Was your actuator a VDO brand actuator? I notice that those, unlike the original Mercedes-Benz type and other brands have a crimp on the stalk that doesn't allow you to remove the holder and get at the diaphragm.

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'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.