I recall doing the VR on my old 190E 2.6 from the top from the passenger side; was too lazy to get under the car and pull the pan.
Either way...its super easy DIY. I didn't disconnect the battery, but probably a good idea.
Oil change is another easy one...buy the MB filter wrench (10-12$ maybe ?), you can remove the filter from the top side of the motor with a long ratchet extension... I bet you can figure out the drain plug.
I'm sure the 190revolution site guys have a detailed DIY for an oil change...if you really need it.
Instrument cluster removal is also easy, you can make a pull tool out of a clothes hanger that slips in the sides of the cluster, not un-like the w124 cluster removal DIY that may be here. Gear change is easy once you expose the back of the odometer.