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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!

A History of the BMW X5

1 September 2017

BMW has a distinctive history of both pushing the boundaries with new models and developing excellent improvements and revisions on time-tested classics. For instance, BMW fans have eagerly awaited the latest incarnation of the X5, so how about a look back at its history?

The Spirit of the X5

As with any BMW vehicle, the X5 was carefully designed to meet a specific demand. In this case, it was to enter the SUV market, as the X5 was BMW’s first production foray into luxury utility vehicle design. Instead of simply calling it an SUV, the company branded it as a Sports Activity Vehicle, highlighting the importance of its design as a crossover vehicle, boasting a balance between on-road elegance and off-road versatility. The E53 was released as its first generation in 1999, and unlike the first generation of the competing Mercedes-Benz M-Class, it utilized a unibody chassis and independent suspension.

Further Developments

After manufacturing the E53 from 1999 to 2006, BMW released the X5’s second generation, the E70. It was bigger and more technologically advanced than its predecessor, enhanced by an optional third row of seating as well as their new iDrive system. When 2009 came around, BMW upped their game. They expanded the X5’s market reach by rolling out a diesel variant and kicked performance power up a notch with the 555 HP X5 M. With the launch of the F15 in 2013, the X5 had entered its third generation, newly equipped with rear wheel drive and improved fuel efficiency.

The Next Step

The third generation has taken the X5 into even more modernized territory in recent years, including 2015’s plug-in hybrid. But what’s new for “The Boss” in 2018? Over the course of this year, the occasional glimpse has appeared from time to time, teasing subtle new design changes to the grille and hood as well as an increase in size and a more spacious interior. It will also boast a new automatic transition and a backup camera, not to mention a host of other high-tech features. BMW’s timeless crossover has definitely still got it!

What new BMWs are you excited about? We all love staying up to date on the latest BMW developments, but don’t forget that keeping your scheduled maintenance in line is one of the key responsibilities of any car lover. Give us a call at (403) 453-0269 to make an appointment!

A Brief History of the BMW 3 Series

8 August 2017

BMW has released many iconic vehicle lines throughout its history, but the 3 Series is among the most well-loved and quintessential. From sedans to hatchbacks, it epitomizes the inspiring intersection of performance and luxury. Let’s look at the history of BMW’s best selling series.

Origins

Between 1962 and 1977, BMW’s New Class helped bring the brand out of a near financial collapse and solidify its reputation as a creator of powerful and stylish sports sedans. After achieving a new level of global success, BMW needed a fresh and modern flagship series to sustain this momentum as a key player in the industry. Enter the E21 2-door in 1975, available as both a sedan and coupe. Being the first in their new 3 Series and boasting a look that was at once classy and dynamic, the E21 would set the tone for the style and philosophy of this historic new range of BMWs.

Tracing the Generations

Thus far, BMW has released six generations of the 3 Series. Things really got into gear with the second generation, the E30, which was produced between 1982 and 1991 and was the first 3 Series BMW to offer a diesel engine. Then came the E36 in 1990, the first in the series to offer a hatchback. It was also notable for its multi-link rear suspension. Modernization came into full force in 1998 with the E46, outfitted with satellite navigation, rain-sensitive automatic wipers, and other utilities. Six years later was the fifth generation, with a notable model being the 335i, first in the 3 Series to house a turbocharged engine.

What’s New?

All these years on, the E90 set a high standard for the 3 Series, at it sold better than any luxury sedan in North America between 2006 and 2010. Fast forward to today, the 3 Series continues to produce its sixth generation, comprised of the F30 sedan, F31 Touring, and F34 Gran Turismo. Responding to drivers’ desires for more space and more luxury-oriented feature sets, these models have catered to today’s demands. Despite this, they have not necessarily compromised on power, as the M3 F30 is fitted with a turbocharged straight-6 engine. With a seventh generation expected to be unveiled in 2018, we’re eager to see what’s next!

Are you the owner of a 3 Series BMW? It’s just one among many BMW and MINI vehicles that the Motorwerkes team diligently cares for every day. Establishing a good dynamic with a BMW-certified expert is key to getting the best value out of yours, so call (403) 453-0269 today!

Tire Care Mistakes That Could Lead to an Accident

1 August 2017

An accident can be brought on by many different things, but some of the most common causes are related to the condition and treatment of the tires on your BMW. Some factors are less obvious than others, so it’s always worth it to make sure you’re taking proper precautions!

Tire Type

Even if you’re good about switching to winter tires when the temperatures drop, some drivers aren’t so proactive when it comes to switching back to warmer weather tires once winter is over. If you keep your winter tires on in hot weather, you’re asking for trouble. Winter tires are carefully engineered to stay soft when cold, which means that in high temperatures they’ll become dangerously soft and present a high risk of disintegration. Further, it’s important to be mindful of what type of tire you switch to. Invest in high-quality all-season (also known as 3-season) or summer tires to stay safe, and don’t use all-season tires during winter!

Their Condition

Despite how important tires are for performance and safety, they’re often overlooked by drivers when it comes to day-to-day car care and maintenance. This means that their condition can sometimes sink below safe standards before you know it. Be mindful of how worn the tread has become and check your pressure about once a month. Rotate your tires at an interval recommended by your BMW-certified specialist to ensure even wear. You should also stay informed on tire longevity whenever you purchase a pair so that you don’t use them past their safe lifespan.

Driving Habits

How you drive your BMW has a more significant effect on the safety of your tires than you might think. It may be tempting to experience the full power of that BMW engine, but excessive speeds can accelerate the aging and wear of your tires, therefore detracting from your investment and compromising your safety. The same can be said for hard cornering and starting hard from a dead stop. Of course, you may need to make a panic stop or other drastic maneuver in a defensive driving situation, but don’t forget that safer driving habits minimize the chances of this significantly.

Peace of mind always makes for the best summer drives, and tire care is just one aspect of maintenance that is critical for this. Whether you need a routine checkup or want to have a specific issue checked out, call Motorwerkes at (403) 453-0269 to set up an appointment!

Understanding and Maintaining Your Wheels

19 June 2017

Here on the Motorwerkes blog, we’ve spoken about your tires a number of times, whether in the context of seasonal changes or general maintenance. However, don’t forget that the wheels that they are installed on are very much their own part that dictate their own maintenance needs!

Wheel 101

A wheel is made up of a few key structural components. The spokes, plate, dish, bolt circle, and centre bore comprise a wheel rim. It is the primary element that is encompassed by and supports the tire. How you select your rims comes down to a combination of the requirements of your car and your personal taste, as a wide variety of types are available. Meanwhile, at the core of a wheel is its hub, which serves the critical function of integrating the wheel with the axle and the parts necessary to make braking possible. A safe, smooth drive relies heavily on the cleanliness and integrity of both your rims and hubs.

Knowing the Types

One major wheel type is the steel wheel, which, due to its weight and the nature of its manufacturing process, is not as universal as it used to be. Steel wheels possess a resilience to damage that might make them favourable if you need a heavy-duty set of winter tires to fall back on, but they lack the kind of maneuverability that lighter materials provide. Alloy rims, on the other hand, are more standard fare for the performance vehicle driver. Often made of an alloy of aluminum, magnesium, or both, their lower unsprung mass and flexible manufacturing methods allow for swift movement and acceleration as well as stylistic variety.

Cleaning and Upkeep

Regardless of the material, manufacturing approach, or level of complexity your wheels, routine care is essential for a good look and reliable function. Keep an eye on buildup that can accumulate on your rims, from dirt to tar and bugs. Wash them frequently with quality, dedicated BMW cleaning products. If your wheels are alloy, avoid cleaning with abrasive materials and be sure to take care of their finish, even waxing if necessary. Keep an eye out for brake dust, and when washing it away, wait for your wheels to cool before rinsing them and using an appropriate wheel cleaner. As with any part, proper wheel care means more value from your purchase!

There’s no part of your BMW that should go forgotten. Attention to detail is essential to providing a long life for your car, and few understand this better than a BMW specialist. From repairs and upgrades to maintenance, call (403) 768-3169 to connect with our team!