SL/R230: Console strut replacement
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 64
From: Dartmouth, MA
1967 250SE, 2022 GLC300 2023 EQB300, 2018 AMG GT
As you open the bottom lid there are 2 holes right under the hinge that hide 2 torx screws. Take the screws out and you will be able to remove the cover behind the armrest lid. Now you have access to the strut, it is held by a pin with clip at one end and screwed into the other. I didn't want to pay the outrageous $72 at the dealer so I got the $8 generic and adapted it.
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 171
Likes: 34
From: USA Tennessee
2008 SL550 R230, 2004 E320 W211
@Robertj99 , did you get your replaced? I replaced the worn out strut on mine and @gafitanu instructions are correct. I think the part number is 2309800064 (230-980-00-64)
I ordered mine from www.liftsupportsdepot.com and paid about $69 (you may be able to find it for less, or adapt a generic one as suggested by gafitanu).
One tip, once the cover behind the armrest is removed, the console lid can be opened up further. However, at first it didn't seem like it was opened far enough to relieve all the pressure on the strut. But I kept messing with the lid and eventually it opened even further (I can't remember if there was some release to get the lid to open far enough or maybe it just pulled open further), but eventually it did open far enough so I didn't have to compress the strut to remove/replace (went in easy after the lid was open far enough). Hope this makes sense.
Lee
I ordered mine from www.liftsupportsdepot.com and paid about $69 (you may be able to find it for less, or adapt a generic one as suggested by gafitanu).
One tip, once the cover behind the armrest is removed, the console lid can be opened up further. However, at first it didn't seem like it was opened far enough to relieve all the pressure on the strut. But I kept messing with the lid and eventually it opened even further (I can't remember if there was some release to get the lid to open far enough or maybe it just pulled open further), but eventually it did open far enough so I didn't have to compress the strut to remove/replace (went in easy after the lid was open far enough). Hope this makes sense.
Lee
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 260
From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
The MB p/n given above is correct.
The original strut is made by Stabilus.
Stabilus 6408PN 140N
Here’s some tips from a post I wrote earlier:
- unclip the pin that holds the strut at the eye (I made very sure the clip didn't fly away), the pin comes out easily
- the piston has a few mm's of travel left, so it will want to pop out either way- make it pop up, not down (easilly done)
- unscrew the end of the piston rod from the car's socket (I for me didn't know about this, took me so time to find out)
hth
The original strut is made by Stabilus.
Stabilus 6408PN 140N
Here’s some tips from a post I wrote earlier:
- unclip the pin that holds the strut at the eye (I made very sure the clip didn't fly away), the pin comes out easily
- the piston has a few mm's of travel left, so it will want to pop out either way- make it pop up, not down (easilly done)
- unscrew the end of the piston rod from the car's socket (I for me didn't know about this, took me so time to find out)
hth
Last edited by Frederick NL; Apr 18, 2019 at 05:05 PM.
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Super Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 520
Likes: 203
From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
As you open the bottom lid there are 2 holes right under the hinge that hide 2 torx screws. Take the screws out and you will be able to remove the cover behind the armrest lid. Now you have access to the strut, it is held by a pin with clip at one end and screwed into the other. I didn't want to pay the outrageous $72 at the dealer so I got the $8 generic and adapted it.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 520
Likes: 203
From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
As you open the bottom lid there are 2 holes right under the hinge that hide 2 torx screws. Take the screws out and you will be able to remove the cover behind the armrest lid. Now you have access to the strut, it is held by a pin with clip at one end and screwed into the other. I didn't want to pay the outrageous $72 at the dealer so I got the $8 generic and adapted it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 260
From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
After some searching on the internet I did some soul searching and decided to go for the orginal Stabilus. This kind of money is peanuts compared to the cost of other parts. Consider doing yourselves a favour and buy the plug&play part. Besides, tampering with a (very) hi pressure cilinder is not without risk. Dixit (I have spoken).
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 520
Likes: 203
From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
Agreed, the specs need to be identical on measurements, pressure being important along with dimensions. If there is a generic available, I was hoping the modifications would be simple, like removing/unscrewing a connector on the rod, or creating threads on the rod to match r230 connection, no tampering with pressures or springs. For the delta in $ it MIGHT be worth it, otherwise pay the piper as you have spoken.
Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 83
Likes: 15
From: Oregon
2005 SL 500, 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Got the Amazon one. Quick delivery but latch problems now.
Got the cylinder from Amazon. Good fit but now I can't close the console. Turns out the latch will not hold the lid down. Trying to figure out how to make the latch work now. Looks like wear on the mid tray. Any ideas?
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 520
Likes: 203
From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
Perhaps there is a broken or missing plastic pieces on the mechanism. These cars are full of plastic that breaks. A picture might help too.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles CA
2009 SL550
I have the same problem... I replaced the strut (though the threads on the new one won’t bite like the old one) but my lid won’t stay closed because a plastic piece on the lower box of the console near the latch has broken off. I actually don’t know what it would cost or what it would take to replace that piece. I’ll try to post up a pic later to see what you guys think.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 64
From: Dartmouth, MA
1967 250SE, 2022 GLC300 2023 EQB300, 2018 AMG GT
Here is the generic. From www.austinhardware.com I bought the spring GSS 1728UA for $9. I removed (unscrewed) the 2 ends. I cut the shaft just under the thread and using an M6 thread die I threaded it for about 3/8". You can probably force the existing thread into the plastic brace but it appeared too flimsy to me and also this spring is a little more powerful than the original. From a plastic bar (rod) I made a piece approx. 3/8x3/8x1/2". Along the length of it I drilled a hole slightly smaller than the diameter of the threaded stud of the spring tube. The thread will bite into the plastic nicely. Perpendicular to that hole and at a distance that will not interfere with the tube stud (when screwed in
) I drilled a hole (I think it was 8mm or 5/16") for the pin.
I know that the amount of work I put in at a reasonable labor rate will probably be much higher than the dealer price however, I still get my blood pressure up when I think what the stealer wants for a $8 spring just because it's used in an SL. And I would do it again.
You can navigate the Austin Hardware site for a smaller force but I am having much fun with my cat being slowly lifted by the armrest.
) I drilled a hole (I think it was 8mm or 5/16") for the pin.I know that the amount of work I put in at a reasonable labor rate will probably be much higher than the dealer price however, I still get my blood pressure up when I think what the stealer wants for a $8 spring just because it's used in an SL. And I would do it again.
You can navigate the Austin Hardware site for a smaller force but I am having much fun with my cat being slowly lifted by the armrest.
Last edited by gafitanu; Aug 1, 2019 at 07:44 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 520
Likes: 203
From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
Many thanks. Seems straight forward enough. A little creative thinking and clever resourcing can go a long way to fixing some clearly under engineered or inferior quality parts. MB should be happy and support their after market with solutions other than forcing customers to buy assemblies when components will work.(I know Polly Anna thinking).
Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 83
Likes: 15
From: Oregon
2005 SL 500, 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Center Console Fix
A tab on the mid-tray was gone. Drilled a couple of small holes-inserted bit of wire-built the tab back with JB weld. Took about 3 applications and some filing to get it shaped just right and IT WORKS!
