having searched the forum myself for advice on that particular issue that seems to be the general consensus. scared me a bit also but very little bending was needed to gain clearance so just do it carefully and you should be fine. channel locks is exactly what i used.

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Current fleet
2006 E320 CDI
1992 300D - 5speed manual swapped

former members
1984 300D "Blues Mobile"

1978 300CD "El Toro"