I'm changing my original W124 headlights to Euro lights. I need to see what type of a wrench could get into the area to take out the 8mm screw out near the radiator fan shown here as figure 18.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Mercedes-W124/20-ELEC-Headlight_Assembly_and_Bulb_Replacement/20-ELEC-Headlight_Assembly_and_Bulb_Replacement.htm


The author of that article says "use care", but what I need is a proper tool to get that off without having to take the radiator fan assembly off.

1991 300d, 222k

I don't see why you couldn't just use a normal 8mm wrench. Just use the closed end of the wrench, they are normally bent enough to accommodate bolts that are slightly recessed like that.

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Milan Brown 1979 240D, rebuilt OM617.952 turbo diesel, rebuilt 722.315 transmission (my only daily driver)

Instagram: @maximed93

If it is a hex head (hard to tell from the picture) Max is correct that using the closed end of an 8mm wrench is the way to go. If the bolt has a Phillips head the best tool is an offset Phillips head screwdriver.

A regular box end wrench won't work. You get it in there and the head of the bolt (which is a standard 6 sided bolt head) is recessed in. A regular wrench can't reach it.

I did find some deep splined wrenches like this. I hate to buy a whole set (or even just one since they're $44 for one) because I'll probably never use this type of a wrench again.

https://www.amazon.com/Steelman-Pro-96748-Reversible-Ratcheting/dp/B00AAKJ3AI

Why not pull the fan?

__________________
Milan Brown 1979 240D, rebuilt OM617.952 turbo diesel, rebuilt 722.315 transmission (my only daily driver)

Instagram: @maximed93

I'm trying to avoid more work and potentially breaking parts and not being able to get it back in right, etc.

But I might end up having to pull the fan.

If the choice is a $45 wrench or 30 minutes to remove a fan, the choice should be obvious. Aux fan isn't too tough to do if I remember correctly. Haven't touched a W124 in about 8 years, so kind of tough to remember.

__________________
Milan Brown 1979 240D, rebuilt OM617.952 turbo diesel, rebuilt 722.315 transmission (my only daily driver)

Instagram: @maximed93

There are little tiny wrenches, Sears Craftsman No. 94306 8-Piece Open End Ignition Wrench SAE Set. Worked like a champ because it has a funny head end to it.

With that wrench, I was able to take the screw just barrrrrely out of the headlight but it still wouldn't come out of its place due to the radiator fan being there which was ok because that way it didn't get lost. If you're careful, you can get the headlight assembly out and an angle and put the new on in its place. Once the new one is in, you'll have to look to see about where the screw goes into the new headlight and position the headlight back far enough so the screw will hit the hole. Once you know the screw is close to the hole, start turning the screw and if you have the headlight close enough to the right spot, the screw will eventually catch into the hole and you're home free.