No need to take the panel out. These switches have thin fiber optic cables originating from a bulb in the instrument panel. It's either the bulb is shot or the fiber optic cables were yanked out. Same with the rear dome light switch on the left side. You have to pull the instrument cluster out to check these bulbs out.

But if you really want to remove the panel, first you have to close the center vent by sliding the lever downward. There is an allen screw right above the knob between the grooves. I think it's a #3 allen. Not sure about that. Loosen that allen screw until it detatches from the vent door. There is a Phillips screw behind the upper left corner behind the defogger switch that connects the upper part of the panel to the dashboard. Be careful in this section as I had seen several of these panels break and crack(Talking from experience!). Pop the switch out, unplug the connection, unscrew the panel from the dash, and pull the whole assembly out.

When you are done with the repairs, as the MB repair manual says: "Re-assembly is just the reverse of the above procedure".

hahahaha!!!

__________________
Bernie
1986 190E 2.3-16