How do you get the ashtray on a 2002 slk 230 compressor to stay in?

From what i can find out it is a time consuming job to remove the ashtray unit so as a repair/renewal can be made. we are in the process of trying to fix one on a slk230 1999 w170 and its proving to be a challenge more than we wanted right now! I believe from speaking to the Merc dealers here in Auckland NZ that most of the dash centre console are has to be removed to gain access. we are still in process of fixing at mo so cannot offer any more than this good luck