BMW

If you truly love your BMW, you’ll know how important it is to routinely maintain it, to have it looking and operating it’s best at all times. This luxurious car has a specific makeup that should only be attended by a BMW authorized service center, so it’s essential to find a mechanic who genuinely knows the brand like the back of their hand.

Although there are some maintenance procedures best left in the hands of a capable professional, there are still some BMW maintenance tips that you can follow on your own. In this article, we will discuss some of the most important details to remember to ensure your BMW is running smoothly for a long time.

Replacement Parts Specifically for BMW

When your BMW needs replacement parts, it’s not a great idea to modify anything that the manufacturer has specifically built for performance purposes. Some of the components at risk of failure include coolant systems, oil filters, and brake cylinders. Each of these has specific variants that are tailor-made for the internal composition of a BMW.

When you turn to a reputable BMW service center, you will be attended by a technician who can source components that match the original equivalent (OE) of the parts they are taking out- otherwise, they are just like quack doctors who are putting incompatible organs into the body of their patient. For a while, you might find that things are running smoothly, however, faults might start to occur in the BMW’s circuitry. It’s essential to ensure that every replacement part has an OE status.

Parts that Need Regular Maintenance

To avoid expensive and unexpected repair services further down the road, it’s best to bring your vehicle to a BMW authorized service center regularly, as doing so will ensure your BMW receives the service it requires to keep it problem-free and safe to drive.

Engine

Keep in mind that the engine is what keeps your BMW running, so it’s worth noting that even small engine issues can cause a major inconvenience. Every few times a year, have your BMW engine checked by professionals, so you can avoid risks and keep your BMW working at its optimum level. While you’re at it, you should also ask the technician to inspect the transmission, as you wouldn’t want to find yourself stranded under the sweltering sun during summer.

Brakes

The engine may be essential to keep your BMW running, but the brakes are important in stopping your vehicle safely. Your basic BMW maintenance routine should include an inspection of your brakes.

We highly recommend flushing your brake system once every two years, since your BMW has hygroscopic brake fluid that absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. As time passes, the brake fluid becomes dangerously contaminated by the absorption, causing failures in the brake system. You should also ask your mechanic to inspect the brake pads, as when they are dirty, they can cause squeaking noises and other annoying issues.

Transmission

Your dealer might convince you that your transmission fluid can last you a lifetime, but the reality is that this is probably only said to make more money selling new transmissions, with the gears failing at around 70,000 to 90,000 miles; what we recommend is that every 50,000 miles, you flush the transmission. Keep in mind that it’s more cost-effective to regularly have your transmission filter and fluid serviced than to pay for a costly transmission replacement.

Tires

Of course, your tires also an important part of your BMW; after all, they’re responsible for taking you to your destination. BMW tires, however, are also essential in maximizing your BMW’s fuel economy and keeping you safe. Keep in mind that without proper maintenance, your damaged tires may cause serious accidents on the road.

The smallest issue in your tires can become a big problem fast. Studies have shown that under-inflated tires are more likely to cause an accident on the road, and that’s why you should always make sure that your tires are properly inflated. Once a week or at least a month, have a routine check-up for your tire pressure, as there may be times when you don’t notice something puncturing your tires and only discover it when you’re physically checking them.

It’s advisable to rotate your tires regularly, as doing so will prevent uneven wear. It is worth mentioning that the outer edges of your front tires tend to wear faster, and since the rear wheels are only following the front wheels, they tend to wear evenly. Without rotating your tires, you could be forced to replace your front tires thousands of miles earlier than you should. Every 3,000 to 6,000 miles, remember to bring your vehicle to a BMW auto repair shop for a tire rotation.

Cooling System

This component is essential in keeping the temperature of the engine at its optimal operating level. Engine coolant possesses lubricant properties that keep the thermostat, water parts, and other parts from seizing, which is why you need to flush the system every three years to keep your BMW from overheating and ensure optimum performance.

Steering System

The quality of your steering system determines how you can control the car- it plays a vital role in keeping you safe on the road. To keep it in good condition, you should flush the steering fluid every 50,000 miles, as, over time, the power steering fluid gets contaminated which causes leaks and other issues.

Oil

One of the biggest things you can do to keep your BMW healthy is to regularly change your oil, as doing so will prevent you from splurging on costly repairs later on. Your manual might suggest that you change your oil every time you hit 12,000 to 15,000 miles, but waiting this long might lead to carbon build-up in your BMW’s intake valves, leading to serious issues later on.

Here at Moda Cars in Dallas, we recommend preventing such unwanted incidents by having your oil changed every 5,000 miles. It may seem like our recommended timeframe is too short, however, the harsh Australian heat requires you to change the oil more frequently.

BMW Maintenance Tips You Can Do on Your Own

Not everyone is skilled or knowledgeable enough to get their hands dirty and perform all the necessary BMW maintenance routines, and that’s why BMW car service centers like Moda Cars in Dallas exist. We’ve already listed everything you need to discuss with your mechanic, however, you still play an important role in keeping your BMW in good condition. As such, we’ve compiled a list of maintenance techniques you can do without professional help- even if you’re not car-savvy, these tips are easy to follow and wield great results!

Keep your BMW under the Shade

The harsh rays of the sun can damage your vehicle’s exterior, as well as the interior components, so make sure that you park your BMW in your garage and keep it under the shade. If you don’t have a garage, it would be ideal to purchase a car cover. If possible, choose a padded one so your BMW can also have protection from falling branches.

Regularly Clean your Car

It is important to regularly clean your car’s interior and exterior, as doing so will not only keep your car looking good but also keep it running in good condition. Keep in mind that dirt and particles can damage your BMW’s delicate components.

Regularly Wax your BMW

Waxing may not be an easy task, however, it’s necessary if you want to keep your BMW looking shiny and aesthetically pleasing. In addition to this, the polish also acts as a protectant from tree sap, bird droppings, and other elements. If you find the process too time-consuming, however, you can always have it done by people working at a carwash.

Keep the Leather Protected

Leather is indeed a durable material, however, without proper protection, it can wear and crack and cause a tacky and worn-out appearance. When cleaning your leather seats, use a cleaning solution that has been specifically designed for that material, and keep the material safe by using a protector or cover.

Inspect your Tyre Treads

Over time, BMW tires wear down, so it’s important to regularly inspect your tire tread and determine whether it’s time for replacements. An easy way to do this is with a 20c Australian coin. Insert the coin into the tread, and if the tread is less than 3mm, it won’t reach the bill of the platypus. This means that you should immediately replace your tires to ensure you remain safe on the road.a

Keep Your Lenses Clean

Do you start to notice that your headlights are becoming worn and dull? Well, an easy way to keep your headlights shiny and new is to simply go to your local hardware store, where you can find a kit for restoring headlights for around $40. The great thing about this kit is that it’s extremely easy to use, and you can easily make your yellowed and worn headlights looking brand new again in a just few minutes. Keeping your lenses clean improves illumination and makes improves your BMW’s aesthetics!

Go for Long Drives

Your BMW will provide optimum performance when its engine is warmed up, but if you only use your car for short drives, the engine will never reach its ideal temperature, which can cause unnecessary wear. If possible, carry out all your errands and tasks at once, and now and then, schedule a long drive for your BMW.

Be Careful When Driving

Whilst driving carelessly and revving the engine may feel exhilarating, they come at a costly price. When you quickly accelerate, suddenly stop or drive with a sort of a jerk, it can quickly wear your BMW. Adrenaline pumped driving may result in more frequent maintenance and more costly repairs.

Use Clean Gas

Your BMW is a luxury vehicle with an engine that requires quality fuel, so when you choose a reputable and familiar gas station, ensure that the pump filter the gas and change filters regularly. There are gas stations that do not use filters, so you could end up using dirty gasoline which can lower the quality of the product.

Whenever you notice another station is being filled by a gasoline tanker, revisit it later, as the newly pumped gas may cause turbulence that can stir up the sediment in the underground tanks of the station. The sediment in the gas may clog up the fuel injectors and filters, which result in failures and poor performance.