Can I pull it out of the bottom? (My transmission!)

[UKAuto]

I am hoping to swap my transmission out on my 350i this weekend.

I know the traditional path for transmission removal is to pull the engine on these cars, but has anyone managed to separate the transmission from the engine from underneath - and then unbolt the transmssion from the bell housing and dropping the transmission out the bottom?

I have been told a re&re of the transmission is 16 hours effort, so I hope to trim that down a bit.

Cheers,

Rob.

[908glen]

The only time i have heard of taking just the gear box out the guy had to cut and re weld his chassis, there really isn't any room to get it out otherwise.

[UKAuto]

That was my guess - but I thought I should ask. Thanks.

Certainly not going to cut my chassis and reweld!

Guess I will just pray that the 16 hour estimate is giving tons of buffer.

[adam quantrill]

I have done the clutch by moving the engine forward and the gearbox back. However, removal is a different kettle of fish. I have wondered if it's possible to separate the gearbox and bellhousing in this configuration and then take them out one by one, but it would be a lot of faff.

[350zwelgje]

If you separate the engine from the gearbox (moving the engine a bit forward), it probably is possible to access the inside bolts holding the bell housing. It would be an experiment and take time and I haven't heard of anyone doing it this way and being able to drop the box.
Changed my clutch last year and as a two day job it is sufficient time I think and it depends on what you come across (manifold bolts, etc.) that is not going as 'planned'.

Rob

[UKAuto]

adam quantrill said:

...by moving the engine forward...

I was thinking that may also be required, once I get that far I figure I may as well just lift the engine out. I sold my engine lift, but I do have a hoist for stacking my cars, so will use it to lift the engine. None of the TVRs work this week, so one way or the other I am consuming my entire weekend on or under one or the other.

[UKAuto]

350zwelgje said:

...I think and it depends on what you come across (manifold bolts, etc.) that is not going as 'planned'.

Rob

Thanks fellow Rob, good news is the engine was out a short time ago, so everything is pretty shiny and clean; hope all bolts come out without drama.

Think I am going to pass on the experimentation bit, as once I have got it all unbolted if I find it won't come out I may need to put it back to some degree, and then pull it all out the top.

[350zwelgje]

If you had the engine out it should not take the full 8 hours due to experience and as you mentioned all has been undone not long ago. Shame you have to take it out so soon again.

Two ways to get the gearbox out: take engine with gearbox out and then split, or split gearbox from the engine and take first engine and then the gearbox out. Opinions are divided if doing a clutch (did my clutch with leaving gearbox in), but if replacing the gearbox I would take the engine with gearbox out as one unit.

Rob