1994 325ic Parts Replacement Questions

[Ocean Ride]

Hi there... First post, and I have a couple questions.

Mechanic says I need the Valve Cover Gasket, Spark Plugs and ignition coils replaced because the gasket is leaking oil into the spark plugs and shorting them out, which is why the car intermittently won't start, and then miraculously does later on without anything being done to it. The valve cover gasket and plugs were replaced about 4 years/45,000 miles ago by the previous owner. Same thing with my rear shocks-- replaced about the same time, and according to the mechanic, they're gone and that's why when I hit a bump in the road it feels like the car is fishtailing. Should any or all of these need to be replaced so soon?

My concern is just that it's an expensive project, and being a woman I'm always paranoid when I'm told that something big needs to be done.

I know something is definitely leaking (and I did think it was oil), because I see it in my driveway....

Thanks for the help, and I've already learned a lot over the last year or so reading all your posts!

[SouthernBoy]

Not sure I accept your mechanic's diagnosis on the starting problem. Virtually all E36's leak around the valve cover gasket, and you find oil around the plugs. I'll probably do the gasket this fall, but mine only leaks a very small bit.

However, if they are leaking enough to fill up around the plugs and run over, then definitely, get the gasket done ASAP. While he's in there, obviously replace the plugs. As to the coils, my first instinct, especially given the cost, is the clean them and use the old ones. If the problems persist, and he still thinks it's the coils, they are very easy to test and replace.

Now, on to the rear shocks. I think he's dead on with his diagnosis there. The convertibles carry a lot of weight in the rear, so I'm not terribly surprised yours are going already. I just replaced mine with Bilstein Touring shocks (NOT the Heavy Duty ones). You can probably get them at or below the cost of OEM and they give a very comfortable ride that's just a slight tad firmer than stock.

My $0.02 Hope it helps.

Matt

[fun2drive]

You can replace the valve cover gaskets yourself as it takes no special tools. It just takes some time and you save a lot of labor. The rear shocks will wear out but most likely the rear shock mounts or the rear trailing arm bushings might be bad too. I run Bilstein sport shocks on my vert because I have sport suspension. If you have stock suspension I recommend the Bilstein HD shocks which will not ride harsher but will last a long time and have a lifetime warranty...