104 Timing Chain Cover
 

I have a pretty serious oil leak in the right front of my engine. What is the best way to view the timing chain cover seal surfaces - do I need to remove the air filter assembly? view from below not too clear either. Anti-freeze is clear.

The search of the archives was not too helpful.

This is my first MB, owned it for about 3 weeks. Purchase price assumed a head gasket repair - and now I need to develop my go-forward plan - 106K on the clock.:confused: