[bimmer49]

Nice job eh FastBricks?

One I have to do myself. I have replaced my timing belt before before but my VVT is noisy.
IIRC I locked both pulleys using screwdrivers wedged in through the pulleys. Perfick.

On this operation it may be possible to remove the top cam cover only without disturbing the aux belt so long as you can get to the cam tensioner to de tension/retention it after the job. I was going to lock the inlet cam with the screw driver method again but I don't know if the VVT pulley is under tension when the belt is slackened and it may move one tooth or more. So with that in mind I will have to remove the back plastic cover and somehow just lock the exhaust cam. Then I can undo the VVT. As the new VVT can be put back on in any position it's only critical nothing moves.

So in my opinion removal of the inlet cam cover is not necessary. Lock the front end!

I can't do my job yet as I don't have a plastic rear of cam cover.

Good luck.