Replacing wiper spindles on early 463

Hi people,

Having just replaced the spindles on my 300GES, will post a few pics and info on what I went through, in case it is useful to someone else in the future.

Disclaimer: Please note little if any safety advice is given here, and if you are not comfortable working with your car then don't! There are many differences between the 460 and early 463s, then again between them and the latest 463s, which have airbags and even more electronics to worry about. I don't think I would do this on a 463 with passenger airbag, it comes in the way, and I wouldn't want to risk an explosion, which can easily be lethal. This work is also on a RHD (steering on the right) G.

You'll need a 27mm socket (available at Halfords if your set doesn't come with it) and extension to remove the steering wheel nut. It makes the work easier to remove the steering wheel, instrument binnacle/panel, and glove box.
Remove the wiper arms and the nuts around the spindles on the outside, but be careful not to damage the sheet metal with the tools.
I'd advise getting new round caps when you do the change, if yours are cracked, as it helps keep the water out. Also be sure to grease what's underneath the caps to keep moisture out and provide some lubrication.
Removing the glove box is straightforward, with about 5 plastic holders, which are removed by pushing the small centre bit out, if it is there. If it's been removed before then you might not find one, just prise them out with a flat screwdriver.
For more access, I removed the panel around the ignition key/headlamp level control too. To do this you'll need to remove the black plastic surround below the steering wheel (just 2 screws), then remove the 2 screws holding the wooden panelling in place. The wood strips come out by prising (gently!), as they are just held by push-in connectors. Twist it and bits might come off.

After removing the glovebox you should be able to peer through (might need a light) and see the wiper motor where it hooks up to the moving arms of the mechanism. Undo the 1 nut (don't drop it) to allow the arms to move freely, it will give you room to maneouvre.
The connecting arms are connected by ball joints to the spindles, and they can be prised apart by force. Some people use a large flat screwdriver, or other device to leverage them apart.
I found the hardest part was fitting the new ones on to the sockets, due to not having the right tools. You will find it difficult without a pair of plumbers' pliers, the ones with a multi-position jaw.
I bought one the next day and finished the job, it was fortunate I chose a warm, dry weekend to do the work, to make sure I won't need the wipers.

The job took a long time (~4hrs?) because I did some other stuff on the side, like trying to get to the blower fan to clear out some dried leaves.
In the end it seemed not worth the effort, but I was happy with the wipers.

My leaking problem appeared to be a windscreen problem, not wiper spindles, but well, at least the spindles are good for another 20 yrs or so!