galleryvw

i have a rattle in the wood panel that surrounds my radio and climate control. i don't see any exposed screws or clips, but i'd like to pop it off and give it some double sided tape here and there to cut out the vibrations. does anyone know how to take this wood panel off? i'm sure it's pretty easy (or not) but if anyone knows where the screws are - i'd like to know.

thanks
vince

E-Klasse

You have to pull the stereo and the climate control to see the screws and remove the wood cover.



Use the flat radio removal tools in the slots in the lower corners of each unit.

galleryvw

i don't have those tools - are they just flat blades to fit in the slots on the components? would a screwdriver do the job? Or is it something i could just pick up at an auto parts store (generic to all makes)?

thanks for the info

vince

JohnAMG

No, you have to use the Mercedes radio removal tool which will cost around $10. You stick the wrong thing into those thin slots you may not be able to retrieve anything for a long time.

John

E-Klasse

A nail file or a spark plug gapping tool will work but it has to have a hook on the end to both push the clip back and grab on to it to pull the module out.

galleryvw

i suppose i don't mind dropping $10 on a cool new tool, if you think that's all they run. would the dealership sell such a thing? seems like it would be cutting their own throat to sell one to me!

mbtech208

They'll sell you radio keys, they may have to order them though, I don't know if they keep them in stock. Once you get the radio and A/C controls out, theres just two screws holding the wood trim in.

Fanatic

E-Klasse,

Can you post the part number please XXX 721 957 01. Is the first set "200" or "280"?. thxs.

rob_fed

The factory tool is the best tool for the job. Most people wouldn't fiddle with anything other tool... except for me.

I have removed both the AC controls and radio, numerous times with a Swiss army knife. Actually, any small blace will do. If you can insert the blade into the slot without it binding on the plastic button, then it will work. Basically, slip the blade into the slow, if your are in the left slot pivot the tip of the blade towards the center of the radio/AC control or for the right slot pivot towards fthe center also, the motion will be mirrored.

If you experiment, as you pivot, you can feel the small tang inside push in/out out, it is a spring clip. the small slot in the factory tool allows the tip of the clip to catch on to the tool itself. This allows you to hold the clip in the pushed in position while giving leverage to pull the radio/AC control out.

With the blade method, I am able to release one side a time, but slight pulling the radio/AC control out. I know, it sounds like more trouble than $10 bucks for the factory tool. It really isn't, it sounds more intrusive than it really is.

galleryvw

thanks for the "swiss army method" i'll give that a shot. the trouble of tracking down one of those tools is more of an issue than the $10 - i'd much rather fiddle with little blade than drive all over town!

galleryvw

actually the next issue will be if i have to unplug my stereo to mess with that wood panel to get it to stop rattling. i bought my car used and the original driver didn't bother writing down that silly code to get the radio to work if it looses power. the dash rattle is annoying, but less so than a car without tunes! is there enough wire to set the stereo on the console or dash while i work on the panel?

v

Shane C

Dealer can provide you with the radio code. I think you just need to show proof of ownership. and vin#