The steering column removal isn't too hard actually. (its been awhile since i've done this so this may not be 100% accurate - also, I was trying to retrofit a non-adjustable car with an adjustable column but only had the top half of the column --see pic--)
1. remove headlight switch and plastic trim on both sides of steering wheel
2. remove knee bolster/trim (a bunch of 8 or 10mm bolts under that plastic trim and on the bottom near the pedals)
3. remove the steering wheel (air bag first, then the 10mm hex key bolt -- don't forget to disconnect the battery before removing the air bag)
4. remove the cruise control sw. the combination sw. (turn signal/wiper) there are a few screws holding these in
5. now you should be able to remove the rest of the plastic trim so that you can see the top of the column
6. i believe there are two retaining bolts that do the majority of the column support (on the black piece in the picture shown)
7. you'll also have to unbolt the ingition lock -- this will come out with the column
8. then there are a few screws at the top of the column (sticking out in the pic)
9. double check to see if there is anything holding the spline portion of the column in <- like i said, i was working on a car without an adjustable column attempting to add one
10. with all this stuff removed you should be able to take the column out of the car and test the motor with a 12V source or read the voltage on the car with a multimeter
If you have any problems, take some pics and post them up here, I'm sure if I saw the process I'd remember what I did. I had never taken one out before and I didn't have any problems, its a pretty straightforward deal.
This photo album might help too - its from a guy adding an adjustable column to his 500e:
http://www.printroom.com/ViewAlbum.asp?userid=hakkinen&album_id=191832
Good luck!