taking a break from the driver's side VC, I started to work on the pass side. Got all the bolts out and with a LOT of prying with a flat head around the perimeter of the VC I finally got it to pop off. I will go back to the drivers side and continue to work on it but it's being a lot harder.

BUT, even though I have gotten the pass side valve cover completely loose, I cant get it off, there doesn't seem to be enough clearance even though I have taken almost everything possible off/apart and out of the way. It's hitting the brake lines, the AC compressor lines, and the dipstick tube. I've un-bolted the dipstick tube and swiveled it out of the way as much as possible and I've got a helper holding things out of the way so that I can try to wriggle the VC off. But still no go... not enough clearance... I want to find the engineer's that designed this and give them a swift kick in the baby maker... This is my 3rd BMW but maybe my last. This thing is a fucking nightmare to work on... shit design choices left and right... any help/insight would be greatly appreciated as I'm about to throw in the towel and have it towed. I've searched on the Xoutpost and google but cant find my exact situation, always different models or engines. It looks like I got the mother of all PITA vehicles to work on. Oh joy...

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2007 E70 X5 4.8i Sport Package
8x,xxx Miles
"My Precious" (Smeagol voice)