Thermostat Replacement

Hello All,

This is my very first post in the forum! I've just started digging into getting to know my 1983 240D (W123). Never done any mechanical work before and I am excited to try my hand at it.

Thought it was pretty normal for these beasts to take 15 minutes to warm up to operating temperature until I web-educated myself a bit. Thermostat is in the mail and soon I will be attempting to replace the thing with the help of some socket wrenches and possibly a beer. Any pointers?

Thanks!