That's what the manual calls for, the extra few millimeters lets it so back on without a sledge hammer. Still a tight fit. I thought i could get by just loosening some toward the front, but that upper pan doesn't have much flex in it. No sealant is necessary, but if the end of the head gasket is bent on the reinstall, she'lll leak a good bit of oil.

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Earl McLain
'02 C230 Kompressor
'89 560 SEL "Frau BlueCar" (retired April 2004)