S8 Cylinder head (AVP)

[Duffy]

Hello!

My 2002 S8 has hit 170K and other than requiring a new gearbox last year has been a faithful servant.

However.....I'm starting to lose compression on number 2 cylinder and suspect I've got a valve on the way out (A borescope shows that the cylinder wall looks fine).

Options are...replace the head as a whole, lift the current head and replace the valve (red herring here might be the state of the valve seat) or just say enough is enough and accept it's time to say goodbye.

Anybody been here before? Cylinder head a complete PITA to remove? Head serviceable?

Any insight welcome.

Thanks guys!