You may want to do a search on the word "Topsider." Many of us change oil from above. It's easier and cleaner, and your car (and in fact all MB's after the mid-1970s) was designed for its oil to be removed via the dipstick tube. That's the way the dealerships do it, too. You've noticed that the oil filter is designed to be accessed from above -- not an accident ...

Be aware that topside oil changes are considered by some to be heresy, or at least controversial; tests have shown, however, that draining oil via a Topsider or equivalent device removes at least as much oil as the gravity method.

Also, if you do chose to take off and leave off your "noise encapsulation panel" (that's the official name of the fiber panel under the engine), you may shorten the life of one of the driveshaft support bearings, and maybe even the alternator, as the panel helps keep water from the road off those parts.

The service manual is available as a 2 CD-ROM set from many suppliers, probably including Fastlane (our host).

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Steve
'93 400E