Anyone out there tell me how to remove the power seat knob off an '87 190 (or any of them for that matter, I'm sure they're the same). I've got an inoperative headrest and would like to examine the contacts on the switch, but cannot determine how to get them off to then get the door panel off. I'm sure I won't be able to easily figure that one out either (damn things built like TANKS, guess that's good, eh?), so detailed instructions on gutting the whole door would be cool, too!

Thanks.

Grasp firmly and pull straight out. Once all the knobs are off, there is a plastic circlip on the large post that needs to be removed. Then the plastic trim can be taken off.

I am not familiar with your model, but on a W126 you need to remove the knobs, pry off a trim behind the door opening lever, remove the one screw securing the trim, then remove the other securing the door handle, remove two other screws holding the door handle (one halfway, one near the other end), door handle will come off. Remove door lock plunger by unscrewing, remove the stainless piece near door striker, then carefully remove the door panel. I am not sure if it's press fit or otherwise, some pull straight out, some up-and-out.

Once everything is off, partially peel off the plactic sheet to expose the parts you want, the seat switch can then be taken off (two screws and wiring harness). You can shake it and if something's loose, there may be loose parts.

Mine did so I opened the switch itself for cleaning/rebuild, and fixed the headrest, but don't do it unless necessary, lots of balls and springs, so be careful!

My backrest wasn't working also and I thought the motor was faulty, and gone all the way to remove it but found it fine. Turned out that the one terminal *within* the plug that goes into the switch were not properly placed! And a simple re-do fixed it.

BTW, the wiring harness goes under the seat, check for proper contact. You can remove seat back cover (two screws at the bottom) to examine the headrest mechanism.

Regards,

thanks
 

Glen / Bill-

Tx for the feedback, I'm sure it'll be a similar process on my W201. Glen, you sure you just 'yank' off the knob? Not that I doubt you, I can just picture me molesting the thing and then being worse off than I am now (story of everything I seem to touch, do'ah!). I'll give it a whack tonight. Tx again!