202 stowage space in front of armrest;repair advice needed

[G MAN]

[B]As referred to in the handbook[/B]; I have managed to "disengage" the (wooden) soft closure lid and seems all the springs & bits have dropped out on both sides. Problem is after lifting out the plastic insert I can't see how to get into & behind the rest of the housing, where all the springs & bits are.It seems to be glued fast into the cavity(between the front of the armrest & the wooden trim which contains the window switches & gear selector). Any good ideas & repair tips much appreciated.

 

[philharve]

Hi G MAN

In my Haynes manual it recommends removing the centre console (read 'armrest'). The little rectangular 'cubbyhole' ahead of the armrest and behind the gear selector & switch panel is an integral component of the centre console assembly. If parts of the cubbyhole have dropped down inside the console, removal of the console maybe your only course of action.

REGARDS Phil

 

[G MAN]

Fixed The Spring Loaded Slow Release Lid

Went to have a poke around & just over an hour later had it fixed.So here's the helpful bits .
If the lid has come adrift you need to remove the central armrest console to get at it as the working parts are concealed!!
Remove the trim around the gear selector by pressure to front & rear faces and ease up, then gentle pressure again will ease up the fascia containig the window switches. Only 2 connectors to disengage & lift the trim over the gear shift & away.
4 screws to find ,2 in bottom of storage space beneath armrest & 2 behind the oddments tray (beneath the ashtray)which just eases out. A bit cramped so move gear selector down to D and I also removed the armrest(2 more screws), mine being hinged at the rear & a nuisance when stuck up & manouvering the console out.
This is when the bits should fall out at either side & unless theres anything broken should only be a semi-circular plastic shoe & a coiled spring!Theres a few plastic lugs & guiders that could have broken(luckily none in my case) & could be an issue if its the lug that anchors the spring but as everything is hidden & concealed then self tappers & bodgery should be fine.
The housing is removed by turning the console upside down & locating 4 small Philips screws to release.
NOW ALL YOU NEED IS PATIENCE & LOGIC!!!
I can replace a belt on a hoover & this is not too far above that! The same action applies to both sides & with a bit of trial & error & thanks to Mercedes appliance of science you can get the whole thing set up ,greased and working before reattaching the housing back into the console and as they say," refitting is the reverse of removal"
The plastic shoe is, A)toothed to run on a plastic cog & B) a cover/shim for the coiled spring which locates around the push /fit end of the radial arm of the lid (& close inspection reveals the correct slot to use at that end , the other end anchored over a plastic lug) All that is required is to tension the spring by one revolution (like a roller blind)
All bits including the two radial arms of the lid are pressure fit so the only thing you should need is a star head screwwy ,daylight, an hour or so & patience.

 

[G MAN]

Thanks Phil ,just as you said!!