The aux fan on my '88 300E is broken (blades broken, fan housing probably bent or misaligned after I bumped the car in front at very low speed). I traced an overheating problem to the fan itself which kicked on normally but then couldn't turn because of a couple of broken blades which obstructed it. Blew a couple of fuses before I figured it out. Also, it apparently got slightly misaligned so that even after removing the broken blades, the remaining blades now rub several spots as they go around. I have a new replacement fan but can't get the old one out.

I cannot find videos or instructions that cover the single fan replacement. Everything I've found deals only with the twin-fan later W124s, which BTW looks even more complicated. Anyone have any advice? I managed to remove several 8 and 10 mm bolts which attach the fan and its shroud (on the top) and it is loose, but I can't just pull it out, and don't want to force it. There is a cooling tube that snakes around in front of the fan but it can be moved out of the way only slightly. Removing it completely looks like it would involve getting into the cooling system much more deeply, something I don't think should be necessary. Is it necessary to remove the headlight housings to gain better access? Would appreciate any help or advice you guys might have.