I have done this job on my 4.8 and their is no need for any special tool for cooling fan. Their are 2 plastic clips under air intake you remove disconnect hoses and wires and fan assembly slides up and out. Their is no way VR can be changed without removal of alternator. It is so tight you can not see or access wires on back. You must pull it forward after bolt removal to access wires. Only special need is a T 60 torx to release belt tension.

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Astrok
2005 X5 4.8IS
2008 X5 4.8
2005 X3 3.0
2006 MB R500
2001 Slk 232