Why don't you borrow some spring compressors from AutoZone? They have a lease tool deal where all you pay is a deposit and you get your deposit back when you take the tool back. So it's free. Better than some coat hangers. If I was you, I'd just remove the wheel and have a friend press down on the control arm in order to get the pad out, but from my experience in changing the springs out of my 16V, you won't have enough room unless you really compress that spring good. Best of luck.

Regards,

Clinton Davis
'86 190E 2.3-16V