CarTronics SL & CLS Class Installation Tutorial

Step 1: Adjust the seats first to the lowest, then farthers back position. This makes it easy to remove the side panels.



Step 2: Cup Holder Removal. This step is a little awkward, but with a little guidance shouln't be a problem.

Essentiall the covers are just clipped on.

It is best to pry off the cover by applying pressure from the inside bottom corner , then transversing along the bottom edge.

The bottom edge seems to be the side that gives way the easiest. For the other cup holder I make my life a little easier by using my "swiss" accessoire

Don't take the cupholder all the way out.

Note the position of my fingers : thumb & bent index finger!.

The reason you need to remove the cup holder covers is that the center console panel has a "lip" that goes underneath, and makes it very hard to remove given the angle that the panel must come out.



Step 3: Pop up gear selector cover.

Pry up the covering using your fingers.

Twist the black lock ring on the bottom of the knob to the right

remove knob by pulling strainght upwards (I gave the knob a little twist left & right as I pulled upward)

NOTE: Due to the angle at which the panel needs to be removed it is best to have the lever remaining in position "D" or "N". The position "P" makes the removal of the panel impossible



Step 4: Side Panel Removal.

Pry the panel off starting from the lower middle edge. When you have the panel out enough, assist the process by also reaching in from the top. Work your way towards the rear.

The panel is only clipped on. No screws!.

Once the panel is unclipped you can then pull it towards the rear of the verhicle. The panel is hooked into the front part (see large pictures below).

NOTE: This the point where you will be happy to have postioned the seats as low as possible! :-)


Step 5: Remove Side Screws. You will need a T20 Torx bit to unscrew the 6 screws that hold the wood console in place. Torx screws are used all over modern cars, and an inexpensive set can be had at any hardware store.

Step 6: Center Console Removal.

The only way the panel will come out is at a 45% angle straight outward. There will be a little juggling around to find the right position.

At this point you will also appreciate the position the gear selector lever is in. (which you should have set priot to removing the knob)

Start at the rear end. Use both hands to ease the panel upward at the rear to about 45% angle then straight backward at this angle.
Step 7: Unplug connectors for accessories attached to center console.
  Step 8: Radio Removal. Remove the two screws at the bottom lower left and right front corners of the radio. By simply pushing on the black plastic tabs at the very rear of the bottom of the radio (in the back of the cavity), the radio bottom will drop down and the entire radio will swing down and be able to pulled out.

*special thanks to "pleubner" in Switzerland for these excellent photos