interesting - I definitely can't get it out the bottom behind the engine (i.e. towards the cabin) and going forward it seems to run into the fan and one of the hose clips.

I did manage to get the voltage regulator off with the alternator still hanging out in the engine compartment. I'm going to replace that and give it a shot.

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE