpg


Assemble in reverse order and it should look something like this, note the Mercedes-Benz microfibre cloth :)

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...473ecabc52.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...3cba22c1ae.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...c410d5418c.jpg


Part number for this specific panel is A238 680 15 03, that is open pore black ash with ambient illumination,
they should exist in all the other different finishes, however I am not sure of this, remember that panels without ambient illumination, analog clock and so on has different part numbers.

Looks awesome!

Great how-to-do sequence thanks!!!!:y:y:y:y


Still, that medusa of connectors looks daunting to a once in a blue moon mechanic like me. I'm sure I'd be taking it apart again at least once because I missed one!!!:D


Now give us the same great by step on how to deactivate the speed governor on the E 43 and I'll call it all good.:zoom:

Does anyone know whether the corresponding console panel part is also available in the designo Magnolia flowing lines wood, and if so what the part number would be?

That is a nice touch. And a great write-up. How much was the part?

Dont think that one is available, for what I can see I can find the panel in,

Elm Tree Open Pore
Elm Tree gloss
Black Ash Open Pore
Birds Eye Maple

And of course the AMG version in carbon finish.



Price of my panel was around USD 650, but that is here in Sweden and our part prices are usually higher.

Made my night
 

I going to order this asap. Hate the gloss. I to have black open ash and couldn't understand why it was not carried through to the center like they do on the c class.

The swap is very easy so dont let that hold you back.

Anyone know if this will void warranty?

Absolutely not.

Showed my car to our car dealers and they were all ecstatic to see that it was possible to swap the panel, they have had so many remarks on the glossy panel from customers.

Honestly, they should make that an option. Are you planning to sell the original part?

In the 2018 E Class the console wood is coordinated with the other wood with a couple of exceptions.

Not able to get in US
 

CHecked local dealer in VA. CAN NOT GET it

There was low stock when I ordered the panel as well, but there is always express services available, do not know how overseas orders work though.

Can't order in US
 

So basically the coupe is not in US dealers yet and until that time we won't be able to get that part at the dealer yet. The part number is good as you stated but just have to wait for the coupe to reach our shores which should be soon.

I can't wait to swap it out. Hopefully we are not looking at $600 usd.

Thanks for posting.

Great how-to, replaced mine easily:

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...f5d32ebe3c.jpg



https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...d470d30ad9.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...99b2ec5752.jpg


Car looks much more finished inside with the new console.

Agreed. Looks much, much better!

Is/will there be a burl walnut center console to match the steering wheel and dash trim?

What is the part number of that console? I will get my car end of this month and I want to replace it ASAP.

Thanks, looks nice though!

Does anyone know if this is available in the Burl Walnut finish?

Doesnt look that way, at least not yet.

That's a shame... The existing black *could* look good if they didn't make it out of cheap plastic. Something like porcelain would have been nice -- wouldn't scratch anywhere near as easily.

I too hope it becomes available...do you think a MB dealer (service dept) would install or would this only be a 'do it yourself' project?