Removing engine temperature sender (green) on 300e
 

I wanted to remove this sensor to see if a new one would increase the engine's power between cold start and operating temperature, per a suggestion on this Forum last week. I practiced on my parts car, with the following results: This is the last sensor, the one closest to the firewall, and space is at a premium. Unlike removing other sensors I couldn't get a deep socket over the head of the sensor, as there was not enough clearance with the valve cover gasket. Worse, I bent and cracked one of the green plastic prongs (is this fatal?). However, what I did do was to unbolt the engine hook at the rear of the engine (two allen heads) so I could slide the hook out of the way, and then unbolt the channel for the engine wiring harness; then I managed to fit a thin, 21mm open-end wrench through the opening between the fuel injectors so I could get the wrench around the sensor head and turn, which loosened the sensor so I could twist it out. Is there an easier was to remove this sensor?

Also, any tips on removing the hose beneath the sensor (mine is about to leak)? Thanks.

Yes, you can take a 22 mm deep socket and cut away half of it. It will still be plenty rigid to do the job.

I'm trying to diagnois a cold starting problem so I dealt with that sensor the other day.

I happened to have a socket cut away which I had to make to do some other job that needed such a socket.