How to remove access panels?

[htfan1]

*** Warning - newbie question ***

How tough is it to remove various access panels (kick panels, under driverside dashboard, center console, etc.) on a 1995 C220? It's not obvious.

I'm considering self-installing a new alarm and need access to ignition harness, etc. I've self-installed alarms on all my other cars but none of them were Mercedes.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[Andrew C280]

i can explain how i did it on a 1997 C280 i wouldnt attempt an alarm these cars a very picky and best of luck to you. right now i am at work but i can explain how to remove just about any thing in the front of the car.

[htfan1]

Thank you for the reply Andrew!

I'm just investigating right now. I'd like to take a look behind the panels and decide if I will do the install.

I also have some very good information from www.the12volt.com on exactly which wires to use and how to properly wire the door locks for a vacuum system.

I'll look forward to your comments on how to remove the panels!

[Andrew C280]

OK, passanger side kick pannel below the glove box, there are 3 screws holding it in place philips head remove the screws and pull towards the passanger seat it will come off be carefull not to force anything if it dosent come easy its connected to some thing.

Now to remove the side kick pannels on the passanger side and this can be applied to the drivers as well on the outer side of the car there is a small plastic pannel there is a oval shaped plug take a screw driver and carefull press on the outer edge of the plug it will cause the plug to fall out revealing a philips head screw remove that and carefully pull on the part its held in place by pressure clamps.

on the other side with the air vent unscrew the philips head plastic screw a quarter turn and then remove the air vent that part should pull off.

the drivers side is much more complicated if you want instructions on it let me know

[htfan1]

Great information! I'll give this a try.

Yes, I will also need the information on removing the driver side (if you have the time). I'll need to get access to it sooner or later.

Thanks again,

Jeff

[Andrew C280]

no problem

ok the drivers side first there is a hex bolt that hold the right side on below the right side of the steering wheel then you need to go to the red handel that is for the hood there are 2 screws there that you need to remove, there is also a data port that has 2 screws holding it in place, i think those are all the screws holding it in place, the data port sides off i takes some playing with to get it off its hard to explain you also need to take the cable off from the hood and remove the steering wheel telescopic lever there is a screw hidden under the emblem and behind the lever it will probally take you about an hour to get it off and you back will be killed buy the time your done. any other questions i have done a mercedes alarm install with factory parts.

[htfan1]

Thank you Andrew! This worked great. The driver side panel came off just as you described.

Can I ask you for a recommendation for placement of the main alarm module? It looks like there may be room in the driver kick panel.

More newbie questions: Where is a good place to access the ignition harness wiring? I can see the wiring harness come out of the ignition switch, however it's not very accessable there.

Which wire in the driver side kick panel should I use for the door lock/unlock? Wiring diagrams on www.the12volt.com show a solid blue (unlock) or black (lock). (There is only one thin solid blue that I can find and many different solid black wires.)

I appreciate your help!

Jeff

[Andrew C280]

the alarm module should be placed behind the instrument cluster

oh yah buy the way i have a mercedes factory replica alarm for sale its all plug and play i want to sell it i will give you a good price works off your infered clicker too way cool

with wireing diagrams and everthing is there super secure.

[htfan1]

Thanks Andrew, my C220 doesn't have infered clicker capabilities (just a key). So, I can't use your alarm. I wish I could!

However, I hope you can still help.

Do you know the exact location of the wire to tap for after market alarm door locks? All wire references mention a solid blue (unlock) or black (lock). There is only one thin solid blue that I can find and many different solid black wires.

Which wire is the central vacuum lock wire? (Sorry - still newbie)

Again, I really appreciate all your patience and assistance!

Jeff

[Andrew C280]

not sure but it might work with out the infered key .

[htfan1]

Without the infered key, I'd still have to use my "old fashion" key. This would defeat the "keyless entry" goal.

Thanks again Andrew! I appreciate your help on the panel removal. Your instructions were excellent.

Thanks,

Jeff