Please see us for any type of bodywork, from minor scratches to major collision damage on your BMW or Mini Cooper. We deal with the insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that your vehicle is repaired back to factory specifications. We are here to answer your questions concerning estimates or our repair process. Our friendly and professional staff will assist you with your insurance company. Their training assures you of quality repairs, placing your satisfaction first. We serve all of Los Angeles including Culver City, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Van Nuys, Studio City, Burbank, North Hollywood, Los Feliz, and West LA. Please give us a call today 855-572-MINI (6464) if you have any questions or to book an appointment for estimate.
At The Haus we continue our efforts to educate our clients on how certain parts of their engine work. The Turbo Charger was invented by Swiss engineer Alfred Buchi. The purpose was to take advantage of the exhaust gas produced by the engine. Even in today’s world, aircraft, boats, and automobiles are equipped with turbo engines. Airplanes have turbo charged engines to tolerate low air pressure and high altitudes. Cruise ships and boats also use turbo charged diesel engines. Engines that have turbos are known as turbo charged engines.
A standard turbo that is used in cars, planes, and boats is composed of a shaft with a turbine wheel on one end and a compressor wheel on the other end. The turbine wheel and the compressor wheel look identical and are covered by a housing. The exhaust gas that is produced by the engine, enters the turbine housing through the inlet port. At this point thermal energy is converted to kinetic energy because of the constriction inside the turbine, subsequently the turbine is driven by kinetic energy. As the compressor and turbine share the same shaft the compressor wheel spins at the same time as the turbine wheel, consequently the compressor wheel draws in air and compresses it. Then the air passes through the outer port of the turbine and supplies the engine with oxygen.
Turbo engines only work efficiently if other components are part of the entire system. Other components that are necessary for the turbo are a intercooler and a waste gate. The intercooler comes into play when the air heats up when it is compressed in the turbo. The intercooler will cool down the hot air coming from the compressor ensuring more oxygen reaches the engine. This helps the engine become more efficient. The waste gate is used to divert away excess gas away from the turbine when too much excess gas is produced by the engine. It limits the speed of the turbine wheel and the compressor wheel so that the so that the turbo charger will not get damaged.
There are many benefits to having a turbo charged engine. Comparing an engine with a turbo and to one without that produces the same amount of power, is that the engine with the turbo will use less fuel. With the engine being smaller than a naturally aspirated engine with the same power it produces less noise than the non-turbo charged engine. Turbo charged engines also perform much better at high altitude.
Gasoline engines require air pressure to burn fuel and generate power, at higher altitudes there is less air pressure, so non turbo charged engines will produce much less power. With a turbo charged engine the power generation actually improves, this is because there is a greater pressure difference between the air pressure ahead of the turbo and the lower air pressure at the exhaust. The turbo charger increases the density of air entering the engine which generates more power. Turbo charged engines are usually smaller than non-turbo charged engines which them lighter and more efficient. A turbo charged engine being smaller than a regular engine, burns less fuel and in doing so generates less environmentally unfriendly pollution.
If you have any questions regarding your turbo charger or any other part of your car please don’t hesitate to call us at (855) 572-6464
BMW High Pressure Fuel Pump Issues & Failure Symptoms
In February 2013 BMW announced that it was recalling 569,000 vehicles due to defective High Pressure Fuel Pumps (HPFP). There were 504,000 affected vehicle in the U.S. and another 65,000 in Canada. This is the second time BMW has issued a recall due to defective fuel pumps. The first recall was issued in 2010 and there were 130,000 vehicles involved in that one. If you are one of the 569,000 vehicle owners of a 3 Series sedan, wagon, coupe, or convertible from 2007-2011, a 1 Series coupe or convertible 2008-2012, or a Z4 sports car from 2008-2011 then BMW is recalling your vehicle. This was also a very common problem on the 2007-2009 MINI Cooper S models, and BMW extended the warranty on the HPFP on these models as well.
So, how do you know if you are having the issue? Well that is a good question and it is not always easy one to answer. The HPFP does not always just die, it sometimes prolongs the issue making it confusing to diagnose unless the check engine light comes on. Some of the pumps have been reported to die all at once, with some even failing while driving at freeway speeds, causing the engine to die abruptly (very dangerous). The most common symptom that the HPFP is starting to fail is the engine surging while driving. This is usually followed up by difficulty starting, and then when the engine finally does start, it runs poorly (feels like a diesel engine). When you get to this stage, usually the check engine light will come on and register misfire codes, thankfully making it easier to figure out.
Our recommendation is that if you are having any of these symptoms to get your vehicle to a certified BMW repair specialist and get your vehicle checked before it becomes dangerous, and so that possible warranty coverage may be verified.
Below is the text of the BMW Service Bulletin:
Applies to: BMW 3 Series 2007-2008 – Turbo Models Only – Engine Codes: N54 (platforms: E90, E92, E93)
Additional Models:
MY 2007/2008 E60, E61 – 535i/535xi with N54 engine
MY 2008 E82, E88 – 135is with N54 engine
BMW Technical Bulletin SI B 13 03 09
Date: April 2009
Subject: BMW emissions warranty of the High Pressure Fuel Pump (HDP) has been extended from 4 years or 50,000 miles to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Situation:
BMW has become aware of a potential problem that could affect the durability of the High Pressure Fuel Pump (HDP) of certain MY 2007/2008 BMW automobiles equipped with N54 engines. It is estimated that only a small percentage of vehicles will actually develop a problem. Vehicles affected may have the Service Engine Soon lamp illuminated with various low fuel pressure-related faults (e.g., 29DC, 29F1, 29F2 ) stored in the Engine Control Module (DME). Also, the affected vehicles may experience long cranking times or reduced engine performance (engine in failsafe mode) when the HDP malfunctions.
Correction:
In the event that the High Pressure Fuel Pump of an MY 2007/2008 3 Series vehicle (335i/xi Sedan/Coupe/Convertible), MY 2007/2008 5 Series vehicle (535i/xi Sedan/Sports Wagon), or MY 2008 1 Series vehicle (135is Coupe/Convertible) with the N54 engine exhibits the symptoms listed above, it should be replaced with the improved part (P/N 13 51 7 592 881). For HDP diagnostic and replacing instructions, refer to SI B12 55 06 and RA 13 51 017, found in BMW TIS.
Emissions Warranty Information
The emissions warranty extension for this component applies to the above-listed models only, and is transferable to any subsequent purchaser of these models.
This extended emissions warranty is applicable to vehicles registered in all 50 states.
Warranty coverage for all other parts is not affected.
BMW will inform all affected owners of the above-listed models of their extended High Pressure Fuel Pump emissions warranty.
If you’re having issues discussed above and are looking for a BMW service facility in Los Angeles, call Haus of MINIS & BMW to schedule a diagnostic appointment.
An issue with the airbags on Mini Cooper hatchbacks and convertibles has prompted BMW of North America and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a recall for an estimated 91,800 vehicles.
The problem, according to the notice below, stems from the occupant detection mat for the front passenger seat, which may fail to detect a passenger present and therefor fail to deploy the airbag in the event of a crash.
The specific models affected by the recall are the Mini Cooper and Cooper S hardtops from the 2005 and 2006 model years and manufactured between January 5, 2005, and November 28, 2006, as well as the Mini Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible from the 2005 to 2008 model years, manufactured between January 5, 2005, and July 31, 2008.
To address the issue, Mini dealers will be replacing the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, with recalls set to commence on May 1.
Here is a copy of the recall letter:
RECALL Subject : Front Passenger Seat Occupant Detection Mat
Report Receipt Date: APR 06, 2015
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V205000
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 91,800
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
SUMMARY:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to November 28, 2006, and 2005-2008 MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to July 31, 2008. Due to manufacturing, installation, and exposure issues, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat may not function properly and, as a result, the front passenger air bag may not deploy in a crash.
CONSEQUENCE:
An improperly functioning mat may cause the passenger frontal air bag to be inactive when the seat is occupied, and in the event of a crash, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the passenger’s risk of injury.
REMEDY:
MINI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 1, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
In life there are situations that start out great, but sometimes end in an unfortunate, premature way. This does not have to be the case when it comes to the relationship between you and your car. There is a solution, and it’s called an extended warranty, and it can help keep your car a prized possession rather than a cumbersome money pit. In essence an extended warranty is an insurance policy for your vehicle that covers vehicle repairs, instead of collision or accident damage. An extended warranty can safeguard against expensive, unforeseen repairs. Extended warranties are really service contracts, since they cost extra and are sold separately. With all extended warranties it is important that you maintain your vehicle per the manufacturers recommended service intervals. In all the years I have been in the automotive business the only time I have seen extended warranty companies deny coverage it is because the vehicle was not maintained properly, abused, or modified in someway that was detrimental to the vehicle (such as raised or lowered suspension).
An extended warranty may purchased at the time you buy your vehicle or much further along in your ownership experience, but realize if you purchase after the vehicle is out of the manufacturers warranty the cost can be significantly higher.
If you are the type of person that likes to prepared for all eventualities, bearing in mind the ever increasing cost of vehicle repairs, then a service contract can make a lot of sense.
There are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing an extended warranty, such as:
Average repair costs for vehicle repairs
What is the reliability record of the vehicle you are buying? Take a look at the reliability history for the vehicle you are considering purchasing. Unfortunately MINI and BMW, according to Consumer Reports are not the most reliable vehicles on the road, so a service contract is highly recommended. As an example the cost of replacement for a new transmission on a MINI or BMW can range between $6000-$8000, so you can see how a service contract can be beneficial to you.
Ask who is behind the warranty that you are considering? According to Consumer Reports the top 5 warranty companies are: Endurance, Carchex, Warranty Direct, Easy Care, and AA Auto Protection If possible stick with one of these companies. From our experience we have found found that Fidelity and MaxCare are also good companies to purchase an extended warranty from.
Can repairs be performed at any repair shop? Some extended warranties stipulate that repairs must be performed at the dealership where the warranty was purchased, this can prove limiting and inconvenient. We recommend purchasing an extended warranty that allows repairs at any certified automotive repair facility. You will definitely appreciate this if your vehicle breaks down or needs repairs while you are on a road trip.
Is the warranty transferable? Some service contracts end when the person who bought the warranty sells the car. A contract that allows you to transfer the warranty to a new buyer is preferable, and it’s a great selling point.
What exactly is covered? Know what is covered, and more importantly what’s not covered.
Is a cash layout required for repairs? Some warranty companies require that you pay the bill, send in the invoice or receipt and wait for reimbursement. It can take weeks, even months to get reimbursed by the warranty company. You will want a warranty company that pays the dealership or repair facility directly with a credit card.
Remember to compare all of your options before making a decision. Utilize the internet, many companies sell directly online, cutting out the middle man (i.e. the dealership). Shop around, once you have decided on the which brand of vehicle you want to purchase get some quotes from other dealers, it will at least give you an idea of what an extended warranty, with the coverage you want should cost. If you are a member of a credit union, check with them as most offer inexpensive extended warranties that can be purchased directly from them.
In warranty buying, as in many other aspects of life, it helps to educate yourself.
Feel free to contact us at The Haus in Los Angeles, California if you have any questions about the warranty you are considering purchasing, we would be happy to give you our opinion.
The Haus offers FREE shuttle service as a courtesy for doing business with our shop. Need to be somewhere? Well don’t let that prevent you from getting your car serviced by our certified technicians- we’ll shuttle you to/from home or work within the San Fernando Valley while your car is being serviced. Our shuttle service operates between the hours of 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Shuttle will depart as needed, please give us a 3 hour advanced notice of when you will need to be shuttled so we can make the service as simple as possible. Our shuttle driver will arrive within 30 minutes of your scheduled time, possibly earlier (depending on traffic).
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Makes It Easy!
We understand how crazy life can be, which is why we want to make it as convenient for you to have the peace of mind of having your car in good working order. Call us @ (855)572-6464 and we can schedule a time to come by your home or place of work and pick up your MINI or BMW, then drop it back off to you when the repairs are complete.
MINI Cooper S: High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure Symptoms
If you are the owner of a 2007-2009 Mini Cooper S model you need to be aware of the problems Mini & BMW are having with their High Pressure Fuel Pumps (HPFP). This was a well known issue on the BMW N54 turbo engine and it affected thousands of BMW vehicles between 2007-2010, so much so that BMW issued a recall. Well the Mini customers are not getting the same love from BMW, and there is no such recall to replace these under warranty. Mini did however extend the warranty to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first on the 2007-2009 S models only. So if you have a 2010 or newer vehicle or a vehicle over 120,000 miles you are not covered. It is important that you take your Mini to a specialty shop only, because if they are reputable and know these cars they would refer you to the dealer for warranty repairs. A lot of shops, especially general automotive repair shops are unaware of the extended warranty and might try and sell you one instead.
So, how do you know if you are having the issue? Well that is a good question and it is not always easy one to answer. The HPFP does not always just die, it sometimes prolongs the issue making it confusing to diagnose unless the check engine light comes on. Some of the pumps have been reported to die all at once, with some even failing while driving at freeway speeds, causing the engine to die (very dangerous). The most common symptom that the HPFP is starting to fail is engine surging while driving. This is usually followed up by difficulty starting, and then when the engine finally does start, it runs poorly (feels like a diesel engine). When you get to this stage, usually the check engine light will come on and register misfire codes, thankfully making it easier to figure out.
Our recommendation is that if you are having any of these symptoms to get your vehicle to a certified Mini Cooper specialist and get your vehicle checked before it becomes dangerous, and so that possible warranty coverage may be verified.
The Evaporative Emission Control System or EVAP system as it is most often called, was designed to prevent gasoline vapors from escaping from the fuel tank and fuel system. When the computer detects a leak in the system it will trigger the check engine light to come on and warn you. A loose gas cap can cause the light to come on because the system detects that there is pressure loss. The system is designed to detect leaks as small a pin hole. BMW and Mini Cooper are equipped with a Leak Detection Pump (DMTL) for this purpose.
The most common fault codes for EVAP leaks are a PO442- Small leak detected, and PO455- Large leak detected. The PO455 code is most often caused by a gas cap that was left loose after refueling. The PO442 can be a much harder one to diagnose as it virtually impossible to diagnose visually. To diagnose the small leaks a smoke machine is used to find the leaks by feeding a mineral oil based smoke into the system under light pressure. The smoke may also have ultraviolet dye added to make it easier to spot under a UV light. These codes are most typically a result of intake system vacuum leaks, with the most common being cracked or otherwise leaking intake boots. The intake boots are an especially common problem on the 2nd gen Mini Cooper S model with turbos. On late model BMW’s that have a crankcase ventilation valve (most 6 and 8 cylinder models from the mid 1990’s to present day, equatable to a PCV valve) the common problem is the rubber check valve diaphragm ruptures, creating an internal vacuum leak.
Fixing small EVAP leaks can be a big problem even for professional technicians, and if you get a code for a small leak you will most likely have to take it to your mechanic for diagnosis as special equipment is required. The smoke machine diagnostic tool costs between $1000-$1500 depending on the manufacturer and requires some training to use properly. With EVAP leaks it is recommended that you always take your BMW or Mini Cooper to a certified repair facility as these can be nearly impossible to diagnose at home. Please watch our short 2 minute video as we demonstrate a smoke test on a 2007 BMW X3.
MINI Coopers are fun to drive and are generally quite reliable. But like most vehicles, they also have a few issues. If you own your MINI for a while, there’s a good chance you might run into one of the following common MINI Cooper problems.
1. Automatic Transmission Failure
There was a time when MINI Coopers were notorious for having automatic transmission problems. In fact, the 1st gen CVT (R50) was so bad that BMW and MINI were the subject of a class action lawsuit forcing MINI to cover the transmissions for the earlier of 8 years or 150,000 miles. Today, these are all out of warranty. The cost to replace the transmission exceeds the value of the vehicle, making this a model you’ll want to avoid.
The transmission in the MINI Cooper S and 2nd gen models is better than the CVT model but they also have an issue with harsh shifting, which has been attributed to the valve body. If you notice this particular MINI Cooper transmission problem and can catch the issue early, you may be able to get away with simply replacing the valve body. However, if you wait too long, you may find that your entire transmission needs to be replaced or rebuilt.
2. Water Pump and Thermostat Housing Leaks
Water pump issues are one of the more common MINI Cooper problems. If you have more than 50,000 miles on your MINI, you may want to consider proactively having it replaced. On the 2nd generation MINI, the thermostat housing is also completely composed of plastic, practically guaranteeing that it will eventually fail. Replacing this before finding a leak can save you a lot of money and hassle.
3. Clutch Failure
If you have a manual transmission MINI and frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, there’s a good chance that your clutch may fail prematurely. If this happens, you’ll need a clutch replacement.
4. Loose Timing Chain
When your MINI Cooper starts making strange sounds, it may be caused by a loose timing chain. If this is happening, you might notice a rattling noise under the hood, especially when you first start your car. This is an issue you definitely don’t want to ignore. If you fail to take care of it quickly enough, you may suffer massive engine damage, leading to an expensive repair job.
5. Power Steering Pump Failure
MINI Coopers are also known for power steering pump failures. One of the most obvious signs that you’re dealing with this issue occurs when it becomes difficult to steer your MINI, especially at low speeds. This is a time-consuming repair because the front of the car needs to be dismantled to access the power steering pump.
Often, electronic power steering pump failures are caused by low power steering fluid or a failure of the electric cooling fan. If you have a problem with your power steering hoses, the mechanics at The Haus can fix it for far less than you’ll spend if you take your MINI to the dealer.
6. Front Radiator Support
Unfortunately, MINI opted to make the front radiator support out of plastic, making it far less durable than if it had been constructed of other materials. This part holds the radiator, cooling fan, and condenser assembly. It sits very low under the front of the vehicle, so even a light impact on a high curb can cause a lot of damage. The lower radiator hose is also easily damaged by making contact with parking curbs. Since this sits even lower to the ground than the radiator support, it’s important to be extra careful when parking your MINI.
7. Vanos-Related Performance Issues
The Vanos system, which is BMW’s version of Variable Valve Timing, requires excellent oil flow to operate properly. If you fail to keep up with your oil changes, sludge can build up and block the small passages, creating issues.
When this occurs, the first thing we suggest is an oil change. Sometimes, the detergent in the fresh oil cleans out the tiny oil passages and resolves the problem. However, if the passages are blocked, you’ll need a skilled MINI Cooper Mechanic to repair the problem. The good news is that this problem is completely avoidable if you stay on top of your oil levels and keep up with your oil changes at the recommended intervals.
MINI Cooper Problems Often Require a Great Mechanic
While nobody wants to deal with car problems, now that you know what to look for, you can keep an eye out for these common MINI Cooper issues. Often, proactively taking care of problems can help you avoid more expensive repairs.
Whether you need basic MINI maintenance or any type of repair, the experienced auto repair technicians at The Haus will take care of it quickly and get you back on the road. Contact us today to schedule your VIP appointment.
If you own, or are thinking about buying an E46 3 series that were manufactured from 1999-2006 there are some things to look out for or keep an eye on. These cars are a favorite among BMW aficionados and were consistently named to Car & Driver’s Top Ten list. These cars can be a long lasting vehicle if maintained properly.
Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
These leaks are common after about 60,000 miles. Symptoms will include oil drips under the car and/or a burning oil smell from the engine compartment. It is important after the leak is repaired to pressure wash the engine so the mechanic can verify there are no additional oil leaks.
Rear Window Regulator Failure
The rear window regulators can fail causing the window to stop working, and in some cases cause the window to fall into the door. The regulators are built with plastic pulleys and thin cables so even with diligent maintenance they can fail. Replacement of the regulator is required to correct this problem.
Coolant Expansion Tank Leaks
An engine coolant leak may develop from the expansion tank. These tanks are made of plastic and over time may leak causing the engine to overheat. When a component in the cooling system fails it is important to inspect the entire cooling system. It is not uncommon to find additional leaks. The radiator and water pumps are also common problems. It is important if your vehicle overheats that you pull over as soon as possible and have your vehicle towed to a qualified BMW repair shop. Overheating can cause severe engine damage!
Power Steering Pump Failure
This is a common concern on the E46, when the power steering pump starts to fail it may emit a growling noise and there may be increased steering effort. There a few reasons the pump can fail. The most common reason the pump fails is due to low fluid, caused by a leak somewhere in the power steering system. There is also a filter in the bottom of the power steering fluid reservoir that gets plugged over time and can restrict fluid flow to pump. The filter is not serviceable separately and will require the reservoir to be replaced if you have this problem. It is important to check the fluid regularly, if it is low you most likely have a leak somewhere in the system.
Rear Sub-frame Tearing
There was a class action lawsuit brought against BMW in 2009 for this problem. It was not uncommon for the rear sub-frame to tear of crack. Owners should be aware of any loud or abnormal noises coming from the rear of the vehicle when traveling on bumpy roads and contact your mechanic for inspection as soon as you hear the noise.
Faulty Tail Lamp Wiring
The tail lamp wiring was the subject of a recall a few years ago. The affected models were the 2002-2005 3 series sedans, model numbers 325i, 325Xi, 330i, and 330Xi. If you own or are thinking about purchasing one of these contact BMW and verify that the recall has been done, or if it applies to your vehicle.
These are just a few things to look out for on these models, but there are more. It is always advised you have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified BMW mechanic before buying a used vehicle. Having an inspection done will keep you from buying a vehicle that that may need thousands of dollars worth of repairs.
At The Haus we perform FREE pre-purchase inspections for all of our customers.
