MBTC

Can anyone tell me what is involved in replacing the alacantra cloth piece on the drivers side pillar between the door frame/side window and the windshield? I'm talking about where it says airbag. Does the dash need to come off or is it easy to replace?

I had a small cig burn there from flicking ashes out the window, which I have repaired sufficiently enough for now, but I have a feeling that cloth is going to get banged up so I'd like to know if I can replace it or only the dealer (and if the dealer, I don't want to get fleeced on labor).

I have determined the part can be had for about $60, just need to know if this is something I can do without a major effort or not.

Pnthrzrule

Hi MBTC..it's me again...by the way I found out my issue was no snag...it was a cig burn!!! anyway why don't you check w/ the dealer...or are you just not wanting to pay labor. Also...is that $60 quote OEM???

MBTC

Hey Pntherz... you'll have to tell us how the ring snag turned out to be a cig burn, it sounds like an interesting conversation

The $60 someone pointed out to me was Sewells.

I just want to know if I can do it myself before talking to the dealer -- no I don't want to pay labor. They don't really have any motivation to give me a correct answer if it is easy to pop out myself. I figured someone here must have the full service manuals and/or knowledge to answer it quickly.

LEXZEKE

The piece will pop off if you work your finger under the top edge where it contacts the door seal. With one exception, there are two pop in anchors one in the middle and one at the top with a tongue on the bottom that slides into the dash slot. The exception is you have to cut the top anchor after you pull the trim out a little and buy a new one to replace it when you reinstall. The top anchor is a special type made to work with the air bag when it deploys.

MBTC

Thanks Lexzeke! Very helpful.

It sounds like labor would be neglegible even if I got it done at the dealer. I'm thinking of this as something maybe 2-3 years down the road, or maybe even not until I resell it. It's great to know it's so easy to do (and not terribly expensive). Last weekend when the burn happened, I was feeling pretty regretful for having light interior, but finding out how cheap the part is and whats required to replace was a big help.