Steve, OK -- I will not pursue the "drop the car on the pipe" option. I'll do the hammer thing. (A hard rubber mallet should suffice?)

Interestingly enough, when reviewing service records, the idler arm bushing was supposed to have been replaced three years ago, but never was. Would the idler arm issues account for sterring wheel play -- when the car is not in motion?

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2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite

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Gone but not Forgotten:
2001 E430 4matic, 206,xxx miles, Black/Charcoal
1995 E320, 252,xxx miles, Black/Grey
1989 260E, 223,00 miles, Black/Black