Yes I think it IS possible to do it from above w/out removing the intake.
-remove the cowl and and be prepared to remove the other things like elec harness box, throttle body, itake hoses, maybe brake booster, etc.

BUT, if you haven't changed the hard coolant pipes yet on this car, you should just take off the intake and do them as well...along with the CCV too.

If you do change the coolant pipes...use Genuine BMW only..no aftermarket pipes.