Can't Get Valve Cover Off - Help

[golf4dj]

I have the common valve cover oil leak and the oil filter housing leak on my 2008 X5 3.0si model with right at 100K miles.


Found a couple of excellent videos to follow for the repairs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdtnG1kqtjo and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IORc...sparent#t=1028


Unfortunately, the videos are from an X3 with the same engine. After following the videos I am having trouble getting enough clearance in the rear of the engine bay to lift the valve cover out. I removed the strut tower brace and the cabin filter housing and most of the other plastic stuff around it. I have tried to attach a photo of what I have removed and what still remains.


I saw one video of where someone removed the AC lines on his e70 3.0si to get the cover out. I am hoping there is another option as I don't have the tools to do that.


Anyone with experience with some advice where I should proceed from here and what else I need to do to get the clearance needed to complete this job.

Thanks in advance,
DJ