I am trying to work out why MB would on the 5L 126 place the cranking motor on the rt side along with the exhaust and most of the stearing gear. If I ever get the top bolt free I may have to rebuild the starter in the confines of the engine compartment since I am not sure how to extract the old and get the new one into position. But, I have had the time to find all of leaks as various fluids drop on my face. Actually I really would never think of anything other than one of these great old cars.

__________________
freddie

Sometimes working from further back with ~ 3 ft. of extensions and a socket swivel does the trick on the top bolt. The old starter will usually drop through if you move the steering side to side to find an opening.

__________________
The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)

Thanks, a few feet of extention , a turn of the steering wheel and the starter "almost fell out" .

__________________
freddie