Remove tranny before removing engine?

[ak96ss]

Yes, I have a Bentley (two, actually, E30 and E36), and yes, I read them.

They both say to remove the transmission before removing the engine. Does anyone know for sure that this is a requirement, or will the engine lift out with the transmission still bolted on?

Makes for a LOT more work laying on my back in the driveway...

Also, maybe I'm missing it, but I only see one lifting point on the M42, on the driver's side of the engine block, right near the oil filter. Is there one on the back somewhere?
EDIT: Nevermind, found the location of the back lift point.

Thanks!

[Alpine003]

You can remove and install the engine with the tranny in place, just place some wooden blocks or jack under tranny to relieve stress from the tranny mounts.

[ecpreston]

2nd that, pulling them together is the way to go.

[ak96ss]

Oh, thank God.



I did the clutch in my car last year, in the driveway, on jackstands. It sucked. especially since I couldn't get the car high enough to wheel the tranny jack under the car with the tranny on it. I had to put the transmission on a sheet of cardboard, get under the car, drag it in, then lift it up on to the jack to position it to mate with the engine.

By myself.

And it was like 40 degrees outside.

And I walked uphill both ways to school, in the snow, all year...  

Anyway, I didn't want to do that again.

Thanks guys!