I removed the valves with one if my old type of valve spring compressors but it was a but hairy.

For my R56 I bought one that mounts to the top and you compress the lever but it won’t mount to the R53 head.

Any recommendations on a newer style valve spring compressor for the R53 head? Only R56 on was like $35.

 

I used an old fashioned "C" clamp type on mine. Just... the clamp worked well on the intake side valves. The exhaust, I needed more tool arm space. I used a nut about the diameter of the retainer for more open space, then used a magnet to pull the locks out.

Putting the exhaust back together will be another matter. A modern tool will work definitely better for the exhaust.
An arm with about a one inch "dip" in it would work.

Mike