What is the trick to removing the fuse box cover in a 1986 190E?

I can easily remove the latches and the cover floats freely but this thing is crammed into such a tight space, I can't pull it all the way out.

The illustration in the owner's manual shows the entire fuse box lower (toward the front bumber) then what I see under my hood. With the hood extended all the way the fuse box is tucked about 2-3 inches back into the car (away from the bumper) and prevents me from lifting the cover up more than an inch or two.

I'm sure the key here is to be smarter than the fuse box, but right now this thing has me beat. My oil and temp guages are on the fritz and I wanted to replace the fuses because I thought it would be the easiest thing to try first.

Any thoughts?

I have a 1989 190E 2.6. Several months ago I odered a set of various fuzes so I could change out all the old aluminum ones. The fuze box cover has a spring wire on the top that connects into two small holes behind the box. Just squeeze it together and it should pop out. I was glad I took the time to change the fuzes. The new copper ones are much better. Some of the old fuzes fell apart as I pulled them out.
tcowles