Ive done some poking around in the bentley manual and it mentions having to basically take apart the clutch assembly off the front of the air conditioning compressor to get that belt off and having a special tool to grab the alternator for the other belt. Is it really that difficult to do? I bought some new belts and would like to try this myself.

Are there no means for automatic (spring) tensioning of the belts like in other cars?

There are two auto spring tensioners. One for each belt. You can access them from the bttom after taking out the front splash shield in the fender well.

Changed the belts last weekend, pretty easy. Make a diagram of the belt that drives the alternator, water pump and the other idlers before removing. Its nice that you can check that you have the belt in all the right grooves by turning the AC pulley and seeing how the belt is lined up. Then you can put the simple belt back on.

Thanks