I have a leak at the gasket which meets the pump; i removed both torx bolts holding the reservoir to the engine (E10 and E12) and loosened the hose clamps. However, there is a C shaped brass clip, inserted with the open end facing the passenger side, holding the end of the reservoir to the pump. Does anyone know how to remove it? Do I need a special tool? Thanks. Car is 1999 clk320.

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87 300e (white/black; amg body kit)
88 300ce (red/cream; amg body kit)
93 300ce cabrio (white/blue/blue top)
93 300ce cabrio (black/grey/black top)
98 ml 320 (totaled @ 137,000 miles)
99 clk320 (black/grey/black top)

You can leave the hoses connected, and just remove the E10 bolt. I use a large pick to get under the clip and pry it out. I then use 90 deg angled needlenose pliers to put it back on.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

Success. Thanks for your help, Johnhef. In case anyone else winds up having to do this repair, which probably is pretty common on this w112 engine since it happened on my ml320 too, this is what I did. I took a small screwdriver , with a blade only about 1/8 inch wide, and was able to insert it in the top of the clip, where I found a gap, and levered the clip out. So easy. Unbolted the E10 and pulled out the reservoir. (you were correct the E12 did not hold the reservoir.) After I replaced the old gasket, which had shrunk, I reinserted the reservoir. Initially i tightened the bolt, but it didn't look right where the reservoir meets the pump-I saw too much metal at the end and also noticed the reservoir didn't lie flush against the engine when I went to tighten the bolt-there was about a 1/8th inch gap in both places. I figured this was not a coincidence. I took out my rubber mallet and lightly tapped the reservoir several times, and finally I got it to fit flush against the pump, which also allowed it to lie flush against the engine at the bolt hole. Then I attached the clip merely by pushing it in with a spark plug socket-it was the right size, it was small enough for the limited space and it was strong as it was made of metal-it took only a few seconds. The clip actually slides onto a detent on the pump. Then I tightened the E10, put fresh fluid into the reservoir, and took the car for a ride. No more leak. Wow. The generosity of the more experienced forum members is nothing less than Priceless. Thank you.

__________________
87 300e (white/black; amg body kit)
88 300ce (red/cream; amg body kit)
93 300ce cabrio (white/blue/blue top)
93 300ce cabrio (black/grey/black top)
98 ml 320 (totaled @ 137,000 miles)
99 clk320 (black/grey/black top)