Where to get 12 point socket?
 

I am in the middle of replacing my 1995 E320 head and thought that I had the correct 12 point 'socket', which is not really a socket, from Autozone but found out that I do not. I have read that people have seen them at Autozone but my local had no idea what I was talking about.

Is there any chance that there is a local place for me to get this incredibly important tool? I read one thread where the 12 point broke as he was using it to tighten the head down and really wrecked his day with shrapnel flying all over the place. I'll even go to the local Mercedes place if I have to.

Thanks very much,
Jim Lee
1995 E320 Wagon

I use a torx

Your local autozone guys are worthless. It's an extremely common tool for head bolts on Mercedes, BMW, Honda, Volvo . . . XZN "triple square" driver

6 point Torx will usually strip the 12 point hole......

You'll be able to get the socket from a Snap-On tool rep. My mechanic just got one to use on the rod nuts for my rebuild.

12mm xzn for head bolts?
 

Ok. I think that I am with you on the XZN stuff. What I don't get though is why the largest of the 6,8,10,12 set that I saw at Autozone did not fit into my head bolt. It is the 12mm that should fit a head bolt for a 1995 E320 right? The 10mm was way to small and the 12mm seemed like it would not fit unless it was tapped at least a little. Is 12mm the right size XZN?

Thanks,
Jim Lee

NAPA 12mm Serrated Wrench, part # SER2306, $7.09 + tax. It's a 12 point (triple square) that you can use with a 1/2 '' socket. This worked out great with my 1/2'' drive breaker bar and a 1/2'' 6 point impact wrench socket.

I taped the 12mm wrench to the socket so it wouldn't fall out when I was going from bolt to bolt.

My local Autozones have it hanging on the shelf. Same size I used for axle-bolts on my quattro.

foreign auto parts store
 

I went to the local high quality foreign auto parts store. They were very familiar with it. As suggested, I would think a better stocked NAPA would have it also or can order it.

Does anyone know what millimeter size 12 point/XLN is needed to remove the control arm on an '87 300e? Thanks.

FYI, I called a local mb dealer parts dept, and was told they typically are 12 mm.

I think MB dealer was wrong; for test purposes I tried inserting a hex bolt - 10mm was too big & 8 mm too small. Hence, I believe proper size is 9mm xln. Does anyone who has replaced a rear suspension link know for sure? Thanks.