Ok I seem to have searched this topic about 100 times and still am stumped. I went to remove the Instrument Panel by removing the drivers side....thing under the steering wheel panel...., then I reached up inside to push the IP out and low and behold there was some kind of fabric noise damping liner that I couldn't easily move without cutting.

Two questions:

1. How do I remove this fabric?
2. Now after my first attempt of trying to shove my hand behind this fabric, I dislocated the drivers side vent. (the fabric seems to have a cut out that wraps around this vent.) Is there any DIY pictures/advice how to fix these as well.

Thanks
Doug

do you have a w123 service disc? its right on there and I think theres an DIY article on it too.

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1986 300SDL, 211K,Dealership serviced its whole life
1991 190E 2.6(120k)
1983 300D(300k)
1977 300D(211k)

It sounds like have not removed both lower panels. After doing so, you will have access to everything. You'll be able to reconnect the side air hose and push out the instrument cluster.

__________________

Don't Chrome them; polish them

Where can I buy the service Disc? I assume its a CD.

Doug

It sounds like maybe a previous owner has pulled the insulation/dampening material out of its position.

I ran into what sounds like the same problem: heavy, rubber lined fabric stuck in the way without apparent rhyme or reason. I think it's supposed to be glued to the dash above the wires. I ended up working around the fabric to remove the IP. Then when it was out I re-installed the gray fabric back into its correct location. The cut-outs fit around the ducts when I reinstalled it.

If you're really having trouble working upside down in the footwell, I suggest removing the driver's seat. There aren't a lot of fasteners holding it down and it really clears up the working area.

Oh - and safety goggles. Nothing like looking straight up into old dust and disintegrating insulation.

How are the side vents held in place to the dash. While prying the fabric, I pulled the vent inward (toward the firewall) and would like to restore it back to its original place. Pictures or diagrams would be a great help.

Mine is still more/less disassembled. The IP is re-installed, but the knee panel and other stuff is still removed. I'll remove the air vents and take photos later today.

The ducts and vents are just snap together construction. From your description it sounds like you can just push your duct+internal part towards the dash then snap it onto the external ring.

See the pics for clarification.

On my '83 300CD, there are four plastic "spring" tabs on the outside ring that mate with four slots on the inside of the vent. If you rotate the outside ring while holding the inside vent part stable, it will compress the tabs and you can then remove the outside ring. Don't try to simply pull the pieces apart or you'll break the tabs and/or the slots.

The inside vent part is attached to the duct by four small bump tabs. Pull and twist to separate.

Summary of pics:

Pic 1 shows how my panel looks with the knee panel removed. It may not be factory, but it's my best guess. When I opened this up the first time, it was completely covered by the insulation and padding.

Pic 2 shows the intact slot on the inside portion of the vent

Pic 3 shows the intact spring tab on the outside portion of the vent

Pic 4 shows the broken tab and the broken slot.

Attached Thumbnails

       

Thank you!