I've done it the way you mention. Now, since there is only this one bushing to replace, I Am trying to avoid doing the whole thing.
Quoting from your post - "The replacement bushing was manufactured with a black plastic (ABS?) insert. When tightening to the specified torque the insert crushed under pressure. I purchased new bushings from mercedes which had the metal insert and everything went fine"
What did you choose to do when the above happened - Did you remove the whole bracket again to redo the bushing ?
This goes back to my original question - Is it possible (what tool) to replace the bushing without removing the bearing bracket itself ? Hopefully someone can chime in.....
Bye