Octavia Mk3 Combi – C-pillar trim won't clip back in (rear side airbags)

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping someone here who has worked on the interior trim of an Octavia Mk3 Combi can help me out.

I have a 2018 Skoda Octavia Mk3 (5E) Combi/Estate, equipped with the optional rear side airbags in the leather-covered bolsters next to the rear seats.

While installing an aftermarket reversing camera and routing the wiring through the car, I accidentally dislodged the right C-pillar trim. I've spent quite some time trying to refit it, but I can't get it to sit properly.

The main problems are:

- The rear section of the C-pillar won't clip properly into the upper right luggage-compartment trim.

- The lower front corner, where the C-pillar meets the plastic wheel-arch trim and leather-covered side-airbag bolster, isn't sitting correctly.

- I've tried repositioning the trim, but there doesn't seem to be enough clearance to align the locating tabs and clips properly.

I've purchased the official Skoda workshop manual (General Body Repairs, Interior – Octavia III, Edition 08.2018). According to the manual, the complete factory removal procedure involves removing the lower wheel-arch trim, which on vehicles equipped with rear side airbags requires removing the airbag assembly.

I'd really like to avoid removing the leather-covered airbag bolster, especially after reading about other owners struggling to refit its upper retaining hook.

My plan is to:

1. Remove the right D-pillar trim.

2. Release the fasteners securing the right luggage-compartment side panel.

3. Pull the boot-side panel away just enough to gain access, without removing it completely.

4. Fold the rear seat backrest down to gain more working room.

5. Carefully realign and refit the C-pillar, leaving the leather airbag bolster untouched.

My questions are:

- Has anyone successfully refitted the C-pillar on an Octavia Mk3 Combi using this approach?

- Can the right luggage-compartment side trim be loosened enough without removing the leather-covered rear side-airbag bolster?

- How exactly should the lower front corner of the C-pillar fit against the wheel-arch trim? Does it slide behind it, overlap it, or engage with a separate clip?

- Is there a particular order for engaging the C-pillar's locating guides and clips during reassembly?

I've attached photos showing the gaps at both ends of the C-pillar.

Any advice, detailed photos or experience from someone who has done this job would be hugely appreciated. I'd like to get everything back together properly without breaking more clips or disturbing the airbag assembly.

Thanks in advance!