Spring Cleaning for Your BMW

Spring Cleaning for Your BMW - Motorwerkes - BMW Maintenance Experts

There’s a lot of excitement in the air when winter comes to a close, however long it may take for that to happen! Everyone knows it’s the perfect time to clean out the home so that everything feels fresh again, but don’t forget that a spring cleaning for your BMW can work wonders too!

A Messy Season

Many BMW and MINI owners out there care about the cosmetic condition of their vehicle. This is because they’re some of the most classy and handsome cars available today. During winter, when things get messy, it’s easy for us to tune it out because we’re used to it here in Calgary. Not only this, but the more attention you pay to all of that slush, salt, accumulated dirts, and possible corrosion, the more anxious you may be about the state of your beloved car. However, being aware of it is important, and it’s never a good idea to take an “out of sight, out of mind” approach to owning and taking care of a vehicle.

Washing Off Winter

At the beginning of spring, there might be some rainfall that comes along and provides the illusion that the residue of winter has been rinsed from your BMW. Unfortunately, this isn’t quite how it works. Rainfall is full of contaminants that can have an impact on the condition of your car just as any winter weather can. This is why it’s important to have a professional wash done. It will give your BMW a fresh start and will address problem areas such as the undercarriage, as this is where road salt can do the most damage. Don’t forget, however, that you should also have frequent washes during winter, not just at the end of it!

Looking Good and Running Smoothly

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of starting spring with a sparkling-clean vehicle. Professional detailing can take this to an even more satisfying level. However, we all know that caring for a BMW or MINI isn’t just about appearances. The shift from winter to spring is a pivotal moment when it comes to vehicle maintenance, whether it’s fluid changes, switching tire types, checking wiper condition, or other essentials. There’s not better way to complement a skillful wash and detailing than by keeping up your scheduled maintenance regimen and having the work done by an experience, BMW-certified technician!

Complement your a thorough cleaning this spring with quality repairs and maintenance by giving us a call at (403) 453-0269 or come by the shop!

Three Ways You Can Become a Better Driver

Three Ways You Can Become a Better Driver - Motorwerkes - BMW Maintenance and Repair

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!

BMW & MINI: What’s the Connection?

BMW & MINI: What’s the Connection? - Motorwerkes - BMW-certified technician

Our commitment to offering service for both BMWs and MINIs is made possible by the powerful relationship that the two brands have developed for over fifteen years. With so much stylistic distinction between them, what exactly unites them and why does it work so well?

How It Happened

From 1988 to the early nineties, MINI was the property of state-owned British car manufacturer Rover Group. In 1994, Rover Group was acquired by BMW before breaking up into several more properties acquired by other corporations. Most notable among these was Ford’s acquisition of Rover Group’s Land Rover property. Ultimately, the rights to produce the MINI stayed in BMW’s hands, and they relaunched the brand in 2000 with the MINI Hatch R50/53, also known as the MINI Hardtop or MINI One. It was the turn of the millennium, and drivers were up for something fresh and bold. The MINI relaunch met this need and exceeded expectations.

How It Works

Today’s MINIs exhibit classic design elements and philosophies that are hallmarks of the brand’s history while combining them with German engineering and powerful BMW-designed engines. Between the two brands, there is a mutual dedication to ensuring that the MINI maintains its identity as a distinct and independent vehicle. This is reflected in loyalty to MINI drivers as a specific buyer market with its own trends, quirks, and preferences. It’s also evident in the logistics of manufacturing. With the exception of the Austrian-made Paceman and Countryman, all MINIs are produced at the British MINI plant in Oxford.

Why It’s So Powerful

The seventeen-year union between MINI and BMW is a highly unique and inarguably successful one, as the British classic has enjoyed worldwide success and revitalization since the relaunch. Thanks to its compact design, the MINI’s famous go-kart-like handling and tight control pair well with the strength and sportiness of BMW’s approach to providing classy, powerful vehicles for the discerning driver. Its affordability and fun factor also allow BMW to access a buyer segment that serves to complement their historical focus on stately luxury. The combination has been and continues to be a formidable presence in today’s modern automotive world.

Whether you drive a BMW or a MINI, Motorwerkes has you covered with the highest-quality repairs, maintenance, and upgrades. Check out our homepage to see what’s new with us or give us a call at (403) 453-0269 to find out why we’re Calgary’s favourite one-stop shop!

Common Electrical Problems to Watch Out For

Common Electrical Problems to Watch Out For - Motorwerkes - BMW-certified technician

Your windshield wipers, lights, and even your BMW’s ability to start are just a few things that depend on the vehicle’s electrical system. Without that system functioning properly, a variety of issues can arise. As always, good care is a matter of knowing what to keep an eye on!

Battery and Ignition

Depending on the age of your BMW and how well you’ve taken care of it, some of the most common electrical problems that you may experience will be related to your alternator, starter, or your battery. Ignition failure, for instance, is perhaps most prominent among these. Pay close attention to whether any electrical components activate when you turn your key, including your interior lights. If they don’t, you could have a dead battery. On the other hand, active lights and indicators but no ignition could point to an alternator problem. Be sure to listen for a repeated clicking sound, which is a clear sign of an issue with your starter.

Interior and Exterior Lights

Light bulbs will inevitably fail, but problems with lights and indicators aren’t always caused by a simple expired bulb. Firstly, if a light goes out and stays that way even when you replace it, your problem could be with a fuse rather than the bulb itself, or even a faulty or disconnected wire. Some problems are a bit more subtle and easy to overlook, such as dim indicators throughout your dashboard. If they decrease in brightness once you start your car or move up to higher speeds, your voltage regulator may need attention or your battery could be near the end of its lifespan.

Other Signs and What to Do

Your battery is one part that you should be especially mindful of. Corrosion and leakage are not to be dismissed, so take good care of it to avoid further issues. If you experience bad acceleration or any lurching with your transmission, check your spark plugs. Everything we’ve mentioned may be common with vehicles on a general scale, but as always, you can easily prevent significant issues by following the maintenance recommendations of your BMW-certified technician and promptly treating the problems that do arise.

The number-one rule when it comes to vehicle maintenance is to never let a malfunction or suspicious symptom go ignored. The sooner you get an issue checked out, the sooner your BMW will be back to normal. Get in touch with us at (403) 453-0269 to make an appointment!

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

Listen to Your MINI: Knowing When It’s Time for Service - Motorwerkes - BMW Specialists Canada

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!