1995 BMW 325 No Spark. Sometimes?

My car has been having hard starting issues hot and cold. If cold, will take 4-10 seconds of cranking to start car. If warmed up, sometimes it will start, sometimes it wont, and there is a strong smell of gas from the exhaust while trying to start. Runs great once started and have normal MPG. I took it in to a mechanic, and after a new fuel pump and alot of hours checking things out, they discovered a no spark issue during the times it wont fire up and run. They dont have a clue why its obvious, but of course are insisting we throw parts at it and are now wanting to replace the coil packs. This car does not throw any codes, and has no CEL on except normally when starting. If I plug my code reader into it, it throws a "Vehicle speed signal not found" code. Would this cause the No Spark/ sometimes has Spark issue? If so what ssensor is it, where is it, and how do I fix it myself? Also, the CHILTON book says that some cars like mine had a ground strap on coil packs #1 and #6. My car only has one on coil pack #6. Could that be the problem? Any ideas and solutions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!