how to remove a-pillar trim on convertible?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
A205 C180 & R170 200K
how to remove a-pillar trim on convertible?
How do you remove the a-pillar trim on A205 convertible?
I can't find this anywhere on the web, so I'm hoping someone here has access to factory/dealer docs...
The a-pillar trim on the convertible is different from sedans and coupes, it's a single piece of plastic from the dashboard all the way to the dome light. I will probably have to remove the sun visors first, but don't know how to do that either. Or the dome light.... the goal is to install a dashcam. Thank you in advance.
I can't find this anywhere on the web, so I'm hoping someone here has access to factory/dealer docs...
The a-pillar trim on the convertible is different from sedans and coupes, it's a single piece of plastic from the dashboard all the way to the dome light. I will probably have to remove the sun visors first, but don't know how to do that either. Or the dome light.... the goal is to install a dashcam. Thank you in advance.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
A205 C180 & R170 200K
I've managed to install the camera, so here are some notes for future generations 
1) if you need switched (accessory) power, you won't find it in the passenger footwell fuse box. All fuses there are constant power. You need to run the camera cable to the trunk or (like me) to the driver's side dashboard fuse box
2) the rain sensor / ACC cover above the rear view mirror is very easy to remove and run wires under - just insert something between the cover and the windshield and it pops off
3) running the cable around the windshield would be much easier with A-pillar removed, but it's not necessary. You can tuck the cable behind the trim with some force.
4) the hardest part of the job was running the cable from the driver's side dashboard fuse box to the windshield (through the bottom part of the A-pillar trim). The fuse box cover hides a hole that leads to the A-pillar trim. I've taped the USB cable to a hard piece of wire and poked inside the hole until I reached the windshield under the A-pillar trim. Then I used pliers to pull the cable out. It was very frustrating and took almost two hours - I recommend figuring out how to remove the A-pillar trim and doing it that way.
1) if you need switched (accessory) power, you won't find it in the passenger footwell fuse box. All fuses there are constant power. You need to run the camera cable to the trunk or (like me) to the driver's side dashboard fuse box
2) the rain sensor / ACC cover above the rear view mirror is very easy to remove and run wires under - just insert something between the cover and the windshield and it pops off
3) running the cable around the windshield would be much easier with A-pillar removed, but it's not necessary. You can tuck the cable behind the trim with some force.
4) the hardest part of the job was running the cable from the driver's side dashboard fuse box to the windshield (through the bottom part of the A-pillar trim). The fuse box cover hides a hole that leads to the A-pillar trim. I've taped the USB cable to a hard piece of wire and poked inside the hole until I reached the windshield under the A-pillar trim. Then I used pliers to pull the cable out. It was very frustrating and took almost two hours - I recommend figuring out how to remove the A-pillar trim and doing it that way.
Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 95
Likes: 21
From: Plano, TX
2017 C300 Coupe (C205)
I was considering mounting my dashcam on the back side of the COMAND screen.
It doesn't have a screen, is small (3.5" long x 1" round), and I could run the cable around the console (though it might block the ambient lighting).
If you had this option, did you consider it?
If so, what reason did you have to not do so?
TIA, and thanks for the great info on how to get power.
I'm certain it'll come in handy for many.
It doesn't have a screen, is small (3.5" long x 1" round), and I could run the cable around the console (though it might block the ambient lighting).
If you had this option, did you consider it?
If so, what reason did you have to not do so?
TIA, and thanks for the great info on how to get power.
I'm certain it'll come in handy for many.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
A205 C180 & R170 200K
I haven't considered mounting the dashcam behind the COMMAND screen, because my model has a screen and control buttons at the bottom, so I would have to mount it upside down. However I do have a phone holder/charger right next to the COMMAND screen and run the USB cable around the console to the USB ports... it blocks ambient lightning on the driver's side, which I don't mind and it works extremely well. Stays in place with absolutely no adhesives and it's invisible.
