Originally Posted by Hirnbeiss

Given your 1000+ posts, I have to assume you're not a stranger to DIY. If you can handle a valve cover job, then you're 80% there. On my '95, what I recall being critical was pulling out the threaded dowel (using a bolt and stack of washers) to allow the cover to be seated properly without disturbing the new gasket. The only other thing is deciding whether to use a lot of sealant or a little: I've heard varying opinions from different MB mechanics.