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Winter Driving Technique: Myths and Misconceptions

1 February 2017

Taking care of a vehicle during winter involves a lot of attention and care. However, it’s not just about how your BMW runs or looks, it’s also about how you operate it. Unfortunately, there are quite a few winter driving myths out there to address! Here are just a few.

Cruise Control

While it may be convenient to use cruise control during that long winter trip to see family during the holidays, handing over this amount of control to your vehicle is very unwise in low traction situations. If an obstacle presents itself and you need to brake and make a sudden adjustment to your course, having the cruise control engaged means you’ll likely be unable to regain control in time. What’s more, your BMW’s cruise control could apply automatic acceleration at a hazardous moment, such as during a skid, leading you to hydroplane. The bottom line? During winter, cruise control means you lose control!

The Superiority of SUVs

Many drivers are led to believe that SUVs provide the absolute best in safety and performance everywhere you drive them. BMW SUVs are indeed outfitted with plenty of excellent features that improve stability and control when navigating irregular terrain off-road. However, it’s a mistake to assume that an SUV will give you optimum safety on paved roads that have been overcome with ice during winter. In this regard, they’re not necessarily better than a well-engineered sedan. Never assume that the type of vehicle you use is a replacement for smart, attentive driving at this time of year.

Skidding and Braking

There are few things more nerve-racking than the moment you realize you’re starting to lose control of your vehicle on a slick road. Drivers will deal with this situation differently depending on what source they’ve gotten their information from. As expected, there are plenty of misconceptions. For one thing, it’s often recommended not to engage the emergency brake, or to brake at all, as this can make the situation much worse. Turn into the skid, gently accelerate, and keep your eyes on where you want your vehicle to go. Drive with attention and care so that you can keep your vehicle, yourself, and your passengers safe!

Whether you’re maintaining your BMW or getting better at driving it, owning a performance vehicle is an adventure we’re just as inspired by as you. That’s why the Motorwerkes team will always provide the best BMW-certified maintenance. Call us at (403) 768-3165 today!

What Makes a BMW?

2 January 2017

Even if you’re dedicated to taking care of your BMW, do you know what exactly it is you love about it? Whether you’ve got a classic or one of the latest models, it’s hard not to wonder what exactly makes a BMW so unique. Here are a few key characteristics that are iconic to the name.

The Design

Even without owning one, the first thing a person is going to notice about a BMW is likely how it looks. The designers at BMW don’t take aesthetics lightly. It’s not just about obvious features like the iconic kidney grille or the BMW roundel, it’s about the subtle details that only a true aficionado might recognize. The Hofmeister kink, for instance, is a trait of the vehicle’s C-pillar that lends to the body’s dynamic appearance, even symbolically reinforcing BMW’s dedication to rear-wheel drive. Overall, the body structure of a BMW displays a calculated balance between classy elegance and technical versatility.

The Engineering

Of course, as good as your BMW may look, its sharp appearances aren’t all it has to offer. As mentioned above, BMW has built a tradition around engineering their cars with rear-wheel drive or rear-focused all-wheel drive. This, in combination with a front engine, is a critical factor in maintaining optimal weight distribution and providing a drive that feels both smooth and powerful. While there are plenty of exceptions, the straight-6 engine and manual transition have also historically been hallmarks of BMW’s engineering approach. Regardless of the specifics of your model, it’s all about enjoying the utmost power and precision of control.

The Experience

The experience of owning and driving a BMW can be described in a number of different terms. It can relate to the interior of the vehicle itself, for instance. BMW designers tend to place ergonomics and interior comfort very high on their priority list in order to meet the standards of the modern driver. There’s also the philosophy of BMW ownership and the experience that BMW experts provide for their clients. You can always expect that a BMW-certified technician will not only know their stuff, but they’ll also own and love a BMW of their own. For them, all of their work is a personal endeavour, and this means better service for you!

Whatever you love most about your BMW, there’s no denying that it deserves the best maintenance available. The Motorwerkes team has the experience, training, and dedication that the BMW philosophy calls for. Give us a call at (403) 768-3165 to make an appointment today!

A Century of BMW: Looking Back

21 November 2016

2016 is the hundredth year in BMW’s history as a company. There are plenty of excellent concept vehicles being revealed as part of the centennial, but let’s take a moment to look back on some classic landmarks in BMW’s history.

The 328

Produced from 1936 to 1940, the 328 was BMW’s first serious effort in designing performance sports vehicles and one of the earliest models to display the company’s signature kidney grille. Its specs were quite impressive for the time, armed with a 2.0L straight-6 engine that offered 76 HP, not to mention a lightweight aluminum body. It garnered much acclaim and secured over 100 class wins, including the Alpine Rally and the formidable Mille Miglia.

The 507

This late-1950s roadster is often cited as the most beautiful BMW ever built, but its merits don’t rest on good looks alone. Its aluminum 3.2L V8 engine was nothing to sneeze at, yielding 140 HP and giving its competitor, the Mercedes Benz 300SL, a run for its money. Unfortunately, the manufacturing costs of the 507 nearly bankrupted the company, making this model a financial disaster. Still, its status as an icon of vehicle design is undeniable. Even Elvis had to have one.

BMW New Class

Due to rapidly declining profits and other factors, the end of the 1950s was a dark time for BMW. Enter the New Class, a line of sedans and coupes running between 1962 and 1977. Models like the 1500, 1800, and 2000 allowed BMW to enter the midsize sport sedan market with a vengeance. Excellent performance, smart design, and accessibility lead to a surge in financial success, allowing BMW to pay their stockholders for the first time in two decades.

3 Series

The impact of the New Class was significant in BMW’s engineering approach and culture. It led to the 02 Series, which housed such legends as the 2002 Turbo, one of the first turbocharged cars ever. After the success of the 2002, BMW’s carefully-executed approach to luxury performance sedans and coupes would culminate with the 3 Series, established by the E21 in 1975. This became BMW’s best-selling series to date and one of their flagship accomplishments.

Whether you’ve got one of the classics or you’re considering an eco-friendly i3, BMW always has something exciting to discover. To get the most out of yours, call (403) 768-3166 and a certified technician at Motorwerkes will be happy to help!

Does Your BMW Need One of These Common Repairs?

14 November 2016

Depending on how well you take care of your vehicle, a number of different problems and dysfunctions are bound to arise. Thankfully, the issues you’re more likely to encounter over the years are well documented and understood, so here are a few to keep in mind.

Basic Stuff

One of the most common replacements drivers can anticipate is of the oxygen sensor, usually referred to as an O2 sensor. Located in the exhaust manifold, the O2 sensor is designed to detect the ratio of oxygen to fuel that is present in your exhaust. It helps your engine maintain healthy combustion of fuel, as an unbalanced ratio can lead to more air pollutants and potentially engine damage. This, along with a loose fuel cap (another common issue), can lead to poor mileage and cost plenty of money if you don’t have it corrected as soon as possible. Other small but important replacements you may need include spark plugs, ignition coils, etc.

Serious Repairs and Replacements

Catalytic converter replacement is relatively common and can also be particularly expensive. This is because the materials and manufacturing processes involved in producing them are costly and labor-heavy but for good reason. We rely on catalytic converters to prevent the emission of toxic gasses from our vehicles, so avoiding a replacement isn’t a good idea! Failure to replace your battery, meanwhile, can leave you broken down on the side of the road. Finally, a broken axle or noticeably poor alignment are less common, but need to be taken care of immediately.

No Repair Is Truly Minor

Many mechanical and electrical systems in your BMW affect one another, so routine maintenance is critical in avoiding bigger, costlier repairs like transmission repair, head gasket replacement, and others. With the exception of purely cosmetic problems, an issue that may seem insignificant is almost always directly connected to a bigger problem that has potential to get out of control before you have a chance to prevent it. Fuel injector or spark plug problems, for example, can lead to the expensive catalytic converter replacement we mentioned above. The takeaway: don’t delay your repairs!

Any true BMW lover wants to know as much as possible about how to optimize and sustain the performance of their vehicle. Our certified technicians are here to provide you with top-notch service and keep you in the know, so give Motorwerkes a call at (403) 768-3166 today!

Avoiding Winter Car Care Mistakes

7 November 2016

Extreme temperatures will always have significant effects on many aspects of your BMW. While many drivers are aware of this, there are still a few missteps that commonly occur when it comes to taking care of a vehicle during this season.

Important Seasonal Changes

A shift in season, especially into winter, typically means you’ll need to make a few changes to your vehicle. Failing to cover your bases could lead you to some significant dilemmas. Winter tires, for instance, are never something you should skip. Buying and installing a quality pair will significantly improve the safety and feel of your drive. If your windshield wipers are worn or too loose against your windshield, replacing them can help prevent accidents due to buildup of snowfall while driving. Don’t forget to check all your fluid levels as well as the condition of your battery, which is more likely to fail in low temperatures. If you need to replace it, don’t hesitate to do so!

Harmful Habits

Even though you’ve probably been through countless winters with your BMW, it’s always wise to avoid overestimating your own abilities when it comes to abrupt stops and tight cornering. Stay attentive and conservative about your input and don’t assume that your stability and traction control systems will save you when you make a poor decision! Other than these considerations, don’t forget about the little things. For instance, de-ice your windshield using a scraper rather than a bucket of hot water (which can crack the glass), and don’t spend an excessive amount of time letting your vehicle warm up before you leave.

Warning Signs

Addressing common winter-related issues is not only about which actions to take and which ones to avoid. It’s also about being aware of indications that a less obvious problem may be at work. If your tires are squealing too often when cornering, your pressure may be too low. This is not uncommon in the winter, due to contraction of air in low temperatures. Hearing screeches or other unusual sounds from your brakes can also be more apparent in the cold due to ice in the wheel well, so listen for these and be sure to have them serviced as soon as possible!

If something’s not quite right with your BMW this winter, having it promptly checked out is wise both financially and in terms of safety. We’re always happy to help, so call Motorwerkes at (403) 768-3166, and let us know what you need!