secondchance550

As part of trying to make AC run the way it should I replaced evaporator temp sensor under the dash (no effect) and now ambient temp sensor (conical looking piece) which is inboard of driver side fog lamp. Normally (like my BMW) this trim would pull right out. Evidently not so easy with Mercedes SL... Anyone had success removing this plastic surround?

Rudeney

There are three (or four?) Torx head screws holding each trim panel to the bumper.

secondchance550

Accessible only from the back?

mercy-me

Remove lower panels for access, unplug from the back and pull out the front.

Good luck,

Bob

secondchance550

Thanks!
Glad I didn't keep yanking on fog light trim piece resulting in damage...

Rudeney

The fog light trim bolts are removed from the front. They are well "camouflaged" in the honeycomb pattern of the plastic.

secondchance550

Perhaps for 2003-2006. I looked it over carefully and no camouflaged bolt hole on the front. Factory service direction is to access from behind also.

Either way, I expect iCarsoft MBII this evening. I am hoping the scanner will be able to tell me which sensor and/or module is malfunctioning.

Rudeney

Mine is a MY2007 SL550 and I removed the fog light trim to make it easier to put clear bra on the lenses (see photo below for the bolts). But I suspect what you are trying to remove is the lower grille, not the fog light bezel. You may be able to reach the temperature probe through the fog light. If not, then remove the lower engine cover to access the lower grille from behind.

secondchance550

This is interesting. I am trying to remove the same trim except mine looks a bit different and has hexagonal pattern. I will post up a pic later. Mine definitely doesn't have bolts accessible from the front.

Rudeney

What model year is your car? II know they did a slight facelift for MY2009, so if yours is earlier, it could be different. If it's an open mesh style, then it connects from behind.

secondchance550

Mine is a 2007. I don't know enough of these cars. This may be replacement bumper from different year...

Rudeney

OK, I think this is how to remove it:

http://benzbits.com/R230/FogLight.pdf

Ignore the notation about it being for MY2009 and later - that is incorrect. I can tell you that MY2009 and later uses the Torx bolts (as in my photo above)