Does your Center Console Lid pop open all the way when you push the release button? If so, close this thread and be happy it does. If it doesn't, read on. There is a gas strut (MB calls it a spring) at the rear of the lid that opens it for you. If your lid doesn't pop open all the way, the strut is bad. Just follow the videos seen in the stickies at the top of the 129 section that shows the removal of the wood and the center console lid. The part costs $50 at Parts.com and $124 from the dealer. It took about 30 minutes to replace it.

 

it was $62.50 at the locasl dealer here in Syracuse, NY