[maguebor]

Hey guys,

So I'm restoring this 04' CLK320 Coupe to it's glory. Trying to save myself $$$$ before asking the stealership for programming/install help by DIY'ing the passenger airbag myself. I've done the driver and that was a cinch. But instructions for the passenger side seem to be guarded by the CIA. I've google searched, searched again, googled some more, and even consulted the oracle, but all to no avail. Does anyone have a DIY video, link, pdf, how to, on removing the entire dash panel so i can replace the dash panel with a new airbag. I have an brand new dash waiting for a home in this baby if i could just get instructions on how to remove the thing. Any help would be highly appreciated. BIG THANKS

 

[rudeney]

The information is all readily available in WIS. I often print pages form it and post in the forum, but this job is something like 50 pages long. My recommendation is to get yourself a copy of it. It's all over eBay for around $30.

 

[maguebor]

AWESOME thanks Rodney! You're the man! You know if it comes in MAC OS or just windwos? Just seeing windows so far.

 

[keyhole]

Rodney is quite right - the number of drawings required here is huge, as every step refers to a document with several other drawings.

To give you the general idea of your task, I can post the basic WIS document for Remove/add the Instrument Panel that refer to all the other documents required. I've included a couple more for your information.

I didn't have to spend time today printing these pdf files, as they are from my own archive of documents saved from my original WIS - hence the sepia tone.

I have not seen a WIS for sale for a MAC. In fact some now need a virtualized Windows system.

 

[rudeney]

Nope, no WIS for native Mac O/S. I am not sure if WIS is available in a virtual (VMWare) environment or not. I know the full SDS (which includes WIS) is available ans is best used this way. I see no reason why WIS could not be sold this way, but it's probably just not.

 

[maguebor]

Thanks so much ya'll. you guys are great. Appreciate the pdfs to get me started. Ordered a copy of WIS, now to get the virtual machine

 

[maguebor]

Thanks @keyhole for the pics. Hoping you can oblige me. I bought the WIS in hopes of getting the complete set of instruction on replacing that dash panel but despite best attempts Virtualbox isn't cooperating. I even acquired a windows computer just in case it was due to my mac (CD's came with mac/windows instructions)
Although it was a long shot my last attempt was approaching my local independent foreign car mechanic to ask if he'd be willing pull up his wis and send me a pdf. Since then he's must have joined the witness protection program bc i can't get a hold of the guy now.
Keyhole i know you said its' a lot of steps but curios if you or anyone with a working WIS would be able to send me pdf via email of the steps? Or any other way that would be practical. My son and I have the tools and time we just just now need the instructions.

Please advise

 

[keyhole]

Thanks @keyhole
Keyhole i know you said its' a lot of steps but curios if you or anyone with a working WIS would be able to send me pdf via email of the steps?

It is not an issue of the 'steps' but the large number of documents (and pdfs) required to put all the information here. Generally our answers only require one document to assist. As rudeney stated in post #2, you could need 50 pdfs here, which would take me many hours to prepare.

The sample pdfs I attached were to give you the overview, and each of the documents referred to there will also list many other drawings. Getting your own WIS to work is really the best way forward now and will give you total independence. I know that it can be a pita to install, but it can be done, as many here can confirm. My current WIS is installed on an otherwise disused Dell laptop that runs Windows 7.

 

[amusa]

I just removed my dashboard like a week ago to replace the cup holder, M2 stepper motor/arm. What a nightmare.

Did you get the screw on top where the dashboard and windshield meet where the front defrost vent are? You have to remove those plastic clips there should be a screw on the driver side and on the passenger side.

 

[maguebor]

thanks for the advice keyhole

 

[maguebor]

did you really? how many hours it take you? I haven't gotten as far as that screw yet, im afraid of breaking anything pushing too hard.

 

[maguebor]

Update on this thread.

Ive really gotten a lot from these forums so i thought i'd take to time to give back.

I successfully changed the dash. It wasnt that hard, just ensure you buy a full bottle of patience! Just to help to next guy going to post what i asked for originally. A few on here said the doc was lenghty but it wasn't really. Just a few docs. I must add that though there are pics with where to remove screws, etc, nothing beats experienced advice like "once all the screws are removed, just pull up and out hard without fear of breaking anything...." otherwise you'll timidly do things without the proper exertion to get the job done, etc. Thanks to everyone who commented. I'll post a few pics along with the tool that made the difference!

Hear are things i wish i knew
Take a picture or video of upper panels you're removing

1st: You must remove the center console above the shifter 1st & stereo 2nd
2nd: Must remove Glove compartment the instrument cluster so get the wis for that
3rd: Must remove instrument cluster so get WIS for that
4th: There are screws in hidden places so just follow the WIS and you'll be home free
5th: Once all screws are out, it's easy to pull out
6th: Putting the glove compartment back is a bit tricky but just be patient
7th: Know it's all worth it at the end!

Dealer said 9 hours of labor but only took about 3.5 with my wife (she was brains of operation)
and that's b/c we had to figure it out ourselves

You won't use the ratchet extension at all but trust me that ratchet is a MUST otherwise you'll be scheduling confession w/ your priest. I got it at Oreilly's so any autozone, etc store should have it. Also make sure you get cloth mechanic gloves otherwise you'll scratch your hands up reaching inside small places.

The screws right on the edge of the glass right where the vents are are hardest to get but if you can get those the rest is smooth sailing. There's also one torque screw inside driver panel right under the instrument cluster that's a pain.

Any questions, feel free to reach out to me. Looking back I'm so glad i did it versus a dealer, not only was the price right but i learned a thing or two. Most importantly i don't know what it is but now that i've done "surgery" on her there's something about the car that feels more.... mine. Car went from adopted to part of the family if you will.

Cheers!

 

[maguebor]

Here are all the pics to help