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We were looking at the front ashtray in the W222 to see if it could be converted to a pullout storage bin since we don't smoke.
I was simply able to pull out the complete ash tray insert by pulling it forward which left a decent sized storage bin with a raised plastic matrix in the bottom. You can cut out a piece of thin black rubber to line the bottom of the tray as we did on our old E350 wagon.
For a slightly smaller storage compartment you can easily pry off the metal chrome top section of the existing ashtray and leave the black plastic tray insert installed. There are two metal 3/8" tabs on the front that pry forward to release the top metal tray without damage and that piece snaps back on easily if desired. Cost = zero
Looks like MB sells the ash tray delete insert separately without the metal top as well with a rubber bottom liner insert for $100-$150 US
I used some black rubber shelf liner from Wally World to coat the bottoms. Tried it both ways. Need to see how it looks at night next before deciding how to leave it. I don't think I'll want to see the illuminated ring around the cigarette lighter all the time. I think the MB ashtray delete comes with a cover for that.
With factory insert tray & rubber cloth. Not so much room. Will hold a PA EZ Pass transponder:
With factory insert removed and rubber cloth. Much more room. Not so smooth on the bottom. Need a better flat rubber or silicone sheet in there:
I think the MB ashtray delete gets rid of the cigarette lighter entirely so it is a much bigger tray (that can accommodate a phone).
European cars are non-smoking by default. The cigar lighter is replaced with a 12 V power socket, more or less the same thing without the actual lighter. The tray is about the same as on the smoker package version.
To be honest, I had to see the photos above to remember where the tray actually is. I have not used it all, have had no need for the power socket as I've been using the USB ports.
Thanks for posting this. I took out the complete ashtray unit in my car, but did not see a way to extract the ash tray proper (OP's second picture). It appears one would have to get the tray out as pictured to release the two tabs in front that hold the metal top.
Or maybe the front cover comes off and that would give access? Since the front cover is color-matched to the interior, it likely comes off but has no visible fasteners that I could see.
Very useful mod since the tray could be used for many things.
Last edited by Tom in Austin; 02-20-2022 at 05:06 PM.
The tray part with the metal lid is removable so you can clean out the ashes. Grab the tray on both sides were there is "finger grab knurling" and slide it slightly towards the front of the car. Then you can lift it upwards and out to remove the metal top piece. Installation is the reverse.
Parts diagram form the interwebs for the MB ashtray delete shows it this way, but it's a bit hard to understand
Storage Tray - Mercedes-Benz (222-680-07-03)
2014-2020 Mercedes-Benz
Last edited by Sleeper Benz; 02-20-2022 at 07:08 PM.
Wow. I didn't even know that ashtray exist in our cars Thank you for this info.
Yeah, kinda like the MB salesperson didn't know there was a separate 6 disk CD changer in the center of our E500 Wagon center console. More than a few folks don't know they have that option for sure. I only found the ashtray in the W222 because I'm a compulsive button pusher
Thanks for posting this I found that ashtray after 2 weeks of ownership and just had to laugh my 2005 Nissan XTerra came with no cigarette lighter for crying out loud! But the USB ports in the 2016 will not keep a Samsung Galaxy S10 5G powered or even close so I used a flush mount cigarette lighter adapter to power the phone so I cannot delete that!
Hi 2014cl600,
Kind of an old post, but I would like to know where you bought the stowage tray to replace your ashtray. Please advise me, so that I can order one. I have looked on the web, and I cannot find a source for one like yours. Thanks very much.
I used some black rubber shelf liner from Wally World to coat the bottoms. Tried it both ways. Need to see how it looks at night next before deciding how to leave it. I don't think I'll want to see the illuminated ring around the cigarette lighter all the time. I think the MB ashtray delete comes with a cover for that.
With factory insert tray & rubber cloth. Not so much room. Will hold a PA EZ Pass transponder:
With factory insert removed and rubber cloth. Much more room. Not so smooth on the bottom. Need a better flat rubber or silicone sheet in there:
Remove the Lighter and install a Lighted USBC short Stub Charger or similar...
Sorry, they aren’t available any longer. They had three options. One with an ashtray, one with a useless bin that holds a rubber mat and the full open one, like this one I bought. Wish I could help you find the correct one.
I converted mine to a full-width storage tray ... now very handy for phone or wallet since no one except us W222 owners even know it's there ;-)
I first took the tray out of the frame (an interesting experience in itself!) and removed the rotating plastic holder for the cigarette lighter. Then, I cut away all the vertical plastic pieces to convert the tray to full-width. I used some leftover foam to level the bottom, then lined it with thin paperboard and finally, a thin layer EVA foam. I didn't leave any wiring inside, but could in the future use the car-side connector to add a charging cable.
Last edited by Tom in Austin; 12-03-2022 at 05:53 PM.
Beautiful job. I'm going to do it on my S550 2015. Maybe a non-contact charger and small led light as well. I took photos of your presentation. Thanks!
02-20-2022, 09:39 AM
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