I was wondering how to neatly remove the plastic cover on the side of the seats on my 1983 300D. I'm talking about the hard plastic trim where the seat cushion and backrest meet on either side. I know there's a sort of male/female fitting that clips it into place, but I don't want to just "manhandle" it and jam something in there to pop it out and possibly snap the retaining clips. What's the proper way to do this?

As always, thanks for the advice.

__________________
Douglas
New York

If you pull from the outside edge, it will likely break.
There is probably a better tool, but I use a slightly curved pry bar and insert that under the cover to a point as close to the connection point as possible and apply pressure to the connection. I've had one break out of maybe 50 successful removals.
At this age, the plastic is pretty brittle and you might want to go to the local PNP and secure a back up just in case - also a good way to practice. I have extras in tan (Palamino) if someone needs them.

__________________
Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-cars-sale/296386-fs-1-owner-83-mb-300d-turbo-rebuild-parts.html

If the seat is out, you can reach behind to the clip and push to help it pop out.

__________________
1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Thank you all for your help. I think I've got just the tool. Hazet makes a prong-tipped bar for door panel removal. It has a slight curve in it for leverage, so I'm going to try that. I'll use the pronged part around the hole with that brittle plastic clip stuck in it.

__________________
Douglas
New York

It`s a crap shoot if you can get them off w/o breaking the plastic. It`s been 50/50 for me. sometimes I can get behind the hole where they snap in and help push out. but like said above, It`s old brittle plastic.

some of it might be available from the dealer. was 4 yrs ago or so. bought some new pieces from the dealer and wasn`t toooo bad for price.

PNP is the best bet, good place to practice on first. there are a ton of the stuff getting crushed every month.

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works