What about aftermarket companies that sell the blanks with a virgin keyless remote? Can those be programmed to match the car following the steps I've seen in the forum? I'm assuming I can find a local locksmith that can cut the key from my original. Haven't looked yet.

you can get the blank that can be programmed to open the car, even to arm it but will not start the engine - there are unfortunate cases when original keys lose synchronization with the car, and that key is bricked, and will NEVER start the engine... it is done for the protection, to prevent some unscrupoluos locksmiths supply crooks with the keys to your BMW, based off the VIN that is visible on your dash... you will need to prove ownership to the dealer before a key is cut...

Thanks Terminator for the reply. I'll head to the dealer to see about another key.

I did some searching here and seems that I may have answered my own question about the oil in the spark plug holes. Seems that I'm in need of VC gaskets. So here is another question for those more experienced with the 4.4 - what else should I replace once I get it torn down? Valley pan gasket? PS lines? Coolant lines? Waterpump (not leaking from what I can see)

Thanks again for the help everyone.

Have a very close look at the timing chain guides when you have the cam covers off.
You said it had new chains in your first post and that now seems doubtful given the cam covers are leaking .

Yeah - I think the PO was blowing smoke up my skirt :rippedoff.....

Is it likely the VC gaskets are shot wiht the amount of oil i have around the plugs? So I've looked at some of the DIY's on the VC and valley pan - where are the guides? Are they visible once i have the covers off? I haven't searched for a post on those yet. Thanks for the help.

Here is a link to e38.org . there are a few write ups on it . You will find more on xoutpost and bimmerboard and the like .
DIY: Timing Chain Guide & Timing Chain Replacement

Big job and big bucks I`m afraid .
Good luck

While the PS hoses degrade over time I don't know of a time limit or number of miles when replacement is recommended. PS hoses are accessible when engine is fully assembled. Unless they are leaking, I would likely leave them alone.

I coolant hoses are more accessible with the work you are planning. I would replace them.

As for the VP gasket. To me it would depend if it appeared to be leaking or not and how far you end up going with disassembly. If you are going to tackle the the timing chain work, it would be prudent to to replace the the VP gasket.

You weren't kidding - I think that's too deep for me to do as DIY. Looks like that guy had the car on a lift which would make it easier plus specialty tools. Can I see the condition of the guides when I have the vc's off? Maybe a trip to the indy before i tear into it to check it out is in order - get his opinion.

Thanks again.

If I'm only going for the VC gaskets - is it recommended to do the VP gasket as well? The PS lines are leaking a bit but that may be from loose clamps and fittings. I was going to replace the bmw clamps with worm style clamps to see if I can get a tighter closure.