I put the front of my car up slightly on jack stands and caught the coolant in my 2 gal car wash bucket. I didn't attach anything to the plug and I barely spilled any. I used a 1/2 inch drive ratchet, medium extension and a short 19mm. It fit perfectly. Draining the block is simple and worth the trouble.

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D.H.

04 ML500
02 E430

Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.