Well, I was able to unbolt the fan but it turned out useless because the fan clutch was still in the way. I'll order that stubby socket and hopefully I won't need the water pump pulley holder. While I have the fan removed I'll also replace the belt since it looks like it's about to snap.

Hi,
You can unbolt the fan clutch if you have a good "L" shape allen wrench - it has to be of good quality. You need also some extension, long one ( I used the 3/8" wrench extension) with a long screw driver as I remeber. I managed to change the fan clutch this way. Also you need some patience and an accurate hands in letting the short side of the L to get in the hole of the clutch while you are holding it with the extension...and I think you do not need to unbolt the fan, they come out together. I installed one of these new sachs fan clutch with fan, it is really a good one, you may need to check yours just in case!
I hope this is helpful,

Thanks for the tip, toknow. I just ordered the stubby allen socket from Mercedes so I'll just wait for it. I think that'll be the easiest way to remove the fan clutch.

Another tip,
when you remove the fan clutch, keep it in the vertical position, I heard that the liquid could leak or something else could happen to this delicate/tough thing if changed position. When I installed the new one, it took a good hot day and engine spin to get it started, after that it is perfect.

good luck, please report the results, with pict. if possible,
thanks

I just wanted to update this thread with my progress. I got the stubby socket 2 days ago and last night I tried to use it. The socket worked great but I couldn't hold on to the pulley to keep it from spinning. So what I did was put the belt back and tightened it but it still kept spinning and the trick was to hold the power steering pulley with a wrench by one of its bolts at the same time. Why is the fun clutch bolt so tight? I really don't think it needs to be. I got the vacuum pump removed too. Now I have to install the new one and put everything back.

ToKnow, I don't see why the fun clutch needs to be held in a vertical position. I didn't have any fluid leaking out.

1- The bolt shouldn't be THAT tight. It was probably put in by some gorilla mechanic. It just needs to be snug - I forget the torque spec, but I think it's pretty low. When you put it back together, don't overtighten it. This is where the factory pulley holder tool works GREAT. ;)

2- The factory service manual specifically states to store the clutch vertically while it's out of the car. You can choose to heed that advice or ignore it. I put mine against the wall (vertically) when I remove it to work on things up there.

:)