Just to end this thread with an answer and solution for my problem.
Before I read the actual solution to removing it without removing the engine, I found out that my rod was only 1,5 cm. too long. So I took my angle grinder and Dremel and startet to cut it. It took a little work as the workspace is limited. But it worked and I used the same original clamp to tighten it again. Oh year - minor detail - I did in the rear end where it connects to the gear box, from the hole that you can access from the backseats.
So I didn’t buy a new and saved the money. Tested it. A little adjustment and it was perfect.
