I am not sure about your 300 but on my 115 240d removing the fan and shroud is required to get to the alt or the ps pump. It saves a lot of time if you have swivel headed gear wench in the correct sizes and only takes a few minutes.
If I remember correctly you unbolt the shroud and slide it back (or maybe lift it up slightly)so you can get to the front of the fan, it is a little tight but doable for most normal sized hands. I don't recall what else saved time, it's been a year since I had to remove then but I had to do it three times in a month. (don't ask)

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Ncnetman
1978 300cd fresh paint
1965 Mustang
1968 Torino GT fastback
2015 VW Passat TDI
1969 Ranchero- project
1974 240d 4-speed -for sale
1976 240d - for sale
1990 6.2 Suburban 194k-getting a 6.5 turbo
2008 Duramax Silverado-totaled
1959 Chev 3100 Fleetside - sold