You know, I posted a thread earlier today and reading this one, it occurs to me toask this. Has anyone thought of a strategic way of reinforcing the console when off the car? I mean, when you know where the tradional and historic areas that "make you cringe", why not re-inforce and be pro-active instead of the "other"-active. When I put back the door trays in my 240, I used strips mad e from the tough plastic of garage door openers to glue and clamp in areas wherre it had just barely started to hint at a crack, then when I 'Color-Coated' them, the spider web hairline disappeared. Anyway, ideas??

I have taken to warming the entire back of the assembly with a hair dryer before I start prying on things. I just cringe when one of those little clips snaps as you almost have the switch free. I've got a box full of spares, but I usually wind up cleaning the contacts and putting the switch back together. The key is leaving a super smooth finish on the the contacts with a piece of cardboard or crocus cloth. And grease. Fantastic pics and post over there on TB. I'm a fan of the 9 series lighted switch swap too.

Take the armrest off. Pop the little plastic button/covers out and remove three (torx, probably) screws (two in rear armrests). The rear armrests pull away, the front have to be rotated counter-clockwise to about 1 o'clock and will pull out.

After you have the armrest off, the plastic module/trim/consoles will slide out. You'll be able to easily unclip the power window switches from the back, IIRC.

Tip them from side to side.
See my 'Power window switch R&R' thread on TB.
Sorry I can't figure out how to post pictures here.
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71-145-S