ekzact - Motorwerkes

Does Your BMW Need a New Battery?

8 February 2018

All car parts have a lifespan, and when replacement is necessary, it should happen as soon as possible. When it comes to your battery, you can’t have a fully functioning BMW unless this critical component is fully functioning as well. So how can you tell if it’s time for a new one?

Average Lifespan

The first question that most drivers ask when it comes to their batteries is how long they can go without replacing it. This, of course, depends on how well you take care of it, your driving habits, and whether or not you’ve entrusted your vehicle to a local BMW certified technician. However, when assuming that your usage has been normal and your maintenance has been good, a common average to consider is between two and five years. Still, if you’ve gotten into the habit of taking frequent and brief trips or haven’t paid much attention to common warning signs, especially during the winter, this could be quite a bit shorter.

Winter Worries

All car parts do their job best within a certain temperature range. Your battery is no exception. It will have trouble facilitating the necessary current for healthy ignition in winter conditions, and the acid-water mixture inside will also struggle to do its job when the temperature falls too low. However, battery failure in winter is actually more likely to happen if the battery has been worn down by the high temperatures of summer. For a battery that is on its last legs, the cold months often end up being the final straw, and this is why timing your replacement wisely is so important. The last thing you want is to be stranded on a cold day.

Symptoms to Look For

Fortunately, if your battery needs servicing or replacement, the signs are easy to recognize. For instance, when you turn the ignition, do you get a good start right away or do you get a slow and difficult crank? If there’s a part of your battery that allows view of its fluid level, check this to see whether or not it’s been depleted. Leakage can also cause corrosion where the posts are, which appears as a white residue. Keep an eye out for your check engine light as well. Lastly, always know the age of your battery. If you’re seeing signs and it’s about four or five years old, give your technician a call!

Repairs and replacements tend to sneak up on you during winter. That is, unless you’re diligent about your car care. The team of BMW specialists at Motorwerkes can address any maintenance or repair need you can think of, so call (403) 453-0269 to see what we can do!

New BMWs to Look for in 2018

1 February 2018

Now that 2018 has gotten a chance to pick up some speed, you’ve hopefully put together a few resolutions for your car care. Once you get all that responsible stuff out of the way, it’s time to have a bit of fun and get excited about BMW’s newest vehicles. Here are some highlights.

X3 Redesign

Rolled out in late 2017 for the 2018 model year, BMW’s iconic luxury crossover is being taken to new heights with a full redesign. Exterior additions include LED headlights and fog lamps, an acoustic windscreen, and more. On the inside, storage capacity has increased by 34 cubic feet. Engine-wise, it’s available as the 248hp xDrive30i and the 355hp M40i, each of these with an 8-speed sport automatic transmission. Last but not least, it’s been decked out with great tech improvements including a bigger head-up display, a gesture-controlled iDrive display, and the semi-autonomous Driving Assistant Plus system.

6 Series Gran Turismo

Ever since its launch in 2009, the 5 Series Gran Turismo line has been dubbed “ungainly” by a number of critics, but its replacement offers a number of improvements. Released late last year, the 2018 6 Series GT is based on the 5 series sedan platform and features subtle changes in exterior design, removal of a partition between the trunk and back seats, and a change from the old liftgate to a single-piece hatch. Its body is even lighter than the 5 Series GT by over 300 lbs. The 6 Series GT is offered as a 640i xDrive, boasting all-wheel drive and a 6-cylinder turbocharged engine accompanied by an 8-speed automatic transmission.

New 8 Series Coupe

Last summer, BMW revealed the 8 Series Coupe concept, branding it as their foremost achievement to date in combining high performance with total luxury. Its slender roofline and assertive, aerodynamic hoodline harken back to the 8 Series of old while updating its look with contemporary geometric flare. It’s even got leather-upholstered sport seats with carbon fibre shells. Most likely, it will offer drivers straight six and V8 engine options, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and optional all-wheel drive. Chances are good that it will be unveiled as a production model at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in March.

What BMW are you most excited about this year? Don’t forget that no matter how cool the new ones are, the vehicle you own needs to be taken care of. From routine maintenance to repairs and upgrades, the Motorwerkes team has you covered. Give us a call at (403) 453-0269 today!

A Few Myths About the MINI

20 January 2018

MINI may be one of the most fun and distinctive auto marques out there, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Few drivers realize how much versatility and variety MINI can offer, but this isn’t the only area where misconceptions are found. Here are three important myths to rethink.

They’re Too Small

Some drivers seem to see compactness as a weakness of the MINI, anticipating low storage capacity, a cramped interior, and an uncomfortable feel to its drivetrain. While you may need more room for cargo or passengers than most MINIs can provide, the assumption that they’re uncomfortable often comes from those who haven’t driven them. Not only have they been carefully designed over decades to balance modest size with roomy comfort, they even offer crossover and supermini models like the Countryman and Clubman. These provide a great amount of space for families or SUV lovers who don’t want to purchase a massive road hog!

They’re Not Safe

Sizable cars like full-size SUVs seem to offer the best safety specs and resistance to accident damage. After all, greater size means greater strength, right? Not exactly. Someone who is unfamiliar with the safety ratings of MINI vehicles could be quick to jump to conclusions and see them as inferior to their larger competition in this department. However, with features such as forward collision warning and auto-braking, as well as a recent significant improvements in side crash ratings, MINI has developed as good a track record as any. The 2016 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2-Door racked up the highest IIHS ratings in all crash tests, so this is certainly a myth to be cast aside.

They’re Expensive to Maintain

This could be the most common myth that pops up out there, particularly among those considering a MINI but leaning towards deciding against it. A similar myth gets around regarding BMWs as well. The truth is that MINI offers a level of care with prepaid service and warranty, not to mention benefits in gas mileage and resale value, that place it ahead of the curve in terms of overall investment power. A high-quality car requires high-quality parts, fluids, and maintenance, but that means that you’re benefiting from some of the finest automotive engineering out there, and that’s worth the price of admission!

It’s important to set the record straight on automotive myths, especially with regards to taking care of your vehicle. The technicians at Motorwerkes have all the facts when it comes to BMW and MINI, and we can’t wait to help you with whatever you need. Call (403) 453-0269 today!

BMWs on the Big Screen

15 January 2018

There are few automakers in the world as enduring and iconic as BMW. As such an important part of vehicle history, it has established an unforgettable presence for itself across various forms of media, even movies. Let’s look at a few memorable moments in the brand’s film career.

Memorable Moments

There’s no better place to look first than the James Bond films of the 1990s. While the Aston Martin may live on as the signature Bond car, the BMW Z8 driven by Pierce Brosnan’s Bond in The World Is Not Enough is simply too classy to be ignored. In the 1998 thriller Ronin starring Robert De Niro, audiences got a taste of the speed and power of the 5 Series during a climactic chase that featured the E34 535i. Six years later in The Bourne Supremacy, Matt Damon’s character Jason Bourne evaded capture in a 1985 E28 5 Series. Not a bad choice when you’re on the run!

BMW Films

In 2001 and 2002, BMW embarked on their own film production project in order to boost PR during a quiet period in their launch schedule. BMW Films produced a series of eight short films called The Hire, boasting legendary directors such as Ang Lee and Guy Ritchie, not to mention Clive Owen in the lead role. While the internet-released series was more of a “small screen” appearance than a big screen one, it nonetheless went on to become of of the most memorable BMW campaigns in history. It was even revived last year to promote the 2017 5 Series with a film called The Escape, once again starring Clive Owen in the lead.

The Cinematic Feeling

BMW has always strived to develop a visual identity for the brand. Striking TV ads, dramatic photoshoots, memorable motor show presentations, and BMW Films are all examples of how they have built an internal world for their vehicles, and this is has distinguished the company from other automakers as the king of automotive marketing. This edgy cinematic flare has communicated to car lovers everywhere just how commanding the presence of a BMW can be, not only on the road, but also within stories and powerful images. These are the makings of a true icon!

With a BMW in excellent shape, whether it’s a classic model or a new release, who wouldn’t feel like they’re in a movie? Give your vehicle the certified service it deserves and you’ll always get the most out of it. Call (403) 453-0269 to find out what the Motorwerkes team can do for you!

Three Ways You Can Become a Better Driver

10 January 2018

Most drivers develop their driving abilities just enough to pass the tests and get a license, but we all know that doesn’t necessarily make you a model motorist. Skillful driving is about both safety and caring for your BMW, so you might want to consider a few upgrades to your habits.

Sharpen Your Defensive Driving Skills

The process of becoming a licensed driver teaches a lot of essentials when it comes to navigating the road safely. However, there’s another level of driving technique and proficiency that you don’t really get unless you pursue the right instruction. The right defensive driving course offers the chance to develop skills in evasion, braking, and preventative technique which can prove to be lifesaving in extreme circumstances. These skills are especially powerful when combined with the sharp handling and safety features of your BMW, which should not be relied upon to prevent accidents on their own.

Be Alert, Be Aware

A lot of us spend a significant portion of our lives driving. Because of this, we tend to tune out from what we’re doing when we’re at the wheel and pay attention to other things. However, one of the best ways you can become a better driver is by breaking this habit and remaining alert. This applies to how we pay attention to our surroundings as well as how we pay attention to even the smallest aspects of our driving technique. How much distance are you leaving between you and the vehicle in front of you? Do you stay conscious of your input and avoid abrupt movements or decisions? These are all important to bear in mind.

Stay Educated

Remember last week when we talked about the importance of staying informed about the maintenance needs of your BMW? The exact same principle applies in the department of driving techniques. One of the greatest things about having an experienced BMW certified technician to take your vehicle to is that they don’t just offer mechanical help. A good BMW expert is also a good driver and understands the importance of combining a great car with great driving habits. Ask your technician for tips that apply to your specific model and follow them closely, it’s a great way to stay smart as a driver!

The certified technicians at Motorwerkes may not be able to make you a better driver beyond offering some friendly advice, but when it comes to taking care of your BMW, we can do a lot more than that! Our team does it all, so call (403) 453-0269 to make an appointment today!