There’s no doubt that BMWs truly are “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” However, all vehicles have some problems, and the BMW M-Series is no exception. If you’re thinking about buying an M-Series or you already own one, you should prepare yourself to deal with the following known issues.
1. Fuel Pump Failures
While fuel pump failures are more common in older versions of the M-Series BMW, they’re still worth mentioning. Drivers may experience either a hard or soft failure. Hard failure occurs when no fuel reaches the engine at all while soft failure results in a low volume of fuel. In both cases, the pump needs to be replaced.
2. Noisy Differential
The limited-slip differential sometimes makes a “rubbing” noise when the vehicle makes tight turns. In some cases, this can be fixed by replacing fluids with a specialty BMW oil. When this occurs in older models, it’s almost always necessary to replace the differential.
3. Power Steering Hose Leaks
It’s very common for one or more power steering hoses to spring a leak. Sometimes this happens one at a time, and other times several will begin leaking at once. All leaking hoses will need to be replaced.
4. Blower Final Stage Fan Resistor Failure
Problems with the vehicle’s heater are also common. In most cases, this is caused by a failed blower final stage fan. Replacing it with a new one should fix the issue.
5. Electrical Issues
One of the most annoying problems that plague BMW owners are the electrical issues. These vehicles make use of complex electronics that are sometimes too advanced for their own good.
The result is a slew of “little” problems like issues with the window regulators, door locks, and drivers-side handles. Each of these issues needs to be diagnosed and repaired by a mechanic.
Keep Your BMW Running Right
While some will argue that the M-Series can be “unreliable,” the truth is that these vehicles were made to drive hard and many owners do just that. It’s also common to modify this sporty coupe to get even more speed and performance out of it. There’s nothing wrong with this, but it’s also important to remember that the BMW M-Series is a premium vehicle. As such, it’s more sensitive than some other car brands and requires proper maintenance and care.
It’s critical to change the oil, use the proper fluids, and keep up with the recommended maintenance schedule. During regularly scheduled maintenance, a skilled mechanic will often notice the most common issues and can proactively fix them before they become a major problem that will cost you time and money.
If you’re going to own a BMW, one of the most important things you can do is find a great mechanic. At The Haus, all of our certified technicians are on top of the latest repair and maintenance techniques. We’ll help keep your BMW in prime shape and get you back on the road quickly when problems do arise. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.