I am in the midst of removing the rear driver side door panel of my 92 300E 4matic. I have read the various posts (here, mercedesshop.com and mbworld.org) and all have been extremely helpful. However, I still have one question.
I have removed the ashtray from the door (the part where the ashes go) but do I also need to remove the housing that holds the ashtray, or does that come out with the door frame?
no need to touch the ashtray. it comes out with the door panel.
i just did this myself as i was replacing the check strap on the right rear door. i hate that feeling that your about to break something when you're puling things like door panels off. remove the light on the bottom of the door panel. pop off the cover surrounding the door handle and window switch. pop out the door handle and remove the bolt just in front of the switch. remove the one screw and plastic surround by the latch. then just run your fingers all the way around the edge of the sides and the bottom to break the light seal of glue, and slide the whole thing up and it should just pop off. oh, first uncrew the door lock pin.
refitting is a bit of a PITA. it's one of those things that you feel like you need four hand for, but you'll get it.