Well, after searching a while here, i found that many people had the same questions. :How to remove the center console?" "How to replace side mirror switch?" and since mine was broken as well, i decided to replace it and make a step by step detailed instructions for those who wants to save some $$ and feel better about themselves by working on their own car.

This is a 15 at the most 20minutes job.

Tools you will need:
-flathead screwdriver
-philips screw driver
-3/32 socket wrench

First of all, i would like to mention, do this job at your own risk. Anybody is welcome to share this post where ever you wish. The intention of this post is to help other, nothing else.

Before you start, for your and your vehicle's safety, disconnect the negative side of the battery.

PDF file attached. Thanks to rekcah for creating the PDF file of this thread.


Let's start: (These are cellphone pics so not the greatest but got the job done)

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I meant COLD but mistakenly i typed "CALLED" sorry about that.
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Absolutely fantastic write-up. Makes me want to remove the center console for fun...but I won't.

Again, thanks for the write-up. This needs to be filed away for quick reference down the road.

A+

 

And if yours is a Roadster, just gently work the lock hose off the lock nipple (for the center console lid lock mechanism) with a twisting and rocking motion! Other than that, the Roadster procedure is the same.

 

This is great... you are much smarter and talented than I thought

 

Thanks a lot!!!

Thanks! Good to know!

Haha! These misunderstandings are going to happen

Thanks!!!

 

A DIY like this, with such good pictures, should be in it's own forum.

This DIY tip ranks up there with the "Me So Horny" mod and the RCM how-to-fix.

I think we almost need a "DIY" forum.

 

Muscle--- I thought the paint on your console rubbed off. I thought that is what it looked like from the original pictures. Did the dealership touch it up for you before you bought it? Just curious...

I personally never took the console off. I always knew how to do it but I let the dealership do it for me (because it was free under warranty). Interesting to see what it looks like under there.

 

No, i think it was the pictures, dealer didn't do anything. It is pretty good. it has a few small scratches here and there but nothing major at all. I think most cars at 40+k miles have similar wear. However the shifter has some scratches which makes me think the previous owner had a big ring.

Yeah if you ever have to, it is very simple. If mine had a warranty as well, i assure you i wouldn't touch it as well.

 

Awesome job I'll use this when I get ready to run my ipod cable to the center console storage compartment.

 

I vote for a sticky. Great job and thanks.

 

double post, sorry.

 

I was just looking at the pics and remembered that there was a slot which was shaped just like our window switches but it was empty. It almost looked like they thought of putting another button there for some other option and they decided not to later on. Anybody else noticed this? I know kind of a dumb, useless question but i am really curious to know what it was for

on the left side right next to the real switch.
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I think it was Rcompart that told me it was for the Airbag light in the SLK - their airbag light goes there.

 

This is really weird..

I replaced my mirror switch last year as well (more like my whole rear console).. It was the biggest PITA ever for me... why? It seems like my mirror switch wire bundle was a lot shorter. I definitely couldn't lift it over like that. It would barely go up 1.5 inches, I had to stick my hand under there and figure out how it was connected so I wouldn't break anything

I have an 05 coupe, I certainly am not going to re-take my console apart just for this to take pictures, but i'm wondering did anyone else run into this?

 

It so happens that I am at that point right now. The top, mirror and air line are all quite short and I will have to remove each by "remote control".

 

I am sure the wires are just as long. Maybe yours is clipped down so they wouldn't get all mixed up?

 

Great work MuscleFan. I took all of your images and created a pdf file for those that are collecting pdf files. Also corrected image number 6 from called to cold.


Pic of the slot next to the window switch.

 

Thanks a lot for the PDF file. it is great!!! i saved it to my computer immediately

and Bingo! that is the exact spot i was talking about. Looks like pizzaguy explained what it was for. Thanks a lot for the pizzaguy.

 

Thanks for posting this, I just noticed the switch to roll down my passenger side window has fallen down, and was in a dead panic. This shows me how to get it back up there!!! thanks again