I've been through the FSM and it seems to ignore the carpeted side panel which has the hood release mounted on it. I removed the latch bracket, the plastic sill which covers the bottom of the door opening and of course the LS front carpet.

The panel seems to unsnap from the rear/door-side but the front of the panel will barely move toward the door. I'd really like to not break the plastic clips on this panel and I realize how brittle the 30+ year old plastic becomes.

Do I just keep pulling it rearward toward the door opening and hope for the best or am I completely confused?

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic

The footrest/carpeted hood release bracket panel has a star washer mounting the footrest tab to the front.
Has that been removed?

Attached Thumbnails

 

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78 W116 300SD 'Desert Rose' new as of 01/26/2014
79 W116 300SD 'Stormcloud' RIP 04/11/2022

Yes, after I read your post. It wasn't really that tough after I removed that screw but I still struggled due to worry about breaking something.

Thank you.

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic