It looks like I have a leaking rear crankshaft seal and the cost to
have it replaced is rather high due to the labor involved.  I've
replaced the driveshaft before, and since this is an '88 325ic it was
necessary to remove the exhaust system in order to do that so I've
been thru a lot of the work involved in the past.

Reading the description in the Bently manual, removing an automatic
transmission is a lot of work, but there don't seem to be any real
tricks to it or any special tools needed  I know where to rent or
borrow a transmission jack, however I don't have a lift for the car so
it would have to be driven onto ramps and maybe from there jacked up
onto some solid wood blocking, as was necessary for the driveshaft
work.  My question is how high off the floor would I need to get the
car in order to get the tranny out from under it so I could work on
that rear seal?  Also figure in the height of the average trans jack
when lowered.

Are any special wrenches needed to reach the bolts on the bell housing
or any other tricks from folks who have been there and done this?

Thanks,
Christopher