323i manifold advise

[dayc]

hello e36 owners im new to the site.
ive not long since bought my first e36 with a blowing exhaust manifold. a 1998 323i m42
i thought it would have been the gasket but have discovered its the manifold thats cracked.
has anyone any advise on removal as it looks like a b-itch of a job.
im a compatent mecanic and have owned and worked on many bmw's e28/e30/e34's.
i plan to remove and weld the manifold to save the expence.

what would you consider the best way to remove.
is releasing an engine mount and jacking the engine to get access to the manifold to head bolts after ive removed the exhaust down pipe.

any advise will be much appreciated and hope to in the future give much advise to those who need it.
thanks