Changed the plugs today - oil on the threads, all plugs. No obvious puddles in the wells, but not a good sign. Electrodes were dry and in good shape; the slightly hazy color with no buildup or corrosion.

IDK what the culprit could be. 11/2016 shop noticed the issue and replaced all 4 coil boots and the valve cover gasket. Runs like a champ - slight stumble at idle, but tap the gas and that stops. I suspect dirty Vanos solenoids or dirty throttle body for the stumble. Both Vanos solenoids replaced 11/2016; I suppose they could get nasty in 3 years. We only put around 7000 miles/year on her, so that's 21000 on the current solenoids.

Any ideas for the oil on the plug threads? Thanks.

 

Pic of the plugs - have not been changed during my ownership (3years 7 months), 28,000 miles - records I have from previous owner do not indicate a changeout, but who knows. When the shop replaced the coils 11/2016 they noticed the oil issue but reported the plugs looked good - they don't look terrible now but not great for sure. Also burning half a quart of oil every fill up.

 

Our cars are twins! Love that color. I would suspect the valve cover gasket again. I don’t think there is any harm in taking a look to see if there is an obvious weak point on it. Just replace the same one if it looks good and torque to spec.

 

Thought about that - new valve cover gasket in 2015 (previous owner) and another by me 11/2016 - there is either a warping/fault in the valve cover, these VC gaskets are prone to failure, or the techs have just been throwing VC gaskets at the problem without digging deeper - IDK.

I love this car - bought it for 7400.00 4/2016 with 98K on the clock; previous owner did the following:

New vacuum pump (9/2015)
New ABS module (9/2015)
New headlights (9/2015)
Regular oil/filter service

During my ownership since 4/2016:

New Mini Emblems (4/2016)
New Windshield, Windshield Cowl Cover (4/2016)
New Antennae Mast (4/2016)
New front rotors, pads on all 4 (7/2016)
New Vanos Solenoids (11/2016)
New Timing Chain and Tensioner (11/2016)
New Valve Cover Gasket (11/2016)
New Coils (11/2016)
New Oil Pan and Gasket (11/2016)
New Parking Lights (11/2016)
New Oil Filter Housing (7/2016)
New Crankshaft Seal (3/2018)
New Water Pump (3/2018)
New Water Pipe (3/2018)
New Thermostat (3/20180
New Sway Bar Bushings (3/2018)
4 New Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tires (3/2019) - great tires
Regular oil/filter service

So, I've put about 6200.00 in her in 3 years, 7 months - 13,600.00 total with what I paid for her - not bad for a very fun car to drive. Getting to the point where any more major expenses will not make sense for a daily commuter, though. We'll see what happens.

 

Well, idle stumble may not be the Vanos solenoids; exhaust side shown below - clean as a whistle. Of course they could just be malfunctioning - may be the connectors, though - brittle and wobbly; taped them up - going to put it in the shop, get the codes read, and shell out some more $.

 

And I hate f&%king plastic - plastic connectors that get brittle, plastic wire sheathing that eventually burns through - taped that up, too. Plastic throttle body - maybe the next engines will be all plastic; melt in 25000 and you go buy a 3 pack of spares like Bic lighters or just 3D print a new one.

OK, feel better now.