Transmission fluid and filter change big PITA on a 94 E420.
 

I've read how quick and easy this job is on a W124 but I'm sure nobody who said that did it on a V8. The exhaust crossover pipe is just under the front of the pan so its a major struggle to remove it. Even worse to get it back. And don't get me started about the torque converter drain plug. It's smack in the center and above that crossover pipe so you have to fab a allen wrench to fit. Getting it back in is even worse and took probably a whole hour to do. Took at least 4 hours total to put everything back together and I haven't even refilled as it got dark by then.

there are tools that make that job a snap.a quarter inch drive universal 5mm allen socket with a long extension works like a champ.

There is noooo way you can use a socket on the torque converter drain plug. Just no room. Maybe an inch from the drain plug to the crossover pipe. A regular allen wrench won't work either. Had to cut the short end off of one to get it to fit. Getting it back is even worse since you can only turn the wrench 60 degrees at a time. Had to use a magnet and a paperclip to get it started. Maybe this is just my car but have you done this on an E420?

yes i did this on a e420 not three days ago.we are talking about a very compact little quarter inch universal socket with a small piece of 5mm allen fitted to the end of it.the whole thing is less than 1 inch long.

When that pipe is pulled out a good tech knows to position it as far forward as possible when tightening it back down. If it is tightened where it wants to hang, there will be very little room to service the trans.:cool: