Hello gentlemen. Another newbie question. I have searched this forum and the DIY links. How does one remove the panel (upper center console) that has the ACC controls in it to access the climate control vacuum controls on an 85 300D ? I am chasing a ventilation control problem. I have taken out both driver and passenger side access panels and the vacuum actuators on both sides seem to cycle OK. I still have low air flow through all vents. I do hear a strange whining/whistling sound from under the dash when driving the car that seems to vary with RPM. It seems like only recirc air is being moved by the blower. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks. I really love this forum.

To remove the panel (upper center console) that has the ACC controls in it, carefully pull the wooden covered panel off. It is just a press fit with about 4 friction pins holding it to the black plastic behind it. Next remove the two screws in the upper right and left corners of the plastic plate. The bottom of the plastic panel has two tabs hooked back into the cross bar of the console material. Be very careful all of the black plastic is quite fragile. Once this is out there are two multi pin cables on the sides to remove and the whole ACC box can be removed. It is still a tight fit from there, but you should be able to see to access the climate control vacuum controls. Removing the radio first can possibly help with the last part of removing of the ACC, and removing the ash tray section can help with removal of the radio.

__________________
1961 190Db retired
1968 220D/8 325,000
1983 300D 164,150