R230 center console armrest latch replace procedure
 

Hi:
Anybody know how to take apart the center console armrest to replace the latch??? I picked up a center console armrest in a different color cheap on ebay just to get the latch.
Only problem is i'm not sure how to get it out and back in (just the latch, not the console armrest)
The knowledge shared here that I've read bailed me out many a time, I'm hoping for another save.

Thanks to All

BTW it a 2004 SL500 :) love my baby!!

I will be interested to hear the replies, as I have the same issue with my 2004 SL500.

I tried super glue... it didn't work as the piece that snapped off was too small to really stay in place.

Then I tried A LOT of super glue. Didn't work either, now I can't find the little plastic piece anymore as it fell somewhere in the car =T

I bought one a few years back with the same intention and had no luck, but I would love to hear if someone does.

Same thing happened to me, I saved the little piece, wife took the car, little piece is now lost lol

any updates on this?

So far I've found out nothing more, took it too a ex MB dealership mechanic who opened his own shop. He couldn't figure it out either. Basically said I needed a new console lid, and this mechanic is like a god at this stuff!

well at least you are lucky enough to have a 500, you can find replacements for 100-200, us 600 and 65 don't see replacements pop up much and the new piece is 500

Actually got one on ebay, but after I received it it was for the 2004 AMG model, which has different material than the standard sl500. LOL.
A lot of parts are available now, and I never had a problem with any ebay purchaces.

i wonder if that was the top that I needed for mine, was it the smoother real leather? did you still have it?

Actually got one on ebay, but after I received it it was for the 2004 AMG model, which has different material than the standard sl500. lol
That's why we tried just to remove the latch from the console top. No luck!

A lot of parts are available now, and I never had a problem with any ebay purchaces.
That's why we tried just to remove the latch from the console top. No luck

Yeah I still have it, Let me take a look

So here is the DIY to removing the console/arm rest

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r230...sassembly.html

I will add you have to use the screw driver type to get the front screws out and it is a t20 not t15 and I always do interior work with the top down since I'm 6'2" but it isn't 100% necessary.

Also I found it easiest to use needle nose pliers to pop off the gravy air connector and to get the harness out I slid the drivers seat all the way forward and pivoted the armrest behind the seat, there is potently of slack and gives you a better view. From there here is what I did for the lid swap:

Remove the four screws on the bottom of the arm rest
Remove the pins that pivot the lid and center tray if applicable.
I also found it just a bit easier to remove the cross beam that the strut mounts to which makes the next step a bit easier
There is a Screw on each side on the inside of the metal frame towards the rear. these go through the metal frame and keeps the leather trim on the side on these can be tricky but I found if you open the lid all the way it is doable and you will need a 1/4 drive and a short t20 bit.
Also you will want to remove the light on the inside of the arm rest to free the wire harness.
Once that is done you should be able to remove the metal frame and lid.
To get the center tray out I just squeezed the pivot point a bit and slipped it forward but it looks like you can wiggle it down and pull it out.
I also popped of the cable retainers on the rear of the arm rest so I had some slack.
The lid can be a pain but I realized that there is a pivot point which just about the furthest part out and if you rest it on the bar that prevents it from coming off you can pivot the rest forward and out of the bracket that holds the original pivot point that the rod and c-clip went through. I have some pictures if anyone needs them and I'm just too lazy to host and post them.

This is what I found easiest, there may be some way to do it all in the car and not pull the armrest but I kept dropping stuff behind the armrest and I am too big to fumble with it.

Good luck

Arm rest: what’s under there?
 

That panel is removable. Insert a flat blade screwdriver into one of the slots at the top about 1/4 inch deep or so and then pry down with the blade (up with the handle). This will release a spring clip retainer and the panel will fold down. I think this was used for an older optional cell phone module.

The slots are for business cars, but I can't get mine to fit well.

That is the interior motion sensor for the alarm system. I don't believe it was used for USA models. It may have also been discontinued during production.

Yes, this is the IMS (interior motion sensor). It was not available in the US, but can be added and then coded in using star (requires coding in rear sam and cluster IIRC). I added it to my 2003 SL55 years ago ... I really can't understand why it was not available in the states. For me this is a must have as I often leave the windows open or the top down and this will set off the alarm as soon as anyone reaches into the car. It can be disabled if you want to lock your car but not have interior motion sensing (to leave your dog in the car, etc), but that requires that you replace the lower console switch pack (the switch set with mirror and suspension control switches).
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...56de66eab2.jpg

Cheers,
Chris

DUPLICATE post deleted
Chris

It would not surprise me if "LP MDD" is a German acronym .... BMW also marks their Interior motion sensor with ‘LP MDD Sensor'

I really like the passenger seat mounted cup holder. I use exclusively (occasionally if I have a passenger, I will use the cup holder(s) below the command head unit). It does NOT seam to get in the way of passenger legs and I don't recall ever pulling it out for that or any reason.

if you buy a used one, make sure to not buy the first you see ... some come incomplete (missing insert) and most are a little beat up.

Worth noting, if you have the IMS in your car (which you seem to) there is a small amount of sensitivity adjustment available (by changing between PANO and steel roof relative to IMS in rear SAM programing IIRC) and , there are options for when it is inabled/disabled (in instrument cluster setting IIRC)
hope that helps,.

Chris

I believe "LP MDD" is an abbreviation for "low-profile microwave detection device" (or something like that).