Just changed the starter on my non-turbo 300CD a couple of weeks ago. I broke a Snap-On universal joint trying to remove the top bolt from under the car. I took off the air cleaner and then used a curved or bent handle ratchet that has a 180 degree head. No problem getting the bolt out from the top with this. I've had this ratchet for a while, but never needed it before. The bottom bolt is no problem.

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Mike

2000 SL500 22,000 miles
1981 300CD 188,000 miles
1979 450 SEL 266,000 miles
2005 Cadillac CTS 25,000 miles