Tried the "search" & posted to "Detail" and still no luck.

Regarding an '87 300TD
Attempting to remove the tailgate interior panel to gain access to the rear wiper motor. All goes good until I get to the upper edge where the curved portion of the panel fastens in near the glass seal. I can not tell what is holding it in and I really don't want to break the panel removing it. Would someone please share the procedure? I have ordered (and waiting) an OEM parts guide and the CD's to minimize my postings yet I STILL need some help.
Thanks
Steve

i've got the same car and have the same question. I looked on the CD, but didn't dee a procedure for removing the top part of the panel. Let me look further and I'll get back to you on it. It may be simply tucked into the rubber window seal. I know that the plastic panel that hides the hatch struts is partially held by the window seals for the quarter glass, so it is possible.
Steve

It is a while since I did this myself but had no problems. You need to remove the plastic trim/shroud around the tailgate locking button, (it just pops out if you lever gently all the way around it),remove all trim screws from the bottom edge (I recall just a turn and they pull out) and then you are ready to rock and roll.

The last remaining leap of faith is to give the door card a firm thump (or a series of thumps!!) upwards to release the metal prongs that capture the card along the top edge.

Not the most technical of explanations sorry!

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NormanB
230 TE (W124) 1989 with 153,000 miles on the clock - hoping for at least another 100K

I looked it up on the CD and as normanB states, after removing the screws on the bottom panel, and releasing the clips on the sides of the panel, give it a push upwards. I'll try it tomorrow myself.
Steve

Thanks for the continued effort and advice. As I stated in my original post, the upper edge is the sticking point for me. Where the stop light fixture is, it appears that the interior panel's material is tucked between and unlike the rest of the area may be subject to breakage. I was able to get the edge to shuck side-to-side some but not out.

My reason to remove this panel is to gain access to the rear wiper unit. It does not move when I attempt to activate it via the dash switch. I can hear the relay clicking but no movement at the motor. At $300 +/- for a replacement motor, I am going to attempt to fix the existing one . . . love those challenges! I'll keep watching for your threads. Steve

I believe you need to remove the 3rd brake lamp cover as it intereferes with the the panel while trying to lift it upward.

Once you get the cover off and you begin the wiper motor repair look at the shaft assembly going through the glass. You will notice a clip that secures the plastic escutcheon, it needs to be expanded or compressed in order to remove the motor from the glass. If the clip is not removed you stand the chance of breaking the plastic insert that covers the output shaft.

If you inadvertantly break this pice let me know and I will post the Part number.

Been there, broke that!

Oooooops!

I agree with MrCjames - sorry but me no have 3rd brake light so never thought of that. He is bang on with the spring clip marlarkey too!!

I have had wiper motor out - it had seized, water had penetrated down the shaft and done the damage - I got offered one from a breakers at a good price so fitted that. The seized unit is with a friend - he pleaded with me for the opportunity to have a go at restoring it - hell you cannot break something twice!

I suppose best policy is to exercise the tail gate wiper regularly, say weekly, that should prevent seizure.

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NormanB
230 TE (W124) 1989 with 153,000 miles on the clock - hoping for at least another 100K

At the time I purchased her I saw that the outer plastic cover for the "third" brake light was broken. Makes believe PO may have tried unsuccessfully to solve the wiper problem. I also noticed, as you mentioned, that there is some rust around the area where the shaft goes into the housing. I fully expect that the seizure will be in the same area. Actually, I am chomping at the bit to get it away from the car so that I can restore it to working condition. I love a challenge yet I typically have the proper resources (manuals) at my fingertips. I keep expecting they will arrive any day yet my temptation is to keep working. DIY projects intrigue me but not to the point that I am willing to risk breaking something because of my exuberance (that's a luxury I can't afford). Thanks again and I'll keep you posted!
Steve