Im not doubting your experience with your car wimmutt, but on my 82 I didn't need a compressor. I can pop my rear springs out in 30 minutes now. Now that means I have to drop the subframe at the front point, unbolt the shocks, disconnect the calipers etc, but it can be done.

What could be different between years? I know you have the performance springs, but they are shorter, no?

I was told by whunter this DIY applied to both the 126 and the 123, and indeed it does.

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W126RearShocksSprings

That being said, I need to get a comprsesor anyways for my fronts.

dd

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'85 300D, 'Lance',250k, ... winter beater (100k on franken-Frybrid 3 Valve Kit)
'82 300D, 'Tex', 228k body / 170k engine ... summer car
'83 300TD Cali Wagon 210k, wife's car