Don,

I remember getting the belt off being an issue too. I rolled the engine over with the starter after I wedged the belt over the edge of the pulley. Took a couple of shots but it worked. Today I would roll the engine by turning the power steering pump pulley nut. It is very convenient, and you can do it slowly enough to keep the belt heading off the alternator pulley. I do not think it has anything to do with grey market variations, it is just a pain to get the belt off. I actually think getting it back on is a little easier, and using the power steering pump pulley.....there have been cautions against this as the potential to put a bending moment on the shaft of the power steering pump exists and that could cause an expensive part replacement. I have done it a few times now and if you are carefull I think you can avoid damage. The pulley nut is so accessible.

Good luck, and sorry I did not warn you about the limited travel of the set up. Jim

__________________
Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)