Like any other car, owning a BMW 3 Series can come with its own set of problems. Whether you are thinking of buying a new or used 3 Series it is important to know what are the common problems on a 3 Series, and what to expect.
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Why you may need to get your BMW wheels’ adjusted for an optimal experience
When was the last time you checked the wheel alignment of your BMW? It may not seem important, but getting your BMW wheels checked can have a major impact on the quality of your drive. The wheels may have been perfectly aligned when your European luxury vehicle was brand new, but even the most careful drivers can encounter situations that set the alignment off slightly. If you feel your car pulling to a particular side whilst you drive, it is time to take your vehicle into an authorized service center in order to get the wheel alignment checked out.
What causes the wheels to come out of alignment in a BMW?
If you have ever gotten into a fender bender or other minor accident on the road, there is a high chance that it threw your vehicle’s wheels out of alignment. Accidents are one of the most common ways to instigate a misalignment, but did you know that the wheels can also come out of alignment if your vehicle runs over a curb or hits a pothole?
Many drivers encounter numerous potholes, curbs and other small obstacles every single day. Each time one of these is hit, the alignment of the car gets thrown off slightly. All of this adds up and results in wheels that are considerably unaligned after an extended period of driving.
Why is wheel alignment so important?
Wheel alignment seems like a small nuisance, but it can be quite dangerous and costly to be on the road without having your wheels’ serviced at an automotive shop. There are several things to be wary of when the wheels of your BMW are misaligned.
Tires tend to wear out unevenly as you drive around lose tread at a rapid rate. Not only is this dangerous, but it also negatively impacts the overall performance of your BMW. When driving on tires that are unevenly worn, the vehicle will start to pull to a side and it will take more effort to properly operate. BMWs are known for being a great, smooth ride and that simply isn’t going to be the case if you are struggling to keep the car straight due to misaligned wheels.
Another reason to get the wheels checked out is because unevenly worn tires guzzle gas, increasing your expenses considerably over a period of time. It’s always wise to keep your BMW as fuel efficient as possible, and this is just another way to contribute to lowering your bill.
Regular wheel alignment saves you money over the long term
Speaking of saving money, getting your tires rotated and wheels aligned by a skilled technician is a small price to pay when comparing it to the price of buying new tires. Add in the unnecessary gas your vehicle utilizes when the wheels are unaligned and you are looking at a major savings over the long haul. Don’t wait for disaster to happen, take your BMW into a BMW service center such as Haus of Minis & BMW today to get this minor maintenance performed.
Even if there are no warning signs indicating that your wheels are out of alignment, it is a good idea to have them checked if it’s been over a year. Regularly having them looked at by a BMW specialist will go a long way towards keeping your vehicle in top shape.
If you own a MINI, you absolutely should go to an experienced Mini Cooper technician for regular oil changes and maintenance. There are no two ways about it and the reasons are simple. Here’s why:
Nobody understands a MINI better than an experienced Mini Cooper technician
A Mini Cooper is different from most other vehicles. Not only does it look unique, but also it is also one-of-a-kind under the hood. There is no one who understands that better than a MINI certified technician, such as those employed by The Haus in Sherman Oaks, California.
When you own one of these distinctive vehicles, you want to be sure only someone who fully understands the intricate steps to maintenance it is the one working on it. It’s highly recommended to have your Mini Cooper serviced at automotive shop with mechanics who know these cars like the back of their hands and don’t refer to a manual every step of the way. That’s exactly what you’ll get when you go to The Haus and speak with their veteran Mini Cooper technicians.
A knowledgeable Mini Cooper technician will love the model more than any general technician does
You know that somebody who has taken the time and dedication to get certified in maintaining and repairing Mini Coopers enjoys working with this particular car as much as you love driving it. They will take great pride and joy in handling your vehicle. In an experienced technician’s hands, your MINI will get plenty of respect. Why subject it to anything less?
It is cheaper in the long run
Sure, you may have to pay a little more when you go to a certified technician, but in the long run it will save you a lot of money. Let’s say you go to your neighborhood general technician who handles a MINI a few times per year. Chances are they will treat it just like any other vehicle. If you take it in for a regular servicing, it will not get the precise maintenance that these sporty automobiles require to reach their optimum performance levels. If you bring your vehicle in to get a problem resolved, you run the risk that it will get sorted out by trial and error rather than expertise. Eventually, you will find that you need to get your vehicle serviced or repaired more frequently. Not only will this end up being more expensive but it will also damage your vehicle in more ways than one. It’s just not worth the risk. Take your Mini Cooper to The Haus today to get the best possible service for your vehicle!
Known for their unique look, great gas mileage, and cool customization options, Mini Coopers are a true joy to own and drive. Once you’ve driven one of these amazing vehicles, you’ll never want to switch loyalties to any other model.
While you do not need to do a whole lot of tinkering around to keep your Mini Cooper performing as efficiently as it should, there is one thing that you should not overlook and that is the importance of a regular oil change.
Changing the oil at the recommended intervals is the best way to maximize the life of your vehicle and keep it running at peak performance. Failure to do this can have serious consequences on your Mini Cooper. If you think your Mini needs an oil change or just a general inspection, call our automotive shop—The Haus—today!
A Look At The Role Of Motor Oil
Motor oil lubricates all of the moving parts in the engine. This lubrication prevents the friction that would otherwise result from the engine parts grinding against each other. It also reduces wear and tear of the components.
As the oil filters through the engine block, it collects combustion contaminants, metal fragments and grime and begins to get thick and sludgy. As the oil becomes less viscous and more gunked up, it starts getting increasingly less efficient and does not provide the engine with the lubrication it needs.
As the oil collects more deposits and gets thicker, it will start to build up around the crankshafts, valves and pistons, resulting in a lot of damage that may require an expensive overhaul.
Changing the oil regularly as recommended can prevent this disastrous scenario. New oil is contaminant-free and will improve the performance of your Mini Cooper tremendously. It will also extend the life of its engine, which is something you definitely want if you own one of these cool little vehicles.
How Often Do You Need To Change The Oil In A Mini Cooper?
MINI recommends oil maintenance every 12,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first, however we recommend oil & filter change every 6 months or 5,000 miles to keep your MINI running properly and keep repair costs down. The conditions under which you drive your vehicle will ultimately determine how often the oil change service needs to be done. For the best advice and service, get the oil checked and changed at an automotive repair shop that specializes in dealing with Mini Coopers. The Haus is the best option for an oil check and change for a Mini Cooper in the Los Angeles area, conveniently located in Sherman Oaks.
These are the best used BMWs money can buy!
BMWs are a very popular used car for people to purchase. Because of the steep cost of a brand new vehicle from the German automaker, many potential owners turn to the second-hand market in order to acquire one of their cars or SUVs. While this is a great idea to save money, choosing a subpar used model could end up costing you a truckload of money while the vehicle is constantly in the shop for maintenance. If you are looking to avoid frequent trips to the repair shop, here are a few models you should keep an eye out for when looking around for a pre-owned BMW:
BMW 3 Series
This legendary vehicle has been around for over 30 years and remains one of BMWs most popular offerings. There are countless amounts of used M3s available, all with their own positives and drawbacks. While we wouldn’t have time to list every great model, we can recommend the E90 for those looking for a newer version of the classic car. Those who like a heavier ride will be especially happy with this choice, as it has a more substantial feel to it than previous editions.
This modern M3 was introduced in 2008 and changed the game. It features a 414-horsepower, 4.0-liter V8 engine and a bevy of other powerful features. These vehicles hold up extremely well over time, so try to find the lowest-mileage for your budget and you should be in good shape to avoid costly maintenance.
BMW 5 Series
This is an ideal choice for car buyers in the market for a luxurious, spacious vehicle that doesn’t break the bank to maintain. The 5 series is BMW’s large executive car that competes with makes such as the Lexus GS and Audi A6. Since these are often used as fleet cars, make sure you check the interior for heavy wear-and-tear.
You should be able to find a plethora of options when looking for a used 5 series model, including diesel models. One great choice for a 5 series would be the 520d, which features incredible fuel economy and strong performance with low emissions to boot. Don’t be afraid to shop around and see where the best value is in your area however, as most of the 5 series are standout vehicles.
BMW 1 Series
The 1 Series offers the most bang for the buck. While it is generally the cheapest BMW on the market, it is far from a weak vehicle. It can hold its own against the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and other small luxury cars and features rear-wheel drive when most competitors are front-wheel. There are five-door hatches and two-door coupes available, but you’ll most likely run into the five-door options when shopping for used 1 series.
The most cost-efficient model is arguably the 118i, which are generally priced a few-thousand dollars less than comparable diesel options. Unless you plan on driving great distances with your used 1 series, the petrol model should be just fine. This sleek, compact car is worth strong consideration for commuters and those seeking a smaller vehicle.
The MINI Cooper is one of the more unique cars on the road right now, and being quite a bit different from other vehicles means their owners must be aware of some peculiar quirks and issues. It’s no secret that MINIs require more attention than most vehicles, so not giving this car proper servicing every now and then can be a recipe for disaster. Here are the top-four things that every MINI Cooper owner should know.
Engine Oil Level
One of the most common issues that automotive shops come across when servicing MINI Coopers is low or practically non-existent oil in the engine. The computer system in this BMW-manufactured vehicle is programmed by the factory to only come on once a year or every 15,000 miles (1st & 3rd generation MINI at 10,000 miles), which is way too long. To avoid this issue, take a look at the dipstick in your MINIs engine at least once a month and change it every 5,000 miles. If you find it needs to be changed, come on by the The Haus shop in Sherman Oaks and we will help you out!
Change Fluids
On all generations of MINI, the factory recommends change brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage. For the transmission fluid on 1st gen MINIs the interval was every 30,000 miles, and change the coolant every 4 years. On the 2nd gen MINIs and newer, **MINI states that the coolant and transmission fluid are “are lifetime fluids and are not required to ever be changed”. MINI also states that the power steering fluid is also a “lifetime fluid” and never needs to be changed on all models and generations.
Carbon Build-Up Can Cause Problems
Follow these handy guidelines to make sure your car is ready for the season!
Now that the new season is on the horizon, it is time to make sure your MINI or BMW automobile is ready. These maintenance tips are important for all car owners to be aware of and could make the difference in keeping you and your vehicle safe as the weather changes. If you find you need any of the following services done after self-inspection, please give The Haus a call to schedule an appointment.
Deal with any critical problems, check your mileage and get any regular service done: These should always be top of mind for all vehicle owners, regardless of the season. Any major difficulties—such as warning lights, problematic starts and concerning engine noises—should be dealt with immediately by bringing your vehicle in to the automotive shop. If there are no serious issues, take a peek at your owner’s manual and make sure you have had your oil and filters changed most recently within the factory’s recommended amount of time or miles. Ignoring these regular services can be the cause of bigger troubles down the road. With that out of the way, here’s some seasonal items to be aware of:
Refresh the coolant: Take a look at your coolant level and see if your engine has enough to get through the upcoming warm season. It’s critical to also check the condition of the existing coolant, as poor quality or low levels of coolant can lead to breakdowns as temperatures rise.
Take a look at tires: The two things to test here are tire pressure and tread condition. During changes of the season, there are often wide variations in pressure between the tires. Under inflated tires are a risk and negatively impact performance of your vehicle. Worn tread is also dangerous, especially during the hazardous wet conditions of a rainstorm. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need a tire replacement, or just need trained technicians to take a look and make the call for you.
Adjust hoses and belts: Take a look under your hood and see if your vehicle’s serpentine belt needs to be replaced. If there are any cracks, fraying or visible damage to this belt, you’ll want to immediately give The Haus (or your local automotive shop) a call to get it changed.
Replace old wiper blades: Sometimes nothing is better than adding a set of fresh wiper blades to your vehicle. The difference in visibility will be noticeable right away, as chilly temperatures cause rubber blades to lose their effectiveness over time. New wiper blades make driving your car more enjoyable and—more importantly—they can keep you safe during heavy rains and other difficult conditions.
BMW has been around as a company since 1916 and making automobiles since 1928. Millions of cars have come off the German manufacturer’s assembly lines in those 80-plus years, which is why it can be quite helpful to understand exactly how they are named.
If you count yourself among those confused by the system that BMW uses for its luxury autos, don’t worry—you are not alone. A lot of people aren’t sure of the distinctions between a BMW 740iL and a 318ti, so The Haus is here to help you get a grasp on all the naming conventions that BMW employs.
Series and Models
There are 10 groupings that BMW utilizes for their vehicles. Here they are:
Nomenclature
BMW vehicles follow a certain nomenclature, which is usually a 3 digit dumber followed by 1 or 2 letters. The 1st number represents the series number and the next 2 numbers traditionally represent the engine displacement in cubic centimeters divided by 100. This has changed in recent years though to use the 2 numbers as a performance index such as 116i, 118i, and 120i (all are 2.0 gas powered engines) that share the same engine block while adjusting engine power through turbo-charging and set up.
Fuel Lettering
As if the numbers weren’t tricky enough, BMW throws another wrinkle into their naming conventions with fuel letters. Fortunately there aren’t too many to keep track of and they represent which fuel the vehicle takes. You need to know the following:
Other Lettering
Now that you know what BMW uses i and d for, it will be easier to note the remaining letters and what they stand for. Some are no longer in modern use, but here they are:
sDrive vs xDrive
This is fairly straightforward, with sDrive meaning that it is a 2-wheel drive vehicle and xDrive representing 4-wheel drive. xDrive and sDrive is fully spelled out to avoid confusion with the X model of SUVs and crossovers.
Lines
BMW offers a number of lines that add further customization options for customers to choose on their vehicle. These include:
Brand-Specific Vehicles
Within each series there are unique models, such as the below:
Still feel overwhelmed? Want to understand your BMW better or get advice before purchasing? Give The Haus a call today and speak with one of our expert technicians. Better yet, stop by the shop in Sherman Oaks, California with your luxury European auto for a free inspection.
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