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1988 BMW M5, 1989 BMW M3, 1979 Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9, 2006 SL55 AMG w/ P30 Performance Pack
Need help opening central console
Hey guys,
Just starting to troubleshoot some minor issues with my new to me '06 SL55 (P030 Pacakge) The center console/both compartments and the rear passenger side compartment are locked. I can hear air hissing inside the center console when I actuate the central locking system. Hoping it's a pinched or just disconnected vacuum line.
I found the pump but need access to the compartment in the cabin. I've searched in vain in the forum and can't find any tips. I did see a picture of the "hook" at the front of the lid and it looks like I can yank it with a wire hanger to get it open. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited by m5zealot; Apr 12, 2017 at 02:02 AM.
Reason: spelling
I don't think they were vacuum operated, just mechanical. My driver's compartment under my seat is broken as well but someone just bent in the latch. Not sure why you just can't open them?? It doesn't have anything to do with the vacuum system. Am I wrong here??
1988 BMW M5, 1989 BMW M3, 1979 Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9, 2006 SL55 AMG w/ P30 Performance Pack
Originally Posted by PoCoAMG
I don't think they were vacuum operated, just mechanical. My driver's compartment under my seat is broken as well but someone just bent in the latch. Not sure why you just can't open them?? It doesn't have anything to do with the vacuum system. Am I wrong here??
Shaun
Thanks Shaun. From the research I have done, I'm pretty sure the compartments I'm having issues with are all controlled by the central locking unit and are all pneumatic. The owner's manual -Yes I have read all 495 pages - also say they should all lock at the same time unless you program them not too. Makes sense to me, if a smash and grab thief were to jump into your car when the top is down, he won't be able to grab the Rolex or cash you keep in your glove box or other compartments.
The pictures of the consoles for sale on Ebay do show a yellow vacuum line that has been cut when the part was ripped out in the junkyard.
Here is one I recently found w/ no cut lines. It looks like it has "connection" nipples (?) for vacuum lines. In one pic you can see a little of a piece of a yellow vacuum line.
Last edited by m5zealot; Apr 12, 2017 at 02:18 AM.
Makes sense to me, if a smash and grab thief were to jump into your car when the top is down, he won't be able to grab the Rolex or cash you keep in your glove box or other compartments.
I see and makes complete sense.
It should lock with the car. I hope there is a clean and not so invasive way to get it open to correct the issue. Good luck with the fix.
1988 BMW M5, 1989 BMW M3, 1979 Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9, 2006 SL55 AMG w/ P30 Performance Pack
Originally Posted by Nor Cal SL55
I just found this in my WIS program.
if the cover for the center cover armrest cannot be opened with the vehicle unlocked, check whether the glove box has been locked manually...
HTH
Thanks! Yes, the owner's manual actually has a few troubleshooting tips about this. (Perhaps they knew the system was a little too complicated and would fail at some point) I took the actual "Key" out of the transmitter and physically locked and unlocked the glove box per the manual. This is supposed to reset the circuit and open all compartments but, it didn't work. Both compartments remained lock. Glove box, doors and rear compartment behind driver's door are operating normally. Again I can hear air hissing inside both compartments for a few seconds after unlocking thru the central locking system. Please keep the suggestions coming.
Last edited by m5zealot; Apr 13, 2017 at 12:45 AM.
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