My 1999 s type front cup holder lid was moving sideways randomly for many years and the pretend leather finish on the lid had melted into a soft plastic sludge so time for a repair. I noted from the forum that removing early model cup holders was not a simple pry out... True. As I coaxed mine out with three screwdrivers the two rear mini screws put in when the centre consol was first assembled slowly let go and the cupholder emerged undamaged... replacing it may need a dob of silcon to retain in place.
The problem I then saw was the side mount lug for the lid was broken off , but still there. I superglued that back on noting that the screw threads were located in further and the glue joint would be in compression. Torx fittings. I scrapped the sludged pastic away and painted it in the silver colour of the car... then spent three days working out where the spring fitted inside the side mount. Eventually I located the spring in the correct slots and now the lid opens slowly with a slight press and release and then clicks back into place when so pushed... something I had never experienced in ten years of ownership!! The design is certainly intricate. on the other side is the damper toothed cog, about 12 mm diameter, that gives the slow command to the lid. If you can buy a working used one then do it. The picture shows the assembled unit ready for return. Actually in ten years I dont think I have placed a cup or can in it.... tempting now. Under the holder was the expected multi layers of cables and wires and insulation.