bmw maintenance - Motorwerkes

What Makes a BMW?

2 January 2017

Even if you’re dedicated to taking care of your BMW, do you know what exactly it is you love about it? Whether you’ve got a classic or one of the latest models, it’s hard not to wonder what exactly makes a BMW so unique. Here are a few key characteristics that are iconic to the name.

The Design

Even without owning one, the first thing a person is going to notice about a BMW is likely how it looks. The designers at BMW don’t take aesthetics lightly. It’s not just about obvious features like the iconic kidney grille or the BMW roundel, it’s about the subtle details that only a true aficionado might recognize. The Hofmeister kink, for instance, is a trait of the vehicle’s C-pillar that lends to the body’s dynamic appearance, even symbolically reinforcing BMW’s dedication to rear-wheel drive. Overall, the body structure of a BMW displays a calculated balance between classy elegance and technical versatility.

The Engineering

Of course, as good as your BMW may look, its sharp appearances aren’t all it has to offer. As mentioned above, BMW has built a tradition around engineering their cars with rear-wheel drive or rear-focused all-wheel drive. This, in combination with a front engine, is a critical factor in maintaining optimal weight distribution and providing a drive that feels both smooth and powerful. While there are plenty of exceptions, the straight-6 engine and manual transition have also historically been hallmarks of BMW’s engineering approach. Regardless of the specifics of your model, it’s all about enjoying the utmost power and precision of control.

The Experience

The experience of owning and driving a BMW can be described in a number of different terms. It can relate to the interior of the vehicle itself, for instance. BMW designers tend to place ergonomics and interior comfort very high on their priority list in order to meet the standards of the modern driver. There’s also the philosophy of BMW ownership and the experience that BMW experts provide for their clients. You can always expect that a BMW-certified technician will not only know their stuff, but they’ll also own and love a BMW of their own. For them, all of their work is a personal endeavour, and this means better service for you!

Whatever you love most about your BMW, there’s no denying that it deserves the best maintenance available. The Motorwerkes team has the experience, training, and dedication that the BMW philosophy calls for. Give us a call at (403) 768-3165 to make an appointment today!

Taking Care of Your BMW’s Windshield Wipers During Summer

1 August 2016

Whether you’re on a summer road trip or you’re just driving around Calgary, you’re always relying on your BMW’s wipers in one way or another. Let’s take a look at how you can care for them, so they’ll do a great job for years to come.

How They Work

Windshield cleanliness and visibility are important for both safety and a pleasant driving experience. Mechanically, your wipers need to achieve a substantial amount of back-and-forth velocity to get the job done. This is accomplished by an electric motor providing rotational motion to a worm gear drive. The worm gear reduces the speed provided by the electric motor while multiplying its torque. The resulting rotation is converted into back-and-forth motion by a linkage system. The speed at which your wipers are moved typically depends on what setting you’ve selected with your wiper switch, but many BMW models have rain sensors that control their wipers automatically.

Wear and Tear

In order for all this engineering to give you the best results, everything has to be in good shape. The first thing to deteriorate or degrade is usually the rubber of the blades. This is especially pertinent during summer, as you’ll probably be using your wipers to clear off materials that are far more abrasive than just moisture. Dust, dirt, plant debris, and the summer heat accumulating on the glass can take their toll on the blades of your wipers over time, not to mention your windshield itself. If you have any chips or cracks from oncoming pebbles, this can also cut into the rubber, damaging them further.

Maintenance Tips

If you haven’t kept an eye on the condition of your blades, they’re probably squeaky, leaving streaks, and not keeping things as clean as they should. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to replace the blades. It’s recommended to do so at least once a year. Keep both your windshield and blades as clean as possible through manual washing. This will prevent buildup of grainy materials, bits of plants, and other unpleasant stuff. And don’t forget to pay attention to the mechanical state of things. Bad joints, corrosion, and other signs could mean the need for repair. Wipers are just one of many components that you can have checked out by a local BMW expert!

The Motorwerkes team is here to look after every aspect of your BMW. Need a checkup or an oil change before taking that road trip? Get in touch with us by calling (403) 768-3168 today!