Rear Shock Mount replacement help

[slamtry]

My rear shock mounts need replacing in my 1995 E36 'vert and I have a few questions. I heard a banging from the drivers side rear over bumps yesterday and when I took a look I could see the mount had separated. The right side seems okay but I will do both. I rarely drive the car and never track it so I am looking for a simple, cheap replacement. I have read that the E46 mounts are a direct bolt-up replacement that are better designed but it is not clear whether I need the regular E46 part or whether it is the E46 M3 part that is the simple upgrade.

I could not find a write-up specifically for a convertible. So my questions are:

1. Which do I get, the replacement for an E36 or for an E46 or for an E46 M3? Or is there an option I have not considered? Part numbers would be a help.

2. Do I need to get gaskets given that I live in SoCal and rust is not a prime threat here?

3. I have heard that I can add into the mix something called a "reinforcement plate" from a Z3? Is this a good idea and is it a simple addition to the regular shock mount replacement?

4. Do I need to jack the car up to do this? And do I have to remove the shocks?

5. Can I do this just from the top or do I have to get under the car?