Thanks, So I guess I don't have to worry about a blown head gasket. Any harm not replacing the valve cover gasket other than a small amount of oil loss?
The secondary wires driving the rear coil was not soaked in oil just the lack of insulation between the wires causing a short and hence no fire.

Maybe I should not complain too much about my Benz or German cars, after all it has been a real reliable car and has 205k on it. Not to mention 11 years old.

How about the wiring on the throttle control... Can that be repaired or does one have to fork over $1500 for the part with the wires.. I know someone said its best to replace it since the motors wear out but I don't plan to keep it much longer.

Thanks again Gilly for the info!