It must be a simpler job on the 240d.
When I replaced the block heater I pulled the starter to access the old heater. The starter mounting bolts loosened with no problem, one from below and one from above.
I then just hung the starter out of the way while changing the block heater.and if I had needed to remove it it looked like it could have jimmied out the tie rods with minimal problems

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily