NEVREM

This happened to me also.
I called and talked to a Mercedes Tech. He asked how old the lower rubber bushing ( item # 95 )was. I told him it was original. At this time I think 17 years old.
He told me that the lower rubber seal had hardened and that I had to dig it out with a small screwdriver ( actually It broke apart in pieces) to get it to allow the lower tube to rotate towards the horizontal some more, to allow the 2 tubes to release. I needed that 1/16 inch more movement, as you do. Digging out the lower rubber bushing will allow this movement. I did this and they came out. REMEMBER I had the oil pan off. So any rubber debris that fell, did not go in the oil pan.
Once the tubes are out the new rubber is quite soft and you can install the lower Orings and rubber "gasket". Because they are softer the tube will rotate towards the horizotal sufficently to allow the tubes to mate.

Dave

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car