Just replaced both on my 300SE this weekend together with the rubber boot for the air flow meter. And even with the airflow meter removed it was quit a struggle to get the hose attached to the block off. I can't see how it's possible without removal of the airflow meter.

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1979 Black on Black, 300CD (sold), 1990 Black 300SE, Silver 1989 Volvo 780, 1988 300CE (vanished by the hands of a girlfriend), 1992 300CE (Rescue).