I think (not certain) the W201 evaporator comes out on the engine side of the firewall. I concur with the recirc. pod... that's the one at the top of the airbox? Tight under the dash.... The others I believe can all be replaced by removing the console, considerably less work than the dash removal.

PS: I've read where some people claim to be able to remove the dash without taking off the steering wheel first. I could not. I tried, and in the process screwed up my cruise control stalk. I recommend removing the steering wheel and the cruise control stalk. It's a small amount of additional work and will make life a whole lot easier.

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1987 W201 190D