Before I even start confirming that I need have a cracked exhaust manifold, I just wanted to know if to replace it, the engine needs removing.

i just removed the EGR cooler which was a tight squeeze. Had smoke coming from LH side of engine. Inlet manifold has to be be changed due to restricted performance and then I discovered a coolant leak which has been resolved but smoke seems to also be coming from below that

 

No need to remove engine from vehiclr for exhaust manifold. If you already removed the EGR the worst is behind (respect), exep turbo to manifold bolts can be tricky.