Here's an interesting problem. I just received a reproduction tool bag and was installing my tools and discovered the spark plug wrench looks to be 1-1/2" too long. The part number is 0005810587 which looks to be the correct one for a 1970 280SL. Can somebody verify part number and length for a late 250/280SL?
Indeed if you go by what is written in the 250SL/280SL Spare Parts List (Edition C, Jan 1972) then the spark plug wrench should be p/n 0005810587 but as you found out - and I did last week - this wrench at almost 12" is clearly too long for the correct tool bag with snaps. See photo.
I asked John "49er" and his original bag has the shorter length wrench with p/n 0005810687, just like Michael's. Also consulted with Dave Gallon and the original wrench in his 280SL bag is also the shorter 0005810687, and I am now waiting for John L. to tell me when he is home again what the p/n is in his 250SL.
But at this point Dave G and I believe that the entry in the parts list is incorrect, that is, that many 280SL bags were delivered with the shorter 0005810687 wrench. This wrench does have a flexible joint, without a spring around, and a rod for insertion as Michael writes, but fits perfectly.
Anyone out there need a long spark plug wrench?