[jmbjones]

I'm trying to replace the HVAC flapper controller motor and tried the short cut but my hands are too big to get to the screws that hold the unit in place. Air bag and such are removed but still no luck. Now, I'm off to taking off the upper dash to gain access. I have followed several videos and typed instructions but have yet to figure out where all the screws are. I have taken out the left and right hand door jam screws, all screws around the glove box, the screws under the wind screen defrost vent, one screw located to the right of the cup holder on the driver side under the instrument cluster and have just removed the radio to access those two screws that face up to the dash. Those two screws cannot be located as there are other controls (panel) in the way. Aside from that, feeling around blindly I find other possible screws but am not sure if they are part of the problem. I'm not sure if some of the screws removed needed to be removed. Has anybody any insight into making my life easier to get this thing apart? Thank you in advance.

 

[leeadrian75]

I'm trying to replace the HVAC flapper controller motor and tried the short cut but my hands are too big to get to the screws that hold the unit in place. Air bag and such are removed but still no luck. Now, I'm off to taking off the upper dash to gain access. I have followed several videos and typed instructions but have yet to figure out where all the screws are. I have taken out the left and right hand door jam screws, all screws around the glove box, the screws under the wind screen defrost vent, one screw located to the right of the cup holder on the driver side under the instrument cluster and have just removed the radio to access those two screws that face up to the dash. Those two screws cannot be located as there are other controls (panel) in the way. Aside from that, feeling around blindly I find other possible screws but am not sure if they are part of the problem. I'm not sure if some of the screws removed needed to be removed. Has anybody any insight into making my life easier to get this thing apart? Thank you in advance.

You did remove the A-pillars, correct?

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[leeadrian75]

I'm trying to replace the HVAC flapper controller motor and tried the short cut but my hands are too big to get to the screws that hold the unit in place. Air bag and such are removed but still no luck. Now, I'm off to taking off the upper dash to gain access. I have followed several videos and typed instructions but have yet to figure out where all the screws are. I have taken out the left and right hand door jam screws, all screws around the glove box, the screws under the wind screen defrost vent, one screw located to the right of the cup holder on the driver side under the instrument cluster and have just removed the radio to access those two screws that face up to the dash. Those two screws cannot be located as there are other controls (panel) in the way. Aside from that, feeling around blindly I find other possible screws but am not sure if they are part of the problem. I'm not sure if some of the screws removed needed to be removed. Has anybody any insight into making my life easier to get this thing apart? Thank you in advance.

Not sure if you've seen this one, but this is the video that I used. From MB:

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[jmbjones]

Yes, I saw that one and others and see there is no reason to remove the trim from the pillar. Only saw that on one video. Thanks for the reply.

 

[leeadrian75]

Yes, I saw that one and others and see there is no reason to remove the trim from the pillar. Only saw that on one video. Thanks for the reply.

Actually, yes you do, the A-pillars help to hold the dash in, they're not hard to remove. If I remember correctly I think there's a screw under there too, but that's going off memory so I'm not 100% sure about the screw.

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[jmbjones]

I'll not challenge you but if one decides to remove the trim, just start at the top with a quality plastic pry tool and work your way down. Repeat on the other side if need be.

 

[leeadrian75]

I'll not challenge you but if one decides to remove the trim, just start at the top with a quality plastic pry tool and work your way down. Repeat on the other side if need be.

Pretty much. Honestly, I just pulled mine off with my hand from the top, but a pry tool would be ideal. It slots into the dash at the bottom so once you get the top loose you pull up on it to get it out of the dash. It takes 5 minutes at the most.

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[jmbjones]

Thanks. So, lets not get lost in the weeds. Back to the original question. Any other insight? Thank you in advance.

 

[khomer2]

Thanks. So, lets not get lost in the weeds. Back to the original question. Any other insight? Thank you in advance.

Welcome jmbjones,
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[leeadrian75]

Thanks. So, lets not get lost in the weeds. Back to the original question. Any other insight? Thank you in advance.

Did you get the vertical screws that are behind the radio stack?

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[jmbjones]

No. Cannot find them as there is another control panel plate there that supports the radio face. Felt around blindly to see if there was something there but no. Trim is off but the other back panel is still on. Radio is out. Back panel with controls still in place. Looks like there are two screws but not sure if I want to be removing screws that I don't need to. It should not be that difficult to pull this dash. All help is appreciated.

 

[mattml430]

I think when I removed mine I removed the lower dash panel first which makes it a lot easier to find all the top dash screws. You’ve got the instrument cluster out haven’t you?

 

[Kensk74]

I used this write up when I replaced my heater core. Best one I found.

Air blend motor replacement - MBWorld.org Forums

M-Class (W163) - Air blend motor replacement - Hi, I cannot find the thread or video that shows how to replace the air blend motor by removing the radio and not messing with the air bag at all. Does anyone have a link to it or am I imagining this really exists?

mbworld.org

 

[Kensk74]

Oh, and you'll definitely want some replacement foam for sealing the air ducts. When I pulled my dash it crumbled and disintegrated on contact.

 

[leeadrian75]

Oh, and you'll definitely want some replacement foam for sealing the air ducts. When I pulled my dash it crumbled and disintegrated on contact.

I agree with this 100%. Kensk, do you know where to source the foam?

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[Kensk74]

I agree with this 100%. Kensk, do you know where to source the foam?

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I saw it for sale about a year ago, but don't remember where. I ended up using the weather strip foam they sell at hardware stores for home doors and windows.

 

[Kensk74]

Haha, couldn't find it for the life of me when I needed it. Now took me 2 minutes, lol

1998-2005 Mercedes-Benz Seal Kit 163-835-00-98 | MB Parts Center

Genuine Mercedes Benz OEM factory Part #163-835-00-98Seal Kit 1998-2005 Mercedes-Benz. MB Parts Center is your choice for Discount Mercedes OEM factory parts and accessories. We are a factory Mercedes Benz dealer with Mercedes OEM parts and Mercedes accessories at discounted wholesale prices for...

www.mbpartscenter.com

 

[jmbjones]

@ Leeadrian, I take back my statement about the A Pillar trim. The one I had off months ago was the passenger side and the screw was missing so it came right off. Now, regarding the video you posted, at time point starting at ~1:10 the instructor points to two nodules protruding from the lower dash into the upper dash. I can get them clear one at a time as the lower dash seems to bind as I pull them free. Also, it appears that I need to pull the upper dash toward me to get it out which doesn't help because it wants to engage back into the nodules. Any tricks to make this happen? Or....what am I missing here? I don't want to break anything else. Please advise. Thanks to all.

 

[leeadrian75]

@ Leeadrian, I take back my statement about the A Pillar trim. The one I had off months ago was the passenger side and the screw was missing so it came right off. Now, regarding the video you posted, at time point starting at ~1:10 the instructor points to two nodules protruding from the lower dash into the upper dash. I can get them clear one at a time as the lower dash seems to bind as I pull them free. Also, it appears that I need to pull the upper dash toward me to get it out which doesn't help because it wants to engage back into the nodules. Any tricks to make this happen? Or....what am I missing here? I don't want to break anything else. Please advise. Thanks to all.

The lower dash will seem to bind. Try to get both nodules out at the same time and then pull up on that part of the upper dash first, then try with the rest of the dash. That should help. If anything you may loosen both the upper and lower dash at the same time so it doesn't bind as much, that's up to you though.

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[jmbjones]

Thanks for the reply. Everything is a loose as I can get it. So, I guess you are saying this is a one man four hand operation with hopes that I don't break something else.. Correct? I was thinking about cutting the nodules shorter if I can get in there with a hacksaw. Brute force may be the answer but I'm sure there has to be a better way. Especially when it is time to put it back together.