On my 1994 Mercedes E320 wagon w124, I followed through the technical article in Peachparts under Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class Technical Articles > Brake Light Switch Replacement

I am trying to replace the brake stop switch with a new one. The brake stop switch kick panel won't bulge after removing all the screws as far as I am aware of as shown in Figure 2 below. I am afraid to jerk the kick panel for fear of breaking the kick panel. What I am missing here? Does anybody have this issue of trying to remove the kick panel? Any helpful hints, comments are greatly appreciated. Here is the part of the article below:


You will need to remove the kick panel on the driver side. Begin by removing any carpets including the big heavy foam floor piece (red arrow). Remove the single Philips head screw that holds the kick panel in place (yellow arrow). With the screw removed slide the kick panel towards the pedals and slip the retaining clips out from the lower dash (green arrows).

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Figure 2

There is a large plastic screw where the panel meets the floor right under the steering shaft. Use a Philips head screwdriver and remove this screw (red arrow).


Figure 3

You can now remove the kick panel from the vehicle (red arrow).

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After jerking the kick panel that was stuck on the right side vent panel, I was abled to remove the kick panel without any tear or cracking. I then put in a new brake stop switch. Issue resolved.