I agree with Scotty_Miller and Tdott. No harm in taking the valve cover off, but beyond that, I would recommend you pay someone who has experience with S54s or find someone who does to mentor you on the removal and the installation. As an independent mechanic, it makes it harder for us, and we charge more, when someone brings us a repair they started (disassembled) and we have to piece it back together. My experience is that parts are often missing or misplaced, or other repairs are over-looked.
If you want an affordable car where you can change a head via a youtube video, buy yourself an E30. Underpowered and antiquated, but many smiles per mile.
