Removing trim from inside of C-pillar on E500
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,439
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From: Philadelphia, PA (USA)
2025 E53 Hybrid
Removing trim from inside of C-pillar on E500
I would like to remove the cloth covered trim piece that covers the inside of the C-Pillar on my 2005 E500. This is the section between the headliner and the rear window shelf. I want to route a cable from a backup sensor display indicator to the trunk compartment. It appears that this trim piece just snaps into place. Understanding the way it is fastened in place would help to avoid damaging it while removing it. Any suggestions?
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From: Las Vegas, NV USA / London, UK
GL320CDI / C63 Edition 507 Coupe (EDP) / E63 S (on order) / G500 / Smart Brabus
As with any trim piece, a flashlight will help you see behind the piece as you gently pull it out. Then you can determine what retaining clips are holding it in place.
In the case of this piece, it does not simply snap into place. Towards the front of the car is one clip that must be released. It is round and there are two tabs 180 degrees apart that must be pressed into release this clip. Once this clip is released and the front of the trim piece is loose, you slide the whole thing forwards about 3cm and the locking clip pretty much right in the center of the C pillar should release, as well as the interlocking "feet" that hold the trim piece into the hat tray.
Again, looking behind it with a flashlight will make a whole lot more sense than reading what I wrote.
It is more likely that you will just break the piece out the first time, so you may want to go order another one right now just to be prepared. It's a lot easier to see how it works when it is out of the car.
-s-
In the case of this piece, it does not simply snap into place. Towards the front of the car is one clip that must be released. It is round and there are two tabs 180 degrees apart that must be pressed into release this clip. Once this clip is released and the front of the trim piece is loose, you slide the whole thing forwards about 3cm and the locking clip pretty much right in the center of the C pillar should release, as well as the interlocking "feet" that hold the trim piece into the hat tray.
Again, looking behind it with a flashlight will make a whole lot more sense than reading what I wrote.
It is more likely that you will just break the piece out the first time, so you may want to go order another one right now just to be prepared. It's a lot easier to see how it works when it is out of the car.
-s-
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 540
From: Philadelphia, PA (USA)
2025 E53 Hybrid
Thanks for the tip
I am hopeful that your description of the way to remove the trim piece will help me complete the task without breaking the part. I will post some photos once I figure things out. I did manage to snake a piece of rigid plastic tubing from the trunk compartment to the lower inside corner of the rear window.
