So yesterday, the ZHP sounded like the fan was hitting something plastic (rhythmically) whenever I stepped on the gas. Before I even had time to think about it, black smoke started billowing out from the hood and from the exhaust. Right after that, I noticed I was leaving a heavy oil trail.
Parked it a couple seconds later and although the keys were in my hand, about half the oil leaks out.
The good news was, it was the oil filter housing gasket, so that part is only $8.
Bad news though, I have a few things that don't need to be replaced just yet, but it is definitely better for the longevity of the ZHP to have it done. Besides, the labor for just putting on the gasket is over 30x that price since it's a PITA to remove all the stuff.
One of the transmission lines got cut and so at least that one needs to be replaced along with the gasket.
Besides the first two being for a fix, the others are preventive maintenance:
Transmission line (x2)
Oil filter housing gasket
AC belt
Alternator pulley
Tensioner pulley
Fan clutch
VANOS line
Oil change & transmission (leaked a little too)
Will also be needing some Liqui-Moly to replenish the loss as well as for the transmission also.
Altogether, this fix/cost is ridiculous. I don't get how it went from clicking to smoking and finally leaking profusely in a matter of one minute. I never track it, drive it hard, or anything - it's not even at 80,000 miles yet.
Buddies have been telling me to get another car, just not another E46 after stories of fixing my previous one. Now, I'm thinking it's time to really consider it, after all this is fixed and taken care of.
What does the Mafia think?