I replaced my radiator last year. The tabs at the bottom make for a tight fit when going back in. I was able to slip mine past the fan and I only slightly bent a few of the fins on the radiator, which were easily straightened once the radiator was fully in.

In retrospect, the motor mounts on my car were probably flat and needed replaced at the time. This probably caused the fan to be angled down. I don't know if it would have been more difficult or less difficult with new motor mounts. I guess you could take the fan off, but that's a pain to get it back on, once the radiator is in place.

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1993 400E, 256,000 miles (totaled)
1994 E420, 200,000+ miles
1995 E420, 201,000 miles