Vince, thanks for doing all the research on this; my wife's 2015 ML is pushing 45k miles, and I've begun research on the project. Every thread I find ends up back at your adventures.
Like you, I really don't want to fight my way through the intake removal and the bulkhead mystery.

Figured I'd change the plugs at 50k, but now may put it off to the full 60k .

Maybe that guy with the injector problem photos will tell us how he popped the middle bulkhead off - but I bet it's a bear also.

Thought the toughest job I would do for awhile would be the rework of the old 300 SE sunroof, but this looks to be MUCH worse.

BTW, I can change the plugs in that old car in five minutes, wearing a white suit!
I guess life averages out over the long haul.

Cheers,
DG