M119 Oil Pan Removal

[bobs]

Hello All. Recently I have noticed that my S420 has been developing an oil leak. So I crawl under the car and poke around a bit and I find that it's the lower oil pan gasket. It looks like this has been a problem in the past because I can see where the PO had smeared RTV sealant all over it.

I have done a gasket or two on previous rides so I know that this is definitely in the realm of my DIY skills. I thought so at least until I fired-up WIS to get the torque values and discovered that you have to hoist the engine to get the pan off! Access to the front three bolts is blocked by a frame cross-member and the only way to get them out is to raise the engine up a few inches to be able to get a wrench in there.

So now comes the question: I don't have an engine hoist. Is there an alternate procedure I can use to get the bolts out without having to raise the engine? Or do I a) suck it up, go get a hoist, and do the job by the book, or b) bring it in and have it done?

Alldata shows book time as 3.1 hours for the lower and 16.7 for the upper, so if I take it in it will not be a cheap undertaking.

I'd appreciate any advice you could offer.

[mbdoc]

At dealer we remove bolts on the right motor mount, raise the engine with a jack & that gives enough room to use a 1/4" drive flex allen.

[bobs]

Thanks, Doc. One follow-up question: Where's the best place to put the jack? Can I just use the motor mount bracket itself?