323 Engine Replacement

The engine on my 323i (E30 1985 Auto) got the death-rattle last week so its time to replace it :disappoin .

This morning I removed everything so that the engine can be extracted. So far so good, until I discovered the hidden bolts holding the bellhousing on :banghead:. I was expecting to remove the engine without the transmission attached. My question is whether it is possible to remove the engine without the transmission - if so how ? Or is there a standard procedure to follow for removing both ?

I'm figuring I might have to pull engine+trans out a little way, remove the bolts, then pull the engine out the rest of the way. Any problems with this ? Should radiator be removed or is there enough room ?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Adrian.
aka Slitha (the registration plates for my Cobra)

Remove the bolts out of the flywheel and the bell housing. Pull out the engine. It is advised that you remove the radiator and a/c condensor before doing so. More space :sunglasse

Well I did it. New (or at least 2nd hand) engine is in and running. In the end, I cantered the engine+trans back at an angle and got a very long socket extension to access the bolts at the top of the bell housing. I ended up just disconnecting the hoses to the a/c condensor & power steering pump but left them dangling on wires. Radiator was removed but left the a/c one in. Trickiest bit was unthreading the wiring loom & putting the engine back in by myself.

If anyone needs more info, just let me know.

Adrian.