My 1986 300E is approaching 270,000 miles and I am looking for some recommendations. My wife and I love the car; I've done much of the maintenance for the last 20 years. The car runs well, but it has some real or imagined issues that I'd like to take care of:
1. Transmission runs very well, but has a minor leak at the front seal--let it go until it fails.....
2. Engine does not burn oil, but uses a quart every 300-400 miles (Mobil 1 15W50); leaks seem to come from the usual places--reseal the valve cover and the top front timing chain cover. My fingers are crossed on the head gasket and not sure how to test it.
3. Vacuum tubing is ratty--replace all of the tubing and air hoses. Any list of materials or diagrams around?
4. Original shocks and struts are on the car; the ride has suddenly gotten pretty rough--replace all the way around. Are there any additional parts to buy except for the Bilstein shocks.
5 I plan to replace all of the usual ignition components: plugs, wires, cap, rotor--and maybe the coil as well (I think it is original).
6. The differential has never been drained and refilled--refill with synthetic gear oil.

Does anybody have any comments or suggestions to add to this? I have used this forum over the years and appreciate all of the valuable help.

Thanks.

Brent Smith
Snellville, GA
1986 300E
2003 530i
2003 Boxster S