[QUOTE=braverichard]My 500SEL has the allen plugs and yes indeed, it did strip... actually, since the plug didn't even move once after I started trying to take it off, I believe they may have been stripped by whoever removed them last.

braverichard:

I'm not sure if you're saying the head is striped or the plug is frozen in place?

If the head is striped, you might have success using what's called a pipe plug socket. I've included an SK tools URL further down that shows what they look like. This socket set comes with different size square ends. I've used these sockets successfully when dealing with allen head and torx heads that were striped. You select one that fits snugly into the head of the bolt and it catches tightly when loosening. The set I've shown is but one of a few. SK has 3/8 and 1/2 drive. I've looked around for other suppliers such as Craftsmen, but have never been able to find them. I had to locate a local SK tool supplier.


http://www.skhandtool.com/productcatalog.cfm?cfid=2155481&cftoken=43938420