Installing Aux fans on my 1993 300E

I went to a few shops/dealers to find out why my 300E was running hot/overheating when I was in traffic or stop with the engine idle and found out from the dealer that the Auxiliary fans were binding up. Looking around for someone to replace it, I got prices anywhere from $675.00 to $800.00. Just looked to easy to cost that much, so I looked around on the internet and found them for $100.00 each; (there are two) so I bought them. Now I have to replace them myself and would like to hear from you guys/gals if there is any tricks or suggestions before I take this on. (First time working on my Mercedes) I worked on other cars (minor repairs) but never a Benz. Thanks for the help.

[Gilly]

I wouldn't recommend it in your case. MB tells you to just pull out the fans with the condensor assembly. I do it without pulling the condensor 'cause i hate opening up the AC system to change the fans, it's a SOB either way.
Gilly

So your saying there is more to replacing these Auxs Fans then just the few screws I see on the other side of the grill? This condensor assembly you speak of, is it the condensor to the AC unit? If so, how does this connect/deal with the actual fans?

[Gilly]

Yes, the A/C condensor, that's what the fans are actually mounted to. The horn and bracket are in the way, the power steering cooling tube is in the way, there are also screws at the top and bottom, as well as the ones on the sides. There are the plastic clips at various locations at the top and botttom, they go into the "shroud" looking part from the front. I needed to take the right headlight out last time I did one, the reason escapes me at the moment. It would help if the center section of the radiator support came off like a 190, but it is 1 piece, adding to the complexity. The bar that the horns mount to has to come off, which you need to study to be sure you are removing the correct bolts. The bottom bolt is rather difficult to manipulate screwing it in and out. The reason you need to get the plastic shroud off is that the side bolts, if I remember correctly, 1 on each side has a nut inside the fan frame, the other 1 on each side screw directly into threads in the metal. You need to get on the nut with a wrench to keep it from turning. You will end up pulling forward on the lower edge of the bumper to get the bottom bolts off of the fan assembly, as I recall the back of my hand was rubbed raw from doing this job, it's a real toughy.....
Gilly

Thank you for the heads up. Maybe I will try to call the mechanic that is listed in the Good MB shop forum section.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=12538
Since I have already ordered the parts I hope they will still install them for me; at a good price!! Anyway, thanks again.

[TCCBass]

Is the front of your car different than a 92? I took both of mine out...was fairly easy. Pull out the plugs for the cover, and it pulls out. After undoing the bolt for the horn, it AND the power steering line pushed themselves out and let me have pretty easy access. I know the cars changed somewhat, but my A/C lines didn't go through the fans. I would consult the book on that one. Maybe they changed drastically from 92-93... I needed an 8mm wrench and socket, and a 10mm socket, and some patience (the latter being the most expensive)

Pulling out the book is a great suggestion. I have also left messages for two independents in my area asking for price quotes. Depending on what they come in at $$$$ maybe a great motivation to replace them myself. I'll let you know what the est. come in at.