Advice on S54 VANOS replacement

Hey guys. 20 year automotive technician here. Customer just brought me an 06 M3 with some VANOS and 6 misfire codes. Aside from the 600.00 in required tools to do the job, what else do I need to know? All data and prodemand step 1 is to remove the cylinder head, but then all the subsequent pictures shown have the head still on. Is head removal required? Can any of the tools be sidestepped and done without? Thanks!