Years ago, when replacing a axle half-shaft in a 240d I couldn't get the old one out, because it wouldn't clear the suspension. After a bit of calling around I talked to a mechanic at the Mercedes dealership in Bangor (Maine). He said that the trick was to unbolt the part (can't remember exactly what) that limited how far down the suspension could travel. As I remember (this was at least 10 years ago) I supported the outer suspension with a jack while the chassis was on stands, then unbolted the travel limiter, and lowered the jack and suspension a little (maybe an inch or two) until the half-shaft's outboard end could clear.
Dunno if this is specific to certain years or models.
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