on a 1999 528i bmw do i have to raise the motor to removed the rack and pinio

you might have to jack it up some but wouldnt be much l think most of where you wil lbe working is in the front

only 4 bolts holding the pas rack in place and 3 power steering fluid pipes if l rember right.the trick is getting of the universle steering coupling of the pas rack.you will have to raise the front of the car to perform this action ie.axle stands,good look

The usual way is to raise the car, remove the front wheels, hold up the motor whether from above or support from below (but remove the cooling fan nonetheless), remove the nut securing the engine support/bushing to the front subframe, detach the steering hoses, detach the steering u-joint from the gear box, then loosen but not remove the four bolts holding the subframe to the mainframe.
Finally, remove the four bolts holding the gear box & wiggle it out. Of course u still have to detach the tierod ends
and have it aligned afterwards when work is done to make sure toein is up to specs.
Remember that the subframe need not be totally lowered (although it can be, if u do not mind having a problem guiding it back up).