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Listen to Your MINI: Knowing When It’s Time for Service

23 July 2017

Differences in maintenance scheduling between models are bound to arise, whether they’re big ones or subtle ones. Thankfully, many modern vehicles are good at telling their drivers what they need and when. Let’s take a look at MINI’s condition-based maintenance system.

How Does It All Work?

In last week’s blog you learned a bit about how pre-CBS BMWs are distinguished from more recent models, as well as how this contributes to differences in maintenance requirements. A similar dynamic exists with MINIs. While all models will come with a certain recommended factory maintenance schedule (which varies based on which MINI you have), newer ones also boast a sophisticated CBS system that will give you detailed information on what aspects of your MINI need service. It analyzes wear on components, factors in your mileage, and streamlines servicing for your local technician.

Indication Examples

As a basic example any MINI that is equipped with a CBS system will tell you when you are in need of oil service, or when your brake fluid needs to be replaced. Sensors near the front and rear axles also collect data on the wear that has accumulated on your front and rear brake pads. It can even evaluate more comprehensive factors so that you can determine when a full vehicle inspection is necessary. All these and more are carefully monitored by the system to make things easier for you so that you can be as diligent about maintenance as possible.

Following the Schedule

It’s important to bear in mind that factory scheduled maintenance and condition-based service are not the same and don’t address all the same aspects of your MINI. This means that it’s key to stay on top of both. It also means that, considering the differences that exist between models, it’s as important as ever to know your individual vehicle as well as you can and understand its needs. Even better, team up with a MINI specialist who knows your vehicle even better than you do! If you can get a good handle on the CBS indications and stay on top of scheduled maintenance, your MINI will always be in great shape.

BMWs may be the pride and joy of the Motorwerkes team, but the services we offer on MINIs carry the same signature mark of excellence we’re known for. From repairs and maintenance to upgrades and detailing, call (403) 768-3161 to find out what we can do for your MINI today!

Inspection 2 Service for Your Pre-CBS BMW

16 July 2017

BMW has a long history of producing excellent vehicles. Maintenance practices can often differ depending on whether you own a sophisticated modern model or a prized classic. If you’re in the latter category, it’s wise to bear in mind the importance of BMW’s Inspection 2 service.

What Does “Pre-CBS” Mean?

When the 2002 7 Series was released in 2002, BMW introduced the Condition-Based Service system. This was a sophisticated new way of monitoring the condition of your model and knowing which services were needed at what time. Prior to the introduction of this feature was the service interval indicator system. While CBS isn’t a part of every BMW’s feature set, it is standard on all E60, E65, E90, and E70 models. BMWs manufactured before 2002, however, are considered to be pre-CBS. This means that their needs and scheduling requirements in terms of maintenance and repairs are a bit different from newer models.

Understanding Inspection 2

While Inspection 1 service satisfies a pretty thorough set of maintenance requirements for recent BMW models, one of the most important considerations for pre-CBS vehicles is Inspection 2 service. It provides you not only with what is included in Inspection 1, but with the addition of services that can make a big difference for the longevity of an older model. These include replacement of spark plugs and air filters, inspection of the body of your vehicle for rust, and more. It’s an excellent way to revitalize your pre-CBS BMW so that you can enjoy it for as long as possible.

Seeking Out the Best Service

For one thing, Inspection 2 should be performed every four years or every 100,000 kms, whichever comes first. You should also bear in mind that while the processes included in Inspection 2 are standardized, the value and quality of your service will vary depending on where you go. Dealer prices can be a bit intimidating, so taking your classic BMW to an independent specialist will give you high-quality results at the best possible value. Your BMW, no matter how old it is, is an investment worth caring for!

There’s nothing quite like driving a classic BMW whose exterior, interior, and mechanical functions are all in top working order. The Motorwerkes team is fully dedicated to caring for BMWs both new and old, so call us at (403) 768-3161 or an excellent Inspection 2 experience!

Keeping Your Leather Interior in Great Shape

1 June 2017

One of the best feelings a driver can experience is stepping into a BMW with well-maintained leather upholstery. This is a big factor in everything from the comfort of your drive to the resale value of the vehicle. A mistake can compromise your interior, so let’s find out how to get it right.

Being Mindful

As with most aspects of car care, it’s always a good idea to check with the owner’s manual of your BMW before you do anything else. It may recommend or rule out certain techniques and products that are prone to cause damage to your upholstery. Interior leather surfaces can vary more widely than you think, from soft, smooth aniline to velvety nubuck and vinyl-like pigmented types. Does your upholstery contain any perforations? This will also affect your cleaning technique, as you want to avoid letting any fluids or gunk get trapped in these small holes. In short, know your interior well if you want to give it a proper detailing!

Technique and Materials

Regardless of what kind of leather your interior is comprised of, cleaning and conditioning it will almost always involve a few fundamental steps. Think of it as a layered process. You’ll first want to clear the surfaces of any abrasive materials such as grit and dirt in a way that doesn’t wear anything down. This can be done with careful vacuuming, clearing out small nooks using compressed air, and using microfibre towels to smoothly wipe unfriendly material away. A deep clean with the right saddle soap followed by proper conditioning and wipedown is often what follows, but the exact products will vary based on your particular interior.

The Summer Sun

Of course, the process of cleaning itself isn’t the only thing contributing to healthy leather upholstery. You also need to be attentive to everyday conditions. Obviously, avoiding things like contact with shoes and accumulation of dirt and debris is essential. However, many drivers neglect to properly protect their leather from the sun, particularly during summer. This is one element that can take a significant toll over time, especially when it comes to your steering wheel, dashboard, centre console, and even driver and front passenger seats. Be careful of where you park and be sure to use a high-quality sun shade on your windshield!

How is your BMW looking these days? If you want to keep your favourite vehicle in top condition, call (403) 768-3169 to make an appointment!

A Few BMW Repairs You Should Never Attempt Yourself

13 February 2017

A good vehicle is a long-term investment, and the better you take care of it, the more you’re getting for your money. Many drivers assume that saving in the short-term by attempting DIY repairs is usually a good call. Let’s look at some situations where this is definitely not the case.

Engine and Diagnostics

BMW drivers like us have a strong enthusiasm for automotive engineering and learning more about what makes a vehicle go. It can therefore be understandably tempting to try and diagnose an engine problem yourself. While the desire to get your hands dirty is admirable, engine diagnostics are best left to a BMW certified mechanic. This isn’t just a matter of being equipped with the latest approved tools and software, it’s a matter of preventing costly damage that can make your problem worse. So before you dig in to determine a potentially complex issue, go with a professional check-up instead!

Timing Belt

This may seem like a rather unassuming and nonthreatening item to replace, but it actually poses significant risk if attempted by an untrained hand. Naturally, it will need replacement at an interval recommended by your local BMW expert, and the replacement should take place in a timely manner so as to prevent further damage. However, don’t let this motivate you to do it yourself. As a procedure, it involves a lot of engine disassembly and reassembly. If you’re not experienced in the process, you could end up making a mistake that increases the cost of repair and replacement by a considerable amount.

Transmission and Suspension

Transmission repair is one of the most significant and also essential procedures that a vehicle can undergo. Since it requires expert handling of many different parts, not to mention the costs of the damage that a DIY procedure can lead to, this is one best left to a trained technician. The same goes for suspension repair, which can be dangerous both in the process (crawling under a heavy car) and in the aftermath (an unskilled repair could mean a very hazardous drive). Remember that the most experienced hand is always worth it in the end!

There are plenty of BMW maintenance procedures that are best left to a certified technician, not only for the sake of preventing costly damage, but also for the sake of safety. When in doubt, you can always give Motorwerkes a call at (403) 768-3165 to find out what your best options are!

How Does Winter Affect Your BMW’s Fuel Economy?

6 February 2017

As we’ve discussed in a number of different contexts, winter weather affects many aspects of owning and operating your BMW. Aside from maintenance and driving technique, there’s also the issue of fuel economy. So how does this time of year affect your milage and what can you do?

Atmospheric Conditions

When temperatures drop, they take a toll on your transmission, the viscosity of engine oil and other fluids, the time it takes your BMW to get to operating temperature, your alternator’s ability to charge your battery, and more. The system is further stressed by the power it requires to produce warm air, heat your seats, and other functions commonly used during this season. As if that weren’t bad enough, lower temperatures mean denser air, leading to increased aerodynamic drag. All this adds up to more fuel used and less overall efficiency.

Road Conditions

A vehicle’s fuel efficiency is also significantly dependent on the conditions of the surfaces it travels on. Build-up of snow, slush, ice, and road salt as well as weather damage to asphalt all mean irregular surfaces, a considerable increase in resistance, and a decrease in speed relative to fuel consumption. Understandably, slower and more cautious driving takes place once winter is underway, as it very well should. The side-effect of this caution is, however, lower fuel efficiency. And don’t forget, your tires lose pressure with every decrease in ambient temperature!

Addressing the Problem

As you can see, there is a pretty wide range of things working against your BMW on cold days as far as mileage is concerned. Fortunately, there are also ways of compensating for their effects. As is often the case, it’s attentiveness and all the little things that come together over time. Keep your BMW parked in a garage when possible to avoid a chilled engine, avoid using your heat, defrosters, and seat warmers more than you need, don’t take frequent short trips, and keep an eye on that tire pressure. If you need more specific milage tips according to your vehicle, feel free to ask a certified BMW technician!

Boosting fuel economy may seem like a slow endeavour, but good habits can add up to a big difference for your BMW and your wallet over time. If you’d like to improve performance while saving on costs, get in touch with Motorwerkes at (403) 768-3165 and we’ll be happy to help!