Hi! I did change those actuators and, unfortunately, the entire dash has to come off. The good news is, with the manuals, a DIY like myself can do it with no problems. It is a long process but "doable". I would recommend to change all the actuators while you are at it, and check the evaporator for freon leakage.
I hope my reply is on time, otherwise, somebody else can use it...
J. Hidalgo
86 300e