Thanks to some quick responses here I've located the expansion valve on my '89 300SEL, but I'm stumped as to how to get it out.

I can't fit my hand up there by the hose attachments, so even if I could get a wrench up there, I wouldn't be able to turn it.

It looks like some more knee-area disassembly is going to be required. There is a corrugated black pipe (maybe 8" or so in diameter, running L/R, looks like it's for cabin air) in the way that I can't see how to remove. Any tips on this?

Then it looks like there is another black piece of plastic behind that (no idea what it is) I'll need to move. And then there is a brace from the console to up under the dash that looks like it needs to be moved too.

I feel like I'm making this harder than it needs to be. Is that the case?

Thanks.
-Brett