Think I would see anything with the VC removed? I could see the valves with the intake off but I need to commit before I remove that. Plus I guess the intake has to come off before the engine can be pulled anyway.

Maybe I'll do a compression test on the S52 engine before I do anything to the X5.

I'm reluctant to pull only the head in case the rings let loose.

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2000 e39 M5 Titanium on Black
2006 e53 M54 Titanium on Black
2007 e83 Black on Black Sport pkg
2004 Avalanche 2500 lifted 4.88 gears
1994 jacked up Jeep
1987 GMC lifted short bed on tons