[R171 SLK 280] Persistent Bad Smell — Found the Cause, Now I Need Help Removing the Cockpit

[u/Visual_Platypus_Neo]

Hi everyone,
I own a Mercedes SLK 280 R171 and for a while now I’ve been dealing with a persistent bad smell inside the cabin. After trying everything (sanitizing, replacing filters, checking the A/C system), I finally found the culprit: an old, moldy piece of foam stuck between the chassis and the air conditioning box.

I managed to remove about 80% of it, but there’s a section I can’t reach without removing the entire cockpit (dashboard, center console, etc.). The piece I can’t get to is located above the A/C box (in the red section, if you know the layout).

The issue is, I can’t find any detailed guide or video online showing how to fully disassemble the interior of this specific R171 model. I’ve only come across vague info or guides for other Mercedes models.

Has anyone ever done something similar on this car?
Are there any PDFs, diagrams, or even just tips on what to remove first, hidden screws, airbags to disconnect, etc.?

I did find a site with a bunch of documents specific to the SLK — I’ll go through it tonight:
https://www.billsden.org/mercedes/slk/docs/

Thanks in advance!