It's a PITA but after you do it once or twice it gets easier.

I always fill the little gear box on the motor up with grease and grease every moving part I can on the regulator before I reinstall. Difference is usually night and day when it's all back together.

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08 R320 CDI current

Past
95 E420
87 300D Turbo 5spd
90 300TE
83 300SD
85 300TD
92 400E
85 190D