Pulling M20 in garage limited tools

[GaryE30]

I need to pull my engine and my car is sitting in my carport. I have done a whole lot of work removing things. The only tools I have are a set of sockets, a floor jack, two jack stands, and various other common tools. Is this a possible job to perform for 1-2 people? Obviously I don't have a hoist or a stand so its coming out through the bottom.

I was curious if it were possible to take it out still connected to the subframe like Mike Edler did w/ his e30 m3. Also, could someone give me instructions or a step-by-step guide to taking this thing out. I don't have a Bentley or any other manual and I need to know what can stay and what can go. Basically any and all info will be appreciated.

Currently my e30 looks like this minus hood, radiator, oil/transmission coolers, wheels.

[backtrail69]

since you don't care about the chassis at all...You could drop the motor out the bottom onto a pallet or a wooden tray with wheels and just jack the shit outa the core support with a floor jack and pull it out the side/front. You might need to add some wood to the jack for added height.

[Erick]

I can only hope you're not using that stock jack while you work under the car.

[ColdAccord]

you know you can rent a cherry picker right

[MikeE30325i]

shit dude, i dunno. it will be fun, but it would be much better with a hoist.

[GaryE30]

backtrail69: That was my plan, since this the car is just bent metal now anyways.

rwdrift: I went under it once, but it was sketchy. I went out and bought a floor jack and jackstands yesterday to make myself feel better.

coldaccord: I did not know that.

Mike: Its been fun, but a pain at times.

[rcko]

Here are some words of encouragement... I just embarked on a solo engine swap to my 88 325is. I too am with limited tools and have been acquiring what I need through purchase, borowing and renting. I started by marking all the connections in details as they were unplugged and draining all the fluids, ei following the Bentley.

Per the suggestion of Teaguer, I pulled the engine tranny and all out the top using a borrowed 2.5 ton hoist. I used the 1/2 ton marking on the hoist lever to get the necessary height. I truly think it is possible to have the engine come out the bottom of the car and would of been my preferred choice had I have access to a lift or a cherry picker... You only need about 3-4 feet to have plenty of clearance. THe issue is having the car be stable enough to so this safely.

[blueapplesoda]

well...i pulled a motor form a junkyard car, and since they say no hydraulic tools, i just put a seat bottom from another car and just unbolted the subframe. then used a pair of garden branch snips and cut all the misc wiring and hoses, but you could be civil and undo all of these. slowly one hose and wire at a time, the motor got lower and lower till it was being held by the ac line, snip! and i dropped the bamfo onto the ground with a thunk and tugged the motor out from under neath, and took what i wanted, the super eta block. the block isnt that heavy, two guys could carry it.

[rsafier]

I've put my engine/tranny in and out a couple times by myself, but using hoist. Harbor freight ones are like 150 and very usefuly to have around, or rent one. You can have that thing out in an hour or less without any help.

[Mike325]

There is no problem with pulling the engine from the bottom, you just have to deal with all the steering shit. You can keep the subframe attached to it as well. The engine is really only held in place buy 4 nuts, two for the engine mounts and two for the trans. Most of your work will be wiring and the removal of a few things.

Unbolt the P/S pump from the engine. No need to drain the ATF in there or dissconect any lines. Do the same for the A/C commpresser. After all the wiring is dissconected (just pull the motor with the complete wiring harness) remove the fuel lines. Now just remove the 4 nuts I said and start pulling.

[guzz1459]

I think it is much easier overall to take it out the top. Hire an engine hoist, or you can do it with a chain block connected to a heavy beam. Some people have used a strong tree branch in the absence of a handy beam.

I took out the radiator, fan, battery, tied back the a/c compressor and power steering pump (but didnt disconnect any pipes) disconnected exhaust at manifold, disconnected fuel line hoses etc, harness plugs etc. Disconnect tail shaft from tranny (drain or there will be fluid everywhere) and disconnect support bracket from tranny while having a floor jack as support. You need to raise the back wheels on a set of car ramps to get access underneath. When everything is free put a choked chain or tow rope around the engine going under the sump just at the back of the engine mounts. As you start to lift the engine moves upward and forward untill the whole engine and gearbox is almost vertical. Having the backof the car raised helps with the angle but if you are using a stationary chain block you need to be able the push the car back as the engine comes out to get the clearance.

Safety is the key and make sure everything is properly supported and not relying on unstable supports esp. if you are under the car. Make sure your rope or chain connection cannot slip as the angle of the engine changes. Ive done it by myself but as a first timer get someone to assist cause sometimes two hands just isnt quite enough....