E36 318i issue for months!

Hi everyone.

I am in desperate need for help with my 94 E36 318i (M43B18)

I have spent so much on her, but to no avail!
Heres the rundown, we opened her up, new forged pistons (blew number 4 - a actual hole in the piston!), new rings, we skimmed the head, compression test ect, new valves, seated them, valve stem seals, gaskets,oil filter ect. Complete motor overhaul! Also replaced water pump, radiator ect (She overheated untill we discovered a missing thermostat).

Started her and huge misfire on cylinder 4! Replaced all spark plugs with 4 prong NGK Equip and replaced all spark plug wires. Runs perfect, EXCEPT..

She simply wont start on her own when cold! I have to remove the MAF and literally throw petrol into the intake! Even when hot she still struggles but goes eventually. And a bad rough idle too ( and no, shes not misfiring anymore, I can tell by the way she drives). I tried setting the spring loaded circle inside the MAF but no avail, just sets her more rich/lean.
And after about 200km of driving, I removed the plugs only to find what was recently box new shiny, black with tremendous build up! (Bad valve cover gasket maybe?)
And it feels like I have to break the stick to go into any gear, I have noticed red/pink fluid leaks from the middle of the car although I cant find anywhere to refill manual tranny oil, in the case thats shes low or even empty?

-Starting nightmare( Timing maybe?)
-Hard Shifting
-Build up on spark plugs after only 200km??

Please help or advise here before I have to send her in to Tune Tech as I would pay to my death and this whole project has been my own and I'd like to finish it that way.