It will just slide off. There is a bolt on the left-side, mid-height of your picture - there are ~2 bolts in that area that need to come off. Did you get them?

I bet its the rear nut on the back side of the power steering pump (it has 3 fasteners total) - see if that doesn't attach to the bottom of the alternator "lump".

Awe crap - Yep, that's probably it. Grrr...

I'll see if I can get it later, gotta help friends move then going to get sushi. I need a break.

I REALLY appreciate your help!!

Unbolt the PS pump and zip tie it out of the way. You don't have to disconnect the hoses. They have some play.

OK, got everything off. However, I think there's something wrong with the timing. I've included a picture, but bank 1-4 appears to have the intake timing off. The rear of the cam is not square like the other 3 cams are. The pic shows them, but the intake cam is rotated.

Is this a problem? It's the ONLY cam not square. But, nothing has shifted on the cam chain.

I can't tell which bank that is so can't tell it if has the VANOS sprocket or not. Remember the VANOS varies the relationing in timing between intake and exhaust (thats what it does). You will have to put a big wrench on the flats on the cam (there are flats for this) and get it square to the head so you can fit the timing clamps.

I see it now. Cylinder 1-4. The numbers stamped on the end are supposed to be up. Looks like it should.

Yeah, I figured that out. My bad! Now if only the locks were any good, they suck. Got them from Bimmer Tool Rental, and I'm VERY disappointed in the cam locks.

Anyway, gotta wait until tomorrow to get a 27mm wrench. The adjustable isn't cutting it and we can't get the VANOS or exhaust cam bolt loose. So, I'm going to get the wrench and hopefully it will fit better and we'll be able to torque it more. Beisan swears those torx nuts are left-hand threaded, but jeez...to what torque?? I hate torx bits, I'm so afraid I'm going to strip them!

They are left handed threaded. The bolts are tight its part of the German precision process.

Doing the Exact Same Job
 

Ironically, I am at the same stage as you. Except I haven't removed most of my intake manifold yet. I will complete that tonight.

I managed to remove my lower cover without taking the dipstick out by bending it slightly out of the way. I would like to remove it to make installation easier.....but can t seem to get to the bolt clamping dipstick end to the oil pan.

Is removing AC compressor mandatory....or just work it back in the way I worked it out.

Also, do I replace the crankshaft seal with the with the lower timing cover off the engine....or after the timing cover is bolted down.

Thought anyone?>