To restate the obvious, Benzmac was right! It was a real serious PITA (used my 6 yr. old daughter to weasle a few screws into place-gotta love those tiny little hands), but I got it done without opening the A/C or cooling systems. Had to pop all the rivets that hold the electric fan shroud (headlights came out too), remove the inner viscous fan shroud upper half, and pop the clips that hold the radiator and condenser. This allowed enough movement to carefully bend back the outer shroud and pull the fan out (4 mounting bolts, 8mm). Carefull not to maul the condenser!

All's cool now-thanks for the support compadres.

__________________
"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo