removing m20, okay to let gearbox hang?

[bmw9818]

transplanting the front end of a 325, struts, rack etc, while im down ther can i remove the prop and gearbox support and let it hang while i remove the engine a few days after or will it put pressure on the clutch..?

[maggspower]

The pressure will be on the engine mounts and the bulkhead as the engine will rest on it.

Just take the engine and box out together its much easier.

[e30topless]

transplanting the front end of a 325, struts, rack etc, while im down ther can i remove the prop and gearbox support and let it hang while i remove the engine a few days after or will it put pressure on the clutch..?

the clutch is attached to the engine so i doubt it will be harmed

as above, it's far easier to remove engine and box in one lump

[bmw9818]

Lol nice one will just remove it together then, u never know still young much to learn!

[Brianmoooore]

Easier to take out in one lump, but, for a 6 pot engine, there's a couple of things it helps to know first:
If you can, get the BACK wheels up on ramps. The engine has to tilt through about 60 degrees at it come over and out, and if the back end is up a bit, it reduces the maximum angle needed.
Most of the lift to get it out is to the lifting eye just behind the distributor, so position the crane right above this. It might bend a bit, but is entirely strong enough to lift the whole engine and box.
The rear lifting eye is just above the starter motor, and, in the absence of an adjustable tilting beam, run a rope from this eye to the crane hook with a knot of some kind that you can gradually let slip to tilt the engine as it's lifted.
Alternatively, disconnect the steering linkage, front brakes and suspension top mounts, unscrew the bolts holding the control arm bushes and front subframe, and lift the body off of the engine.

[maggspower]

As Brian has mentioned the lifting eye I have a word of warning. I lifted an engine out a few weeks ago, using a method simular to Brians, it was two thirds of the way out just getting to its maximum tilt when the front lifting eye started to give way. On closer inspection there was no bolt in the off side, there is a dowel that had held it until the tilt became too much and it slipped off the dowel. The bolt goes through the timing belt cover and was probably not replaced after a belt change.

The single remaining single bolt did manage to hold for the rest of the lift but it was touch and go

Yes the lifting eye is well capable of holding the weight but check the bolts securing it.

[bmw9818]

Cool, should have someone to help pulling it out anyway so should be easy enuff!

[jonny323i]

Alternatively, disconnect the steering linkage, front brakes and suspension top mounts, unscrew the bolts holding the control arm bushes and front subframe, and lift the body off of the engine.

like so

[Andyboy]

The above method is fine, unless one of the crossmember bolts snaps off in the chassis leg. Really, it's so easy to put the engine and box out as one.