Sticky center console

[oaklandw124]

Hi everyone, I have a 1997 S500 with a strange interior issue. Car has been stored for about 6 years and I just got it out to drive around. As soon as I jumped in I put my arm on the center armrest and the round “hinge” had a sticky residue on it. The residue follows the trim piece around the rear vents but doesn’t affect the armrest itself nor the actual console where you can store items.
I tried dawn dish soap and hot water and black residue came off, almost like I was removing the finish but there is no damage to the surface. But there is still some stickiness.

So, has anyone had any experience with this and, if so, what did you do to resolve it? Any recommended cleaners that would be a good to try next?

Thanks in advance, Eric

 

[gerryvz]

This sticky residue has been a common issue on the headlight switch surround, and sometimes the steering wheel buttons, on the W211 models. It's well documented on W211 forums.

You can use "Goo Gone" on a soft cloth to remove the residue. Don't rub super hard; let it soak a bit and then gently rub it off. You can get Goo Gone at any Home Depot store.

Sticky Headlight Switch Panel - Fixed - MBWorld.org Forums

E-Class (W211) - Sticky Headlight Switch Panel - Fixed - A few weeks ago I noticed the black panel around the headlight switch on my '08 E350 had become very sticky to the touch. I applied Goo Gone to the panel and the gunky coating slowly broke down enough to use a microfiber cloth to rub/wipe...

mbworld.org

Removing Sticky Goo From Light Switch - MBWorld.org Forums

E-Class (W211) - Removing Sticky Goo From Light Switch - I recently decided to tackle the nasty gooey sticky substance that cover the light switch, and it worked. I used 50% concentration rubbing alcohol and rubbed it hard with a terry towel. It was coming off, but goo was going from one area to...

mbworld.org

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/headlamp-switch-is-sticky-like-gum.1602928/

headlight control switch "sticky" layer

www.benzworld.org

Any of you CDI guys got this sticky substance surrounding the headlight switch? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

In shopping for another CDI, I've noticed other CDIs have it too. Q: How do I remove it without damaging the surface?

www.peachparts.com