Just an update. A friend of mine knows a tech that works at MB in Dallas. According to him, there are several steps required to remove this oil pan.

1. Disconnect motor mounts
2. Disconnect 4 bolts on transmission mounting bracket (very important step)
3. Raise the motor about 2 inches
4. Remove bolts on oil pan and drop pan as much as possible
5. Inspect counter-balance weight on crankshaft and make sure that it is in the "up" position. (rotated away from the oil pan. If not, turn crankshaft by hand from bolt on front of motor until it is. Also a very IMPORTANT step!)
6. Remove and clean oil pan, lay down a bead of high temp (preferably Mercedes) RTV sealant on the oil pan, position gasket on pan, lay down second bead of RTV sealant on gasket.
7.. Replace oil pan by reversing all steps being VERY CAREFUL not to get sealant on any other areas when replacing. (let it dry about 10 min before attempting to replace).

It's supposed to be tight but very do-able. I will update further after I have tried all these steps. Wish me luck!