Spring compressor is required. Your friend has no clue what he is talking about. Even with the spring compressor its pretty hairy. If that spring gets loose it can take out a brick wall (happened before) so better believe it can take off you head.

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1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
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OBK #42