I've done it both ways on both the OM603 and the OM606NA. Removal of the fan is easier with the special tools, I would imagine, but not having them, I make do without. Changing the belt with the fan removed is so easy we shouldn't be discussing it.

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970