Blog - Motorwerkes

Does Your BMW’s Heater Core Need Service?

15 November 2017

The fall and winter seasons bring colder temperatures, and that means that the cabin of your BMW will need to be heated in order to give you the most pleasant driving experience. However, like any part of a vehicle, the heater core will at some point need service. How do you tell when?

What Is the Heater Core?

The cabin of your BMW is heated through the carefully engineered redirection of the heat that is produced in your engine. Your cooling system pumps a combination of water and coolant through the engine and radiator in order to emit heat to the outside of the vehicle. As the cooling system does this, it also directs the hot fluid mixture to the heater core in your dashboard when your heating system is engaged. You can think of the heater core as a second radiator which, instead of emitting heat to the front exterior of the vehicle, emits that heat to the inside of your cabin through a controlled mechanism.

Problems and Symptoms

Any issues with regulation of heat in your car should be paid close attention, such as a lack of heat in the cabin despite engaging the heater, rapid consumption of coolant, or even overheating. This is because your heater core and coolant system are closely intertwined. While some of these issues can be attributed to things like a broken blower motor or faulty radiator, you shouldn’t rule out a broken heater core. One of the most common signs to watch out for, however, is an unpleasant, “sweet” smell. This is the smell of your coolant, and that’s never a good sign.

Necessary Servicing

While you may think of your heating system as being primarily focused on comfort and therefore not essential, it unfortunately isn’t so simple. Differences in temperature between the interior and exterior of your vehicle can lead to fogging of the windows and windshield. A faulty heater core that goes unserviced runs the risk of leaking hot coolant vapour into the cabin, therefore introducing fog and compromising your visibility, which can be especially dangerous during winter. Besides, who would ever want to drive an unheated car during winter in Calgary?

Have you noticed any issues with the heating system in your BMW? Whether or not they match up with the above examples, it’s important to consult a BMW-certified technician as soon as possible. Give Motorwerkes a call at (403) 453-0269 for help with this and much more!

Maintaining the Value of Your BMW

8 November 2017

A high-performance luxury car is not an investment one should take lightly. When you own a vehicle as sophisticated as a BMW, keeping its condition and value as high as possible is important if you’re looking to sell and upgrade to a new model. Here are a few tips to consider.

Know Your Habits

The first step of optimizing the value of your BMW lies in being as aware as possible of how you treat your vehicle on a day-to-day basis. In other words, it’s not just about the obvious forms of damage. Try to keep the mileage down by avoiding excessive back-and-forth trips. Park in a sheltered structure whenever it’s possible. Have your BMW professionally washed and detailed when necessary, and always keep an eye on your interior. Don’t let trash, dirt, dust, or plant debris build up. You should also, of course, drive responsibly. The better you are at avoiding accidents, the less damage you’ll rack up.

Don’t Fall Behind on Maintenance

It’s impossible to overstate the importance of routine maintenance when it comes to resale value. Whether it’s fluid changes, oil changes, filter changes, or basic repairs, all of the little things need to be accounted for. Don’t just meet the bare minimum, go a step further and get personalized tips from a BMW-certified technician based on the model and age of your vehicle. No one wants to purchase a used vehicle that has suffered excessive wear and tear thanks to negligent maintenance habits. Thankfully, this dilemma is highly preventable!

Keep Records

If you’ve been on top of every essential maintenance concern and have even made some improvements or upgrades, it won’t do you much good if you don’t have the paperwork to show for it. Equally as important as taking care of your BMW is maintaining thorough and organized records of all the work that has been done on it, receipts and beyond. This is something that anyone purchasing a used vehicle is highly likely to request, and the more detailed a paper trail you can offer, the more confident they will be in their purchase.

Even if you’re madly in love with your BMW, it’s wise to plan for a change of heart, especially with so many exciting new models on the horizon. Having a trusted BMW-certified technician is essential, so call Motorwerkes at (403) 453-0269 to get the most bang for your buck!

Common Mistakes That Any BMW Owner Can Make

1 November 2017

Of the many different types of drivers, BMW drivers are known to be big fans of automotive engineering and often devote a lot of care and knowledge to their vehicles. However, there are still plenty of car care mistakes that are made too often, and you could be making one of them!

Not Being Attentive

We all have plenty of things to devote our attention to throughout the day, so you’ll be forgiven for not thinking about your car during every waking moment. That being said, not being attentive to the behaviour and state of your vehicle is a bad move, especially if you drive an older model. Overheating, for instance, is a bad sign that can manifest in many ways, so pay attention to your temperature gauge and tachometer. Watch out for that “check engine” light, know your fluid levels, take note of unusual sounds or smells, and remember to check your tire pressure!

Putting Off Maintenance

Failing to spot a problem due to lack of attention is one thing, but spotting one and ignoring it is something else entirely. You probably wouldn’t disregard a flat tire, but there are plenty of little things that shouldn’t be disregarded either. While you may not think those knocking sounds, screeching brakes, or rough starts are life-threatening emergencies, they’re most likely indicative of a problem that will only become more costly to fix. The same goes for routine maintenance. Always stick to the recommendations that you get from your local technician.

Trusting the Wrong Technician

Speaking of technicians, who do you trust with your BMW? You can pay attention to its needs and always be prompt in addressing problems, but this will only do you so much good if your vehicle isn’t in the hands of the right expert. Don’t try to tackle a big issue on your own, and don’t cut corners by going with the cheapest option. You could make things a bit more complicated. A seasoned BMW specialist will provide you with certified parts, sharp diagnostics with the right software, and of course, an excellent experience. Don’t settle for anything less, your BMW deserves it!

How well do you care for your BMW? Making a car last is easier than you might think, it’s just a matter of building a great relationship with an experienced local BMW expert. Motorwerkes is proud to be Calgary’s premier team of BMW specialists, so call us at (403) 453-0269 today!

A History of MINI’s Signature Design

22 October 2017

A lot of cars look alike, but the ones that hold a place in popular consciousness have a certain spark of design genius that makes them unmistakable. MINI is the perfect example of a brand whose vehicles have a truly iconic look. So where exactly did it start and how did it develop?

Early Days

In late 1950s England, gas prices had skyrocketed thanks to the effects of an invasion of Egypt known as the Suez Crisis. Engineers at Morris Motors took it upon themselves to come up with a four-seater vehicle that was compact, fuel efficient, and affordable while maintaining excellent functionality. In order to achieve their goals, they designed a body which held its wheels as far out to the corners as possible and seated the engine sideways. First revealed to the public in 1959, these unprecedented traits are what gave the MINI its most important core design philosophy, allowing for precise handling and stability even on the tightest turns.

Branching Out

As the years went on and the MINI became a widespread sensation, variations on the basic design followed. The ‘60s saw the introduction of longer bodies and barn-style rear doors on the Traveller and Countryman, increased utility with the Pickup and the Jeep-like Moke, as well as a squarer frontal design for the Clubman at the end of the decade. These models managed to widen appeal and application while still maintaining that compact and affordable philosophy. A playful spirit of customization behind the MINI also contributed to its appeal, allowing drivers to express themselves through the unique character of their models.

A New Millennium

The acquisition and relaunch of the MINI name by BMW led to further design evolution. The first model under new ownership, the MINI Hardtop, answered increasing demand for compact hatchbacks and established a new look that inherited BMW’s sporty influence while maintaining loyalty to the original 2-door MINI. The distinctive exhaust we see today was actually the result of a last-minute improvised addition to the clay mockup using a discarded beer can. After further expansion into convertibles, coupés, vans, and crossovers, MINI represents a diverse range of vehicle types that all harken back to that original compact design.

When it comes to well-engineered vehicles like BMWs and MINIs, beauty is just as much on the outside as it is on the inside. You can’t maintain any of that beauty without a skilled, experienced team of technicians by your side. Call (403) 453-0269 and Motorwerkes will have you covered!

Is Revving Bad for Your BMW?

15 October 2017

Anyone who owns a high-performance vehicle knows that it’s hard to resist fully indulging in the power that’s at your fingertips when you’re behind the wheel. Revving the engine of your BMW might deliver that great sound and feel, but there are a few things you should keep in mind!

What Exactly Is Revving?

The term “revving” comes from the word “revolutions,” which refers to the rotation of the camshaft in your BMW powered by the engine. When a driver revs their engine, they are producing a sudden increase in acceleration that results in a higher number of revolutions per minute (RPM) exerted by the engine than usual. As the engine exerts itself, it becomes louder, offering the driver an audible indication of their vehicle’s power. Sometimes this is done while driving, and sometimes while the transmission is set to park or neutral. You’d be hard-pressed to find a car lover who’s never done it, but some experts would warn against it.

Its Effects

Why are warnings against revving common? Drastically increasing the activity of the pistons in your engine creates a substantial amount of friction, especially when you’re not in motion and there’s no airflow to cool things down via the radiator. Excessive friction isn’t great for any part of your car, but the effect that this has will be different for a well-maintained vehicle than one that is behind on maintenance. It can certainly accelerate wear and tear, but if the engine is in tip-top shape, a little bit of revving won’t destroy your pistons in an instant.

Smart Habits

There’s nothing wrong with having a bit of fun and listening to your BMW roar, but this comes with a few catches. Firstly, sudden and extreme acceleration while driving isn’t a great idea, unless you happen to be making a potentially life-saving evasive maneuver and have no choice. Secondly, revving a cold engine a soon as you start is something you should avoid, as this is when it can do the most damage. Lastly, stay out of the red on your RPM meter and, of course, keep your engine in good shape with routine BMW-certified maintenance!

When you can balance fun and responsibility, both your and your BMW stay happy. The fun of driving your vehicle won’t last if you don’t take good care of it and take it to the right technicians. Get in touch with Motorwerkes today at (403) 453-0269 and let us know what you need!