To whom it may concern;
Pistons will have to come out the top. The manual says so and besides,the main bearing holders protrude enough and will not allow the piston to be removed from the bottom. If you think the pistons can be removed from the bottom, then you evidently have never rebuilt a Mercedes engine. I called a friend in Falmouth,Ky. and he agrees with me. I even checked a couple of blocks in my shed. There is no way that piston is coming out the bottom.
Larry is right about the ridge at the top of the cylinder.If its enough of a ridge that you can feel,then you will need to have the sleeves bored for oversize pistons, or replace the sleeves and install new standard size pistons.If you do all this,you will wind up with a rebuilt engine that is good as a new one.Costly? Yes.
If I can be of more help,just let me know.Glad to help.
Bill Lewallen Lexington,Ky.