Flexplate access on M57

[mperkins40]

I need to separate transmission from the M57 engine to access the engine Flexplate. Are there any instruction guides anywhere for this process (transmission removal)? The shop manual appears to be a little vague on the exact process (at least to me).

I screwed up royally. I placed the crank/Flexplate locking pin to replace front crankshaft oil seal. Because the job was not completed all I once I forgot to remove the pin and started the vehicle to move it outside my garage to power wash the oil from the engine before new harmonic balancer reinstalled so the locking pin removal was not on my mind. I know, I know! I am usually careful about stuff like this. Anyway the pin obviously sheered off and is bent because I cannot remove it from the engine side no matter what I do. I need to access the Flexplate and either cut the pin or pull it out from the rear side of the engine. The BMW manual uses a special tool to separate the transmission from the engine. Do I need this tool. Are there other mandatory replaceable items other than what the manual says (bolts) like involving the torque converter once separated? Any assistance is appreciated!