Electric fans certainly have their place, but a mix of factors such as heat loads, reliability and resistance to change is probably why MB used the mechanical ones. To really be right, the airflow should be designed to the fan, shroud and surrounding components. I'm sure you could get it to work, but I don't see a big advantage. IMHO, I'd get a good used one for $100 or less and move on.

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'82 300SD - 361K mi - "Blue"

"Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement."

listen, look, .........and duck.