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Yup that's it I think. I tried to gently pry it out of there, but I didn't want to force it without more data. It's clearly been wedged past whatever those small pivot joints are.
Yes, that's it and that cup holder looks like a lost cause. Worry about it later. You're doing a great job getting the car cleaned up.
I suggest you disconnect the connectors on the central locking pump (CLP). That's the big black box with the yellow lines coming out of it. If the connectors or wires are corroded, it's shot. They don't make new ones any more, so ebay is your best source on getting a new one if necessary.
As far as cleaning the crevices, simple green or a citrus based cleaner and a hard tooth brush or denture brush should get it clean. You could also use a damp scotchbrite pad.
OK... I'd say I'm about 80% satisfied with the job
Be sure to remove the 2 small round rubber plugs in the bottom right side where the locking pump sits
This will prevent the possibility of water ever collecting in that area which can damage your locking pump.
Our rear wing can leak and allow water to collect there. It's more common on the Roadster but the possibility still exists.
It's common for us to permanently remove those plugs when working in this area on our cars
You did not indicate whether the central locking pump works or not. This is basically a vacuum system for the door and trunk locks. Pressing the lock/unlock button on a key fob will give you the answer before you go through the effort and expense of replacing it.
I admire you no end for this project. It is dirty and smelly, but no more than some fantastic barn finds that have turned into terrific antique vehicles. You are progressing methodically with a deep clean every step of the way, and I think you will be thrilled with the result when the journey is complete.
Curious what was the "clunk" that caused her to park it. 180k miles is high (I am only at 65k and 44k) but there are many reports of these SLK320 engines going over 300k miles.
Last time she started up, she wouldn't shift out of first and the speedometer didn't work, along with some random errors.
He replaced the abs module and bled the brakes, then cleared all the codes.
For the first time in years the spoiler went down and stayed down on its own free will!
We drove it down the street, stopped and checked it over before deciding it was ok to go around town to let the engine warm up and stretch.
There's a random sound like we're driving over rumble strips once in a while, so that's next on the list to review... something about transmission mounts or drive shaft things. He said a lot of words.
But you guys!! SHE DRIVES! 😍😍😍
I'M BESIDE MYSELF! I'M SO EXCITED!
I'm a little surprised at the suspension being so harsh though. If I recall my friends 135i convertible was much more glidey over bumps and cracks and this one is much more if a stiff drive. Jason says it's because it's a sports car, so I'll get used to it, but now my autistic brain needs to science the difference.
Anyways, replacement seat belts are here. I need to make a new foam housing for the computer box thing in the trunk, so it's safe and secure. I need to finish recovering the headliner. And new tires.
Last time she started up, she wouldn't shift out of first and the speedometer didn't work, along with some random errors.
He replaced the abs module and bled the brakes, then cleared all the codes.
For the first time in years the spoiler went down and stayed down on its own free will!
We drove it down the street, stopped and checked it over before deciding it was ok to go around town to let the engine warm up and stretch.
There's a random sound like we're driving over rumble strips once in a while, so that's next on the list to review... something about transmission mounts or drive shaft things. He said a lot of words.
But you guys!! SHE DRIVES! 😍😍😍
I'M BESIDE MYSELF! I'M SO EXCITED!
I'm a little surprised at the suspension being so harsh though. If I recall my friends 135i convertible was much more glidey over bumps and cracks and this one is much more if a stiff drive. Jason says it's because it's a sports car, so I'll get used to it, but now my autistic brain needs to science the difference.
Anyways, replacement seat belts are here. I need to make a new foam housing for the computer box thing in the trunk, so it's safe and secure. I need to finish recovering the headliner. And new tires.
I'M SO EXCITED!
Congrats! The forum has the best help you'll find about your crossfire. Much free information including the service manuals and help .pdf's are in the available documents collection. Don't take it to a dealership (stealership) as they have NO IDEA what they are doing with it. If there is something beyond what you can do, find an independent Benz mechanic as the drivetrain and much of the electrical system is almost exactly the same as a 2004 SLK-320. Have FUN!
Discovered the beat up silver trim around the windshield is a little bit ...wibbly. I was hoping it was because the headliner is out, but that doesn't look to be the case. Are there replacement clips I can buy to resecure it (If that is even a thing)? They are in bad shape regardless - all pitted and scratched.
New ones aren't available. The clips are held on with double sided tape. You should remove and repaint them and then reinstall with new tape. Videos are on U-tube.
Discovered the beat up silver trim around the windshield is a little bit ...wibbly. I was hoping it was because the headliner is out, but that doesn't look to be the case. Are there replacement clips I can buy to resecure it (If that is even a thing)? They are in bad shape regardless - all pitted and scratched.
Here's my post on how to remove and install the windshield trim pieces: LINK Windshield trim
I hope that this will be helpful.
This weekend was all about drive shaft stuff. I had nothing to do with this job, as i was working and just sent these photos from my husband who borrowed a friend's garage that had a lift. Hahaha! I shook can't believe he drove it 30 mins away. Longest drive she's been active in a gazillion years!
Did not resolve the "random rumble strip feel"when driving, but clearly needed to be done. He seems to think the "rumble strip" noise is due to the transmission fluid needing a change. So that will be next.
Original to 2018 and while they will eventually be replaced, I dont think its related because its inconsistent (the rumble strip sound). I drove 3 miles and heard it once on a straightaway.
So far so good with the restoration. She's driving fine, with the exception of the minor rumble from the transmission once in a while (we did the flush a couple weeks ago and I've only taken her around the block a few times). As the warmer weather in New England is fluctuating, I've noticed the rear window has been fogging up from the inside consistently. All the internal panels are still out, as we plan to hose her down pretty well to get any remaining mouse evidence out of the nooks and crannies. I thought maybe the dampness inside is from everything (but the seats) being out, but I think it might be something else.
Are there drains in the hatch I should check for or can the gasket be replaced? Perhaps issues with the seal around the wing? Just spit balling.
So far so good with the restoration. She's driving fine, with the exception of the minor rumble from the transmission once in a while (we did the flush a couple weeks ago and I've only taken her around the block a few times). As the warmer weather in New England is fluctuating, I've noticed the rear window has been fogging up from the inside consistently. All the internal panels are still out, as we plan to hose her down pretty well to get any remaining mouse evidence out of the nooks and crannies. I thought maybe the dampness inside is from everything (but the seats) being out, but I think it might be something else.
Are there drains in the hatch I should check for or can the gasket be replaced? Perhaps issues with the seal around the wing? Just spit balling.
Thanks in advance!
There is two rubber plugs either side of the hatch bottom towards the front of said wells, under the foam (if foam piece is still there). Many members poked a hole or cut a big piece out of each to drain if it leaks into there. Good luck with your project!
Can someone send a picture of the trunk guts, so i know how to place the black box? I need to build a new foam holder as the mice destroyed mine.
Also, are these the drain plugs and are they expected to be a bit rusty? Should i spray with some rustomeum?
Misty, I would scrub that debris with a stiff non-metallic brush & strong cleaner before deciding to paint. It looked to me it might be crud stuck there. If it is rust, you'll have to mitigate the growth of rust (I have NO EXPERIENCE with rustoleum paint). but if there is any dirt/mouse crud it should be removed. Good luck! .
Well, got the headliner redone and installed. DEFINITELY not my best work, but it's glued and will do the job. I'm a product of the late 80's, so i think it's perfect. It does make it feel a little short in here, but if i hate it, I'll do it again.
Where i think I failed was prepping the holes. I think the outside hole I cut might have been for a different model spec because I don't have any parts left in my bin!
Also still fighting with the stupid back plastic panels. What a nightmare... I'm taking a break by trying to put the stupid e brake cover back on. I'm sure there are a lot of jokes that are fitting here, but I'll keep them to myself.
Also, I could still use some measurements for the yellow foam black box cradle. Can someone take a picture of theirs for me? I need to make a new one.
Re: '04 Coupe Automatic for $1.00
Congrats! The forum has the best help you'll find about your crossfire. Much free information including the service manuals and help .pdf's are in the available documents collection. Don't take it to a dealership (stealership) as they have NO IDEA what they are doing with it. If there is something beyond what you can do, find an independent Benz mechanic as the drivetrain and much of the electrical system is almost exactly the same as a 2004 SLK-320. Have FUN! 
Re: '04 Coupe Automatic for $1.00
