Changing diff. fluid on my 95 SL500. So far have not been able to loosen fill plug or drain plug. Have 14mm hex 1/2" drive socket but no room for rachet handle, or wobble, or extension so I have put 14mm closed end wrench over hex socket then inserted hex socket into plug. Straining, grunting, moaning, crying, and using hammer to pound on closed end wrench handle but cannot get either loose yet. Have sprayed liberally with WD-40 and will let it sit overnight to see if this helps.

Any other ideas on penetrating oil or tricks that may help?

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95 E420 ( 76K) SOLD
85 380SE(125k)
95 SL500(72k)

Hi gary, i haven't worked on a SL500, but i do remember not having much room in my 97 E420 either.

there are a few things you can try,

1. get a product called "pb blaster" and spray liberally on the bolts

2. jack the car up or put it on ramps, and then use a 25" breaker bar.

3. use a 8" ratchet and a floor jack to break the bolt loose. does that make sense? rest the ratchet on the floor jack, and then raise the jack very slowly until the bolt comes loose. this outta do the trick.

4. last resort, you could rent an impact wrench (at least 300 ft lb torque) and carefully break the bolt loose.

g/l, and be sure to loosen the fill bolt first!

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Current cars:
2001 MB E55 AMG
2003 Honda S2000
2000 Honda CRV

Gone but not forgotten:
2004 BMW 325i 5sp sport
1999 BMW 540i sport
1997 MB E420
1995 BMW M3 coupe

Not being very strong, I always use an impact and have no problem with them.

Thanks, ProV1, I have used PB Blaster a long time ago on a TR-6..I'll get some, and hopefully won't have to get more drastic. Yes, its about the same as your E420 was and the 95 E420 I had. The problem is the hex socket is a little too long and there is no room to attach the ratchet. I might have to consider cutting off a little of the hex.

Why do I spend the time and effort to do this when my indie could do it for about $30.00. ( because I can and $30.00 will cover winter rate greens fees)

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95 E420 ( 76K) SOLD
85 380SE(125k)
95 SL500(72k)

LOL there u go! hit 'em straight,

__________________
Current cars:
2001 MB E55 AMG
2003 Honda S2000
2000 Honda CRV

Gone but not forgotten:
2004 BMW 325i 5sp sport
1999 BMW 540i sport
1997 MB E420
1995 BMW M3 coupe

If you can position yourself so that you can use leg power instead of arm power, that has worked for me. Put a wrench on there and if you can't get a breaker bar on it, try pushing with your foot and give it all you've got.

Len

Len: yes I'll give that a try too. I just soaked the plugs with PB Blaster and will let sit overnight and give it a try tomorrow.

__________________
95 E420 ( 76K) SOLD
85 380SE(125k)
95 SL500(72k)