Fat Guy's Knee in R129 Speaker Grill

[Deneals]

Hi everyone!

I'm still getting myself adjusted to driving these cars. So far its been great!

BUT after two weeks of owning my 1995 SL320, I put my left knee through the large plastic speaker grill in the door.

Has anyone attempted this fix on their own? Is it relatively easy?

Are there any DIY resources for this car available? I have a book called Mercedes-Benz Maintenance Procedures 1982-1991 that was published by MBNA. This book covers the early 129s, but it only covers rudimentary items, like how to service the oil and transmission levels.

I just got the speaker grill, but with my other cars I could go to the manual to find out how to get the door interior off. I can't find any resources for the R129 though.

Does anyone have any suggestions or know how to replace the speaker grill?

Thanks!

[Gilly]

It's relatively easy once the interior door panel is removed, but it's quite complicated to explain how to remove the inner panel, lots of hidden screws.

Gilly

[tecqboy]

To remove door panel 1991 300SL.


1. Carefully remove the door lock knob by pulling outward ( parallel ) to release.
2. Using extreme care, remove the wood trim behind the door release handle by lifting outward with a panel removal tool.
3. Extract the single screw securing the metal trim behind the door release handle.
4. Remove the single 10mm bolt securing the door latch assembly to the door.
5. Carefully remove the seat control assembly and wood trim on the door panel using a panel removal tool and prying outward on the outside edge.
6. Remove 1 screw from inside the door pocket on the outside edge of the door in the pocket hinge assembly.
7. Remove the single very small screw from inside the pocket on the inside edge of the pocket securing a piece of plastic molding. Remove the molding and extract 1 large screw securing the door pull handle and panel to the door.
8. Extract 1 screw securing the black trim piece around the door latch. Lift up from the bottom to remove.
9. Extract 3 small screws securing the chrome trim on the top of the outside edge of the door panel and remove trim.
10. Remove the courtesy lamp assembly at the bottom of the door panel by snapping it out with a panel removal tool.
11. Using a panel removal tool, carefully release the “pop” fasteners from around the perimeter of the door panel. Lift up on the door panel to release the metal clips from the top edge of the door panel.
12. Slide off the vacuum hoses from the connectors near the panel bottom.
13. You are now holding the free door panel.

Reverse steps for installation.


__________________

Tod

This works for 1990 through 1994 I believe, but should be similiar for 1995 on up.

[Deneals]

Tod

Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it. I will try this job when I get back from vacation in 10 days or so.

All those "be very careful" and "carefully" warnings must mean you've been here before yourself!