93 325i engine removal

I have a 93 325i that I have to replace the engine. The problem I'm running into, is trying to seperate the engine from the trans ( i'm unable to get to all the bolts). I have the Hayes book and in the beginning procedures it tells me that the trans will have to be removed from the engine (if i could do that i would already have the car running). I was wondering if I had to drop the trans, so that it could hopefully tilt, and I could get to the rest of the bolts. Or, do I have to remove the trans completely. Any help or information on this would be greatly appreciated. :alien:

no suggestions, but what do you plan to replace the engine with? Anything exciting, or just a straight replacement?

Sorry, just a straight replacement. I wanted to place the new M3 engine instead of just a regular 2.5 L, until I saw the price. (ouch)

Hi, It's nicer to undo the top bolts if the trans hanging down at the back. Put a jack under trans and undo the rear crossmember will be better with exhaust and drive shaft off, hope you still got the engine mounts done up.
Slowly bring the trans down just enough to get a long extension and socket on them, and then lift the trans back up and bolt up. Use a small jack to support the front of the trans while you take the motor out, make sure when you lift the motor to clear the mounts you keep the jack touching the trans. Is it auto or manual.

Its an automatic. Looks like I picked a tougher job than I imagined.

Hi, With the auto after you undo the converter and are ready to pull it out make sure the converter stays in the auto. Use a screwdriver to push it back in the converter bolt holes and don't rock the motor too much taking out.
The E36 are a little bit hard to do, it always look easyer.