May 30, 2011

Here is a bulletin released by NGK in 2007 explaining why anti-seize must not be used on metal plated sparks.

NGK bulletin: NGKSP-0907-1

Download link (150kb)

 

Popularity: 10% [?]

Jun 21, 2009

Very often I come across people who have the ASC or DSC ABS lights/brake on and sometimes with the gas gauge niddle going up and down and speed niddle staying put.
Often as well as all those scary symtoms the mileage does not move either. It is not counted anymore.
Christmas tree time like some like to say

Here is a typical picture of what you might have. For the record, it is a pretty common fault on BMWs

If your car is unable to show the speed and the mileage is not moving anymore, most likely it is due to a faulty speed sensor. I have seen people taking a guess and changing all of them (Extremelly useless). I have also seen people sending their ASC/DSC control unit to some refurbishement company (There is a few who do a good job) or even buying a new module from the dealer just by taking a guess without running a computer diagnostic on their car first.
Many of them are reporting the problem is persistent because they have not done the right thing and replaced the good part.

Remember guys, advices from forums are fair enough to get some directions sometimes, but nothing is ever going to replace a proper diagnostic. And this is the only proper reflex you should always observe first. Stop buying parts for the sake of it if you do not know what is the problem is exactly.

If something like this is happening to you, here is what you must do to avoid buying irrelevant parts.

1. Get your car properly diagnosed (Yes that means no Carsoft, Made in China eBay crap for 65 quids etc…) with a BMW aware computer. A general OBD scanner will not do the job either. So that means Autozone will not work either.
Pay your dealer if need be, or consult your indy, as long as they provide you with a report from a proper diagnostic system (BMW GT1 or independant system such as Autologic).
Make sure they provide you with the report so you can make sure they are not trying to screw you.
Those systems cost well over 1000 quids, so usually specialised mechanics or dealers have these only.

Autologic

BMW GT1

The report will show exactly what is wrong with your car. My bet it is either a speed sensor or a ASC/DSC unit. If it is a speed sensor, it will also tell you which one from the 4 is not responding exactly.
My little finger is also telling me the speedometer data is actually pulled out from only one or two speed sensors out of the 4. But I cannot find an accurate technical source to back this up. If anyone knows, I am glad to be corrected…

Anyway bear in mind older BMW such as E36, E34 etc do not have 4 speed sensors. The speed sensor was on the differential as opposed to newer models where there is 1 speed sensor on each wheel such as e46 etc.

2. If the problem is down to a speed sensor, make sure you inspect it first. It might be disconnected, corroded, dirty. Give a clean before you change it. If the problem persists, just replace it.

3. Now of course if the diagnostic pointed out your ASC/DSC/ABS unit is faulty it should be fixed too.
BMW does not fix this unit, they can only provide you with a new one. They are not cheap usually (Over 700 USD).
Alternatively you can send your faulty unit to a specialist to get it repaired or buy a refurbished one. Either way it will need to be encoded by the dealer or independant specialist.

4. It might also be the case that your steering angle sensor is faulty. If a change is needed, bear in mind it should be encoded and calibrated by the dealer or independant specialist.

Note:
You can drive without a ASC or DSC/ABS unit.
Just bear in mind none of those function will be available to you.

So for safety reasons only drive your car slowly for short distances and under ideal weather conditions if you need to bring your car over a garage for example.

HTH guys

Popularity: 68% [?]

Mar 8, 2009

Working on your own car used to be a big part of Americana, but with the increasing amount of computers, wires, and nifty engine covers, those days are gone.  However, there are some things you can do to keep your BMW running and looking good, and they are simple.

Check your oil!!! Add if needed.

1. Check your oil

Do this on the first day of each month.  You might want to stuff a rag in your trunk that you use only to check the oil level.  At La Jolla Independent BMW, we sometimes put a spare quart of oil in our customers’ trunks so that they can re-fill if needed.  If you have a newer BMW without an oil dipstick, you can do an oil level check via the on-board computer — learn how to do this.  Proper oil level and oil changes are essential to the longevity of your BMW.

2. Wash it, clay it, wax it – or find someone who can.

It can be time-consuming and, depending on where you live, it might be illegal for you to do it in your driveway.  However, your paint is continually bombarded with dirt and environmental fallout that can destroy its finish.  I recommend that you have a complete detail done to your BMW at least twice a year that would include claying the car, followed by a waxing of the paint.  Buffing the paint can also be beneficial, but should only be performed by an experienced detailer.

3. Keep gas in the tank

“Quarter-tankers” are those who cruise into the gas station running on fumes and put a whopping $10 worth of gas in the tank to get them around.  Unless you are selling your car tomorrow, fill the damn tank up!  While Jackson Browne loves “Running on Empty”, your BMW hates it and will lead to future repair bills that can be avoided.

Don’t run on Fumes!!

4. Check your tire pressure

Buy a tire pressure gauge and keep it in the glove box.  When you are filling up your tank at the gas station, check your tire pressure.  On the inside of your driver’s door, there is a rough guide for proper pressure.  Just because it looks like there is enough air in the tires, doesn’t mean there is.  Check it regularly to save your tires and maximize your handling and gas mileage.

5. Exercise your windows and sunroof

I replace a lot of window regulators (they make the window go up and down).  Usually I replace them on the windows that are used the least.  Opening and closing all of your BMW’s windows and sunroof on a regular basis will keep them lubricated and functioning properly.  Just don’t do it while it’s raining out.

6. Be careful in parking lots/garages

BMWs are low in the front, and have many plastic components that don’t get along with bumper strips in parking lots and garages.  I constantly see and repair torn bumpers and fender liners due to these bumper strips.  If you frequent areas that have these, park the car about a foot shorter into the spot as so you don’t introduce your plastic to concrete.

7. Use your A/C, even if you don’t use A/C

Aside from Freon in your air conditioning system, there is also a decent amount of oil to keep the compressor and other components working to full potential.  If they sit for too long without movement, it will lead to a noisy compressor ($$$) and dry seals.  If you live in a cold climate, at least turn the A/C on twice in the winter for about 5 minutes to get it moving.

Chilly!

8. Open your hood

Even if you haven’t a clue what you’re looking at, if you opened your hood and saw a bird’s nest in there you’d know it doesn’t belong (I’ve seen this happen).  You might actually see something amiss such as an oil leak or cracked belts and save yourself from a break-down.

9. Drive it, drive it, drive it

BMWs hate to sit around as much as a kid with a wicked case of ADD.  These cars were built to be driven hard, not abused, but driven hard.  If you are driving around like a grandmother on her way to Sunday mass, take it out on the freeway once in awhile and put the pedal to the metal and let it run free a bit.

10. Know your maintenance and keep a journal.

Understanding what repairs you’ve done in the past and what is needed in the future allows you to plan ahead and keeps your BMW running strong.  If you hear a weird noise that only happens once in awhile, write down when it happens, how fast you are going, time of day, etc. as it will greatly assist your BMW mechanic in getting to the root of the problem.

None of these things are difficult to do. Remember, I don’t have your car on a daily basis, you do.  Staying on top of these simple things will decrease the amount you spend on service per year, prevent avoidable damage to your BMW, and retain as much of the car’s value as possible when you decide to sell.

Author: Chris Keefer of La Jolla Independent BMW Service in San Diego, USA
Link: http://sandiegobmw.wordpress.com

Popularity: 19% [?]

Mar 8, 2009

I feel as though my first duty to everyone is to get them on the right track as far as maintenance is concerned.  Let’s talk about Oil Changes.  BMW is now telling it’s customers that they only need to change their oil every 15,000 miles.  DO NOT follow this maintenance schedule!!!  You must change your oil every 5,000 miles, or twice a year if you put fewer than 10,000 miles on your BMW.  My first encounter with the end result of this program came on a 2001 BMW 525it with 86,000 miles.  It had a leaking valve cover gasket, so we removed the valve cover and uncovered what is now a growing problem:

What you are seeing is a substantial amount of build-up, or gunk as some call it. This car had its oil changed approximately every 15,000 miles, and is now in big trouble. The synthetic oil has basically turned into a plastic film, clogging many important oil passages and is now choking the engine. If you have a BMW and you have been following the 15,000 mile oil change policy, or you simply wait for the car to tell you to change the oil, break this habit now!

If you are in the San Diego Area, and want your BMW’s oil changed , you need no appointment at our shop for this service!

Author: Chris Keefer of La Jolla Independent BMW Service in San Diego, USA
Link: http://sandiegobmw.wordpress.com

Popularity: 17% [?]