I used a "Bolt-Out" with success...

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Hand+Tools%2C+General+Purpose&pid=00952162000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Bolt-Out%2C+Taps+%26+Dies&BV_SessionID=@@@@1826523248.1152188881@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccjdaddiemkleefcegecegjdghldgfi.0

Tom

On 7/6/06, Cronin, Paul <PCronin@antigenics.com> wrote:
>
> Hi!
>
> This might be a dumb question - I went out to do the first oil change on
> my 88 Wolfsburg this past weekend and was met with a small obstacle.  The
> oil drain plug had been switched out to a 19mm, and with the recessed
> location I was unable to get a socket to actually grip the bolt to remove
> it.  I spoke to the PO and he told me that he had went to the dealership for
> a replacement and that this was given to him.  He thought it was brilliant
> German engineering to prevent over-tightening.  This may be the case, but I
> can't get it off.  The recessed location prevents a wrench from getting a
> hold of it, and a socket simply won't grab it since only a small fraction of
> the bolt is accessible.  The bolt itself has been beat up pretty bad from
> the PO's struggles to remove it, but it's still got the edges.  I have been
> to Home Depot and True Value and can't find a socket that looks any better
> or different than the craftsman I own.
>
> Any ideas?  Is this really a dealership decision, or is the wrong plug?
>
> Thanks!
> Paul
>