I guess you need it in neutral
I think you need to remove starter so you have an access hole so you can rotate flywheel and undo bolts holding the TC

Exhaust can be avoided I think.
But you need to remove the crossmember at rear of gearbox. Probably first thing to loosen. Maybe u did this when you did the engine

Download tbe workshop manual. It has the process for gearbox removal.  2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

Ok thanks guys.

I downloaded the manual and reading page 3333 and thereabouts of the manual but don't yet see a reference to what gear it should be in before gearbox removal....

 RRS 2.7 HSE Stornoway Grey
P38 4.6 HSE V8

well it can't be in Park as you need to rotate the flywheel to undo the bolts thru the starter hole.

So anything other than Park is the answer.

Ok thanks Andy makes sense, just like to get these small details sorted out before I start

 RRS 2.7 HSE Stornoway Grey
P38 4.6 HSE V8

I can't remember if the electronics (inside the gearbox) is paired to the car.
So you may need to retain your old one to be fitted into the replacement.
It's quite easy to do with the gearbox fitted to the car (as long as it has the metal sump that is)

When I leave in neutral I cannot remove the key from ignition, not saying that's an issue as I'll be disconnecting the batterry, but that's ok , correct ?
Only other thing I'm a bit confused about is if I'm dropping the gearbox as one lump then why do I need to move the flywheel, what I mean is I thought the TC was internal part of the gearbox ? RRS 2.7 HSE Stornoway Grey
P38 4.6 HSE V8

Yeah that is correct.

The flywheel (engine) is bolted to the torque convertor.

Probably need to look at some videos

Watch at 5 mins and 14 mins.

Exhaust and prop is different. Some is the same.



Think of the access hole as the starter and crank locking tool hole

There is a lot less room in BMW’s so you shouldn't need to remove so much, or tilt the gearbox

Last edited by Andy K on Wed Aug 12 2020 1:17pm. Edited 2 times in total

Andy K wrote:

well it can't be in Park as you need to rotate the flywheel to undo the bolts thru the starter hole.

So anything other than Park is the answer.

The important thing on the diesels is to remember to unbolt the exhaust cross over pipe bracket.
These are very expensive. Also remember to re fit. Awkward but necessary

Stuck at trying to get the bolts out of the front section of the front prop shaft. Thought I could turn this by hand but it's like it's stuck in a gear. Otherwise seems impossible to get to the two remaining bolts at the top of propshaft. Any ideas ?

 RRS 2.7 HSE Stornoway Grey
P38 4.6 HSE V8

Started already thought that vid had put u off.

Take it out of park or if that don’t work lift at least one front wheel

Yes neck deep now, no turning back

It was in neutral before I started and now cannot lift the wheels as they are all strapped to the ramps.

I've also tried clicking the gear selector from underneath but that didn't release the prop shaft either any other method to get round this ?

 RRS 2.7 HSE Stornoway Grey
P38 4.6 HSE V8

No. You must lift one wheel