Transmission doesn't want to let go of car
 

So I bought a wrecked 95 e320 wagon with a good tranny. I've got the tranny supported, drained, all vacuum and electrical disconnected, all torque converter bolts out (6)' all housing bolts out (is there one above the starter on the driver side? I took the two out that hold the starter on and now that's in my hand) the tranny mount is out. I figure at this point the only thing holding on is either a bolt that I'll have to dismantle the engine intake to get to, or its just the gasket feeling extra strong from time and pressure.

the FSM just says "detach transmission". Thanks for the that Von Helmut.

could be stuck a little beat with soft hammer.

Russian EPC says there are 8 screws holding the transmission to the engine. How many have you removed?

There shouldn't be a gasket fitted between transmission and engine.

maybe this helps (see lso the diagram on p9)

http://www.w124performance.com/docs/mb/W124/trans_removal.pdf

If its still mated to the engine housing, there is still a bolt left :)

Just when you think you have them all out, there is still one more in a worse spot to reach. Soon as they are out, it should shift back without any issue. Getting it completely free may need some wiggling, but it will go a few inches back easy.

Go ahead and make it easy on yourself (if you haven't already) and raise the oil pan with a jack and some wood to drop the transmission down. It will also save you on reinstall too.

Well, if there is a bolt left, I'll have to pull the intake to get to it. I'll check this evening and see what I can see when I'm not battle weary from all the other parts:)

That bolt is the one that is usually a problem, Most people undo the engine mount bolts and raise the engine hence lowering the gearbox to get a more clear access to the bolt and then use really long extensions to undo it.

You don't need to remove the intake. Raise the engine (I didn't remove engine mounts although it may make it even easier) and get it with long extensions. It's the only way.

So let it be written, so let it be done. Raising the engine is easy. Long extension from above the car or below it?

Below. When we say long extension, we mean like 3 of them...

You do it above the transmission when its lowered down a little. Extensions need to reach all the way from the flex disk to the bellhousing :) No other place will you have any torque or space to do it. Best of luck! You are on the last stretch for removal now. Once that's out, it should be easy to remove. (make sure you undid all lines!)

I think I can get that far. I just want to make sure the third says "made in the USA". First two I know say that:).

Last one I did; I think an E28, I spun the 24" 1/2" extension so the lettering wrapped around it. Make sure you use quality tools!

I've had some pretty good success using this ratchet in tight spots. You can twist the handle to take up slack and get good torque when you otherwise would not be able to. I'm not sure it it would help out with this particular final bolt, but it has come through for me on others.
3/8" Drive Speed Socket Wrench

Now that would be a good picture to post!

Its craftsman for me. I spent weeks researching the best tools. Craftsman is still made in the USA for the most part, and are honest when their tools aren't. So I just make sure it says USA on everything I buy....higher quality from there goes to Snap-on, and S&K. There are alot of tools still made in the USA, Sears just happens to be local and so if something breaks (which is usually doesn't) I can just go over and they will hand me another one.

On a side note, I have yet to be disappointed with any of the Kobalt hand tools from Lowe's, made in Taiwan, lifetime warranty, supposedly the same quality as craftsman. I bought 10mm and 8mm ratcheting box end wrenches from Lowe's for some carb work I was doing. They are Kobalt, and they are admittedly my favorite tools. I haven't found the craftsman equivalent.

outside of those two, I've broken pretty much all of my taiwan tools. I have a bucket of broken taiwan extensions, they will go with the great scrap metal trip at the end of this Tranny Adventure, along with the donor wagon body, after I have my way with the glass, interior and engine.