I haven't done a lot of strut work but it seems like a whiz wheel and air hammer are necessary tools in most of these jobs. The parts have a nasty habit to rust and fuse together. I have not yet done one of those jobs on a mercedes but I helped my friend on his old crx one time and he was going to wait for his neighbor so he could get the air hammer!

Good Luck. Drilling will work since you most likely want to replace all the bolts, washers, strut, etc. As long as you don't damage the attach points you are cool!