Radio removal---How?

[tino]

Radio removal
I would like to install a new radio with CD. I have read posts on how to remove the radio which state that no panels need to be removed and just to pull the radio out with a tool. In the past I have removed radios using two butter knives pushed on either side to release the clips. The problem I have is that the radio in my 1986 300E is a very tight fit and I am concerned on damaging the trim etc.
Is there a trim plate I first need to remove and how?

ALSO the fader wheel on the center console is definitely archaic and useless - should I bypass it or just leave it?

[S320drvr]

I don't know about your particular model but I had a '90 300SE and I think they are similar. You need to remove the trim. There are posts over in the audio section about the procedure. I vaguely remember when I did mine, I had to remove the ashtray and remove a screw in order to get the trim off. The rest seemed pretty straight forward.