I've got to replace one or a few tappets on a M104 in my 94 W124.

Some here have said that it is a fairly easy procedure and I hope that they are correct. However, the CD manual explains that I need to remove the front cover and the camshaft(s) in order to accomplish this. After reading the sheets, these procedures look pretty involved.

Question is, can I replace the tappets w/o removing front cover and/or camshaft(s)?

Is it possible to lift the camshaft high enough to remove a tappet if I remove the chain tensioner, the camshaft adj. servo (for intake side) and remove the cam bearing caps?
Thanks,

Geoff