bmw service calgary - Motorwerkes

Dealer Service vs. Independent BMW Specialists

22 May 2017

Whether you need exterior repairs, engine diagnostics, or a part replacement, the decision of who you go to will boil down to two major options: a BMW dealership or an independent BMW certified technician. To determine the wiser choice, we’ll look at some of the most important factors.

Cost

When it comes to the price paid, which option wins out? That depends on your situation. If you’ve run into an issue that is completely covered by warranty, some say you should get it done at the dealer. This is up to each driver to decide, but it’s important to consider what you’re getting with that service. The dealership might give you the bare minimum, while an independent service shop will go above and beyond to give your BMW the treatment it really needs. When it comes to things not covered by warranty, however, opting for an independent team of qualified technicians will consistently save you money and give you better value for the work performed.

Variety of Service

When it comes down to it, there’s only so much you can get out of dealer service when you compare it to what is offered by a good independent shop. Service and maintenance are a given, but don’t forget about upgrades and extensive knowledge of both OEM and approved aftermarket parts. If you’ve taken your BMW to get a pricey repair at the dealer and have been thinking about a powerful performance upgrade, you won’t get the kind of expertise on the subject that you will from a certified technician who has explored the possibilities of BMW ownership well beyond the standard offerings.

Quality of Service

This is one of the most important factors contributing to a superior experience at an independent shop. Let’s say you’ve chosen a team of technicians who are truly dedicated to a friendly and more than satisfactory, community-driven client experience. When you arrive for your service, no matter what you need, you’ll benefit from a personal touch and down-to-earth relatability that dealer service often lacks. You’re not just entrusting your prized BMW to a mechanic, you’re working with a fellow BMW lover to keep that vehicle in the best shape possible and enjoying the process!

There’s nothing quite like working with a team of certified BMW technicians who are dedicated to you and your vehicle. The best service is informed not only by technical expertise, but a solid customer service philosophy. Call us at (403) 768-3163 to find out what we’re all about!

BMW Design: The Hofmeister Kink

15 May 2017

We could all spot a BMW from a mile away, thanks to an iconic approach to design that has managed to innovate while still maintaining that signature look. This is a tricky balance to strike, but it all comes down to a number of key features. One of them is the Hofmeister kink.

What Is It?

The greenhouse of a car is structured and supported by a series of vertical pillars, each designated a letter. The A pillar is frontmost and frames the windshield, continuing rearward with the B, C, and, in touring vehicles and SUVs, D pillars. The angle and curvature of these pillars as they align with the horizontal base of the windows will vary between manufacturers and models, but in the vast majority of BMWs, you’ll see a distinctive frontward bend at the base of the C or D pillar (whichever is rearmost). It’s a subtle touch, but it has contributed to the look of nearly every BMW automobile since 1961.

Origins and History

From the mid-’50s until the end of the ‘60s, Wilhelm Hofmeister was head of BMW’s design department. During a difficult post-war period in which BMW had only narrowly been saved from bankruptcy, the company was preparing to release its New Class series. To debut this influential generation of sedans and coupes, they introduced the 1500 and 3200CS at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September of 1961. As well as being the first two BMW vehicles to feature Hofmeister’s distinctive C-pillar design, they helped spark a comeback that would both solidify the iconic BMW look and bring the company back to life in a big way.

What Does It Mean?

The Hofmeister kink was no arbitrary act of flare. It was implemented not only to create a recognizable and aerodynamic look, but also to symbolize and emphasize an important aspect of BMW’s approach to vehicle engineering. Since its earliest years, the company has become well-known for favouring the implementation of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with a rear bias in order to provide optimal weight distribution and traction. The Hofmeister kink lends to a rear-leaning poise that pays tribute to that philosophy. A signature look inspired by a signature function!

No matter what stylistic feature stands out to you, taking good care of your BMW cosmetically and mechanically is of the utmost importance. Motorwerkes offers a comprehensive range of repair, maintenance, and upgrade services. Call us at (403) 768-3163 to schedule an appointment!

A Look at Some of BMW’s Greatest Engines

10 May 2017

Like all BMW lovers, it’s impossible for us to choose one aspect of BMW’s design and engineering that we love the most. One thing is for certain, however: A big part of what has made BMW the name it is today is its long history of groundbreaking engines. Here are three highlights.

M88

Many of the best BMWs have used a straight-six engine, making it something of a historic specialty for the company. The M88 is no exception. In its earliest form it powered the commercially unsuccessful but nonetheless iconic M1 supercar of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. It utilized Kugelfischer high-pressure mechanical fuel injection and a dry-sump lubrication system, with its most powerful iteration offering up to 900 hp (670 kW) for group 5 race models. Perhaps most famously, the M88 would later be modified for the very first (and very legendary) M5 in 1984, which went down as the fastest production sedan of its time.

S65

Despite the important role that the straight-six has played in BMW’s history, the company has, of course, excelled in the design of V8s as well. When it came time to introduce a 4th-generation M3 in 2007, it was also time to introduce a new engine along with it. The 4.0L S65 V8 debuted to provide the E90 and E92 M3 models with 414 hp (309 kW) at 8,300 rpm, featuring a double-VANOS VVT system and 12.0:1 compression ratio. It was light, powerful, and loved by many, even being named International Engine of the Year within the 3.0/4.0L category four years in a row.

S70/2

You probably can’t get more legendary than the S70/2. Ironically, this beast of an engine wasn’t implemented in a BMW vehicle, but instead designed for the McLaren F1 in 1992, which has a history of its own as quite possibly the best sports car (or, frankly, car of any kind) ever built. The F1’s designer, Gordon Murray, hired Paul Rosche at BMW’s motorsport division to create a naturally-aspirated 6.1L V12 engine. Weighting in a 586 lbs and providing 618 hp (461 kW), the S70/2 brought the F1 to 60mph in under three seconds, hitting a top speed of 240mph. BMW ingenuity delivers again!

Power, efficiency, and elegance are all at the heart of BMW’s approach to engineering, and this demands only the best repairs and maintenance. We believe that skillful service and a great customer experience should always go hand in hand, so call (403) 768-3163 to see for yourself!

Thinking About a Diesel BMW?

1 May 2017

Opting for a diesel vehicle has given many people the driving experience they’re looking for. It’s not necessarily the best choice for everyone, but these days there are enough options out there to fit all kinds of drivers. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons and what BMW has to offer.

Advantages

One of the primary reasons to switch to diesel is fuel economy. Exact efficiency depends on your vehicle, but drivers often see an improvement by as much as 30% over gasoline. It can also offer an improved lifespan for your engine. The fuel is self-ignited through a compression-ignition process rather than spark plugs, which avoids electrical failure and can give you more time between servicings or repairs. If you’re looking for an enhancement in torque as well, you’ll find that diesel certainly delivers. This is due to a higher compression ratio than gasoline engines, greater density (and therefore higher energy transfer) of diesel fuel, and other factors.

Drawbacks

As for potential disadvantages, basically any diesel vehicle will carry a higher upfront price tag than the corresponding base model. A significant contributing factor to this is the cost of manufacturing, which is to be expected of anything that is a bit more heavy-duty and durable than its standard counterpart. This is due to reinforcement and other engineering considerations demanded by the high compression ratios of diesel combustion. Meanwhile, the cost of diesel fuel is often higher than that of gasoline, and depending on where you happen to be driving, it may be a bit trickier to find a gas station offering it.

Diesel BMW Models

Not all of BMW’s diesel vehicles are offered in North America, as they tend to sell more in Europe, but you can easily identify a diesel model by the lowercase “d” in the model number. A 320d, for instance, can offer you the timeless reliability and accessibility of the 3 Series with the added advantage of diesel power and efficiency. A 730d, meanwhile, is proof that the combination of diesel ruggedness and full-size luxury sedan stylishness is tough to beat. It’s even the vehicle of choice for BMW CEO Harald Krueger, so it must be good.

Whether or not your BMW runs on diesel, it will only give you its best performance if you seek out the best maintenance and repairs. If you want your vehicle taken care of by a highly experienced BMW certified technician, give the Motorwerkes team a call at (403) 768-3163 today!

Taking Care of Your BMW’s Tires

24 April 2017

Whether you’re counting on your winter tires during the iciest day of the year or you’re taking a freshly-installed set of summer tires out on a sunny road trip, they keep you stable every moment you’re on the road. If you take care of them, you’ll be saving money and staying safe!

Understand the Importance

Tires are one of many car parts we often take for granted. Until, of course, they blow out and cause an accident or leave you stuck on the side of the road. The first thing to remember is that not all tires are created equal, and paying for quality and reliability means that this is exactly what you get! Each type has its advantages and disadvantages related for the purpose they were engineered for as well. Not all tires are meant for all seasons and conditions, and no tire is indestructible. Learning proper tire care is critical if you want to keep your drive smooth, stable, and safe.

Know Your Habits

The majority of good tire care will fall in your hands as a driver and vehicle owner. This is all about establishing good habits and breaking bad ones. Check tire pressure often, but don’t over or under-inflate. Follow recommendations based on your vehicle, the tire manufacturer, and even a local technician. Look at the wear of your tread, especially after long trips. You can tell whether you’re in need of a replacement by using tire’s wear bars for reference. Always avoid excessive speeds and sudden, hard braking, and be mindful of the loads your vehicle carries.

Trust a Professional

As important as your own habits are, there are a number of services and procedures that it’s best to leave to a BMW certified technician. Checking your alignment, for instance is highly important, as it affects both your tires and the safety and stability of your drive in general. Rotating your tires can ensure that they accumulate even amounts of wear and live a long life. This can easily be part of other routine maintenance, such as an oil servicing. As a Calgary BMW expert to find out what your tires might need!

Don’t forget that keeping your winter tires on after winter will compromise their condition and even your safety. Whether it concerns your tires or any other part of your BMW or MINI, Motorwerkes can help. Call us at (403) 768-3161 to make an appointment!