323 Engine Replacement

[Slitha]

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

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 . 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)

[Audi Ryder]

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

[Slitha]

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.