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Mercedes-Benz E-Class: How to Remove Dash Trim

Removing the interior trim of your W212 E-Class might sound intimidating, but it's actually quite simple. You will need a few basic tools and a bit of free time to complete the process.

By Kate Halse - June 2, 2015
Contributors: mb techman

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2009-Present).

Fortunately, Mercedes-Benz has constructed the interior trim pieces to be user friendly. In fact, you can successfully remove your E-Class' dash trim without any prior experience. With a few simple tools and some extra time, you can easily swap out the interior trim of your W212 with something more befitting to your taste. In this article, we've provided the steps to properly remove your vehicle's interior trim. Installing the new one is exactly the opposite of removing the old one, and just as simple.

Materials Needed

  • Trim removal tool
  • T20 Torx screwdriver
  • Pick

Step 1 – Remove the driver side trim

At the top of the driver side lower dash panel are three T20 Torx screws. Remove the screws and pull out the panel slightly. Free the wire harnesses clipped to the inside of the dash panel and unplug the wire connectors. Then completely remove the panel and set it aside. Use a trim removal tool to pry out the A/C vent from the left side of the vent's trim.

  • Figure 1. Remove Torx screws from the lower dash.
  • Figure 2. Detach wire harness from the lower dash.

Step 2 – Remove the center and passenger side trim

Open the glove box. Use a pick to undo the clips holding the top center light and compartment liner in place. With the clips undone, gently pull out and loosen the bottom side of the trim directly above the glove box. Do not attempt to remove the trim as it is still connected to the A/C vent.

Move to the center console trim and use the trim removal tool to pry it out from the left side of the vent. Pull out but do not completely remove the trim. Unplug the three wire connectors behind the clock.

Move back to the passenger side vent and gently undo the clips on the top side of the glove box trim. Remove the entire trim piece and set it aside.

  • Figure 3. Remove the center console trim piece.
  • Figure 4. Remove the passenger side trim piece.

Step 3 – Remove the instrument cluster trim

Use the trim removal tool to undo three clips on the top side of the instrument cluster's surrounding panel. There are two more clips on each bottom corner of the panel. Pull the top of the panel forward until you hear the bottom clips snap out and remove the panel.

Figure 5. Un-clip the instrument cluster panel.

Step 4 – Remove the steering column trim

With the instrument cluster's panel removed, simply use your hands to pull out the surrounding steering column plastic trim. Start removing the trim from above the column and work your way down using the trim removal tool to detach the side clips.

Figure 6. Remove the steering column trim piece.

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