bmw repair calgary - Motorwerkes

What Are the Advantages of Owning a MINI?

22 March 2017

Much like any model under BMW’s other vehicle lines, the MINI has an unmistakeable look, feel, and philosophy. Now that Motorwerkes offers comprehensive service for MINIs, we feel it’s right to take a look at what makes them a distinctive and appropriate choice for so many drivers.

Economy and Efficiency

One thing that the MINI is best known for is its excellent economy. This is made possible through both smart engineering and its compact size. The 1.5L base engine of a 2016 2-door Mini Cooper hardtop, for instance, boasts an EPA MPG of around 32 combined city/highway, and some models and configurations can get you upwards of 40. They’re not just economical in terms of fuel consumption, they’re also pretty efficient investments, as they can give you a lot for your money when they’re well-maintained by the right technicians and with certified parts. On the whole, they’re relatively affordable purchases and tend to maintain impressive resale value.

Power, Performance, and Control

Naturally, when you combine a powerful engineering approach with a compact size and low curb weight, you’re going to benefit from excellent speed, handling, and more. MINIs are widely known for their impeccable, go-kart-like steering and brisk acceleration. A 2015 John Cooper Works Mini with a 228 horsepower 4-cylinder 2.0L turbocharged engine can get you from 0 to 60 in 6.1 seconds. Even the more affordable 2016 Mini Cooper S Clubman can reach 60 in 6.6 seconds, despite offering some extra cargo space for those who find other MINIs a bit too tight. Both these and other recent models boast control and stability that more than lives up to the MINI name.

A Personalized Drive

On top of efficiency and performance at a good price, many drivers love MINI for the diverse range of configurations and customizations available. There’s an offering for every personality, and this kind of flexibility is something that is becoming more and more desirable to today’s modern driver. With the right certified factory and aftermarket parts, you can enhance and fine-tune your MINI in a number of ways. Best of all, they benefit from highly personal, dedicated service by certified BMW technicians!

Are you a current or soon-to-be MINI owner? A specialized car deserves specialized repair and maintenance service from properly certified technicians. Motorwerkes is Calgary’s go-to shop for BMWs and MINIs alike, so call us at (403) 768-3168 to make an appointment!

Is Your BMW’s Suspension Damaged?

15 March 2017

While all repairs should be done before the issue gets worse, some forms of damage are more urgent than others. Problems with your suspension can not only lead to very costly damage, they can compromise the safety of your drive. There are a few key red flags to look out for.

Suspension 101

Some drivers might assume that “suspension” only encompasses parts like the shock absorbers, but it’s important to consider your tires and their level of pressure as key components of the overall system, not to mention the frame and steering system. Your suspension determines your handling, braking, ride comfort, and other factors. It ensures that your tires maintain consistent contact with the surfaces it moves across, that the vehicle is insulated from vertical acceleration due to the characteristics of these surfaces, and that you can maintain control over your steering.

The Feel of Your Drive

Because your suspension is largely responsible for drive comfort and control, many of the most common problems are expressed in how things feel. For instance, if you experience a bit of resistance or pull to one side in your steering, or if your ride starts to feel unusually rough or bumpy, your shocks or struts could be in need of maintenance. Your BMW depends on its shocks to remain stable against many different forms of momentum and energy, such as when braking. The feeling that your vehicle sinks forward during a stop is therefore something to watch out for as well.

Looking and Listening

Always listen for unusual noises when turning or moving over rough surfaces. Check the tread of your tires to see if the distribution of wear is normal. If you see concentrated wear on one or two of them, this could mean uneven distribution of weight. Sometimes you can even spot suspension issues by checking to see how evenly the body of your BMW sits above the ground. Take a look at the shock absorbers themselves, as the presence of moisture or oil could mean a leak. Pay close attention and be sure to get the right maintenance as soon as you spot a problem!

Notice anything unusual with your BMW that may indicate a problem with your suspension? Our team of certified technicians is experienced, dedicated, and ready to help you keep everything in top condition. Call (403) 768-3168 to find out what the Motorwerkes experience is all about!

4-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive: Knowing the Facts

8 March 2017

Today’s BMWs are engineered to offer you the most comfortable, reliable, and safety-conscious drive possible. This comes in the form of many different features, but two of the most well-known are 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Think they’re the same? Think again!

4-Wheel Drive

As opposed to front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, a 4-wheel drive system distributes power between both axles and is often a mode that you can switch on or off when driving your vehicle. Both axles are given a fixed and equal divide of torque so that a greater degree of control is possible. Its strength lies in its ability to prevent you from spinning out or losing control in unpaved, uneven, and low-traction conditions, such as heavy slush and snow or off-road areas. As a term, it is sometimes used interchangeably with all-wheel drive, but this is a mistake, as there are many important differences.

All-Wheel Drive

4-wheel and all-wheel drive have many of the same ideas behind them, but they are executed in distinct ways. Firstly, all-wheel drive isn’t really a switchable feature in the same way that 4-wheel drive is, as vehicles equipped with it are specifically designed to provide the advantage of dynamic distribution of power between all four corners of the vehicle. All-wheel drive vehicles do the dirty work for you, changing the behaviour of the drivetrain and differential based on constant input from the wheels so that you don’t have to “activate” it. Unlike 4-wheel drive, this also allows your system to adapt when switching between different conditions and terrains.

Safety and Maintenance

As great as these features can be for giving you a helping hand in adverse conditions in order to stay safe and in control of your vehicle, you should be wary not to depend on them too heavily. Smart driving habits are mandatory no matter what features your BMW comes with, and the same goes for smart maintenance. Routine preventative checkups are the best way to make sure that your drivetrain, axles, and other components are in good shape. Don’t delay your repairs, otherwise you’ll pay a hefty price later on, both in terms of your budget and your safety!

The better you know the inner workings of your BMW, the better you’ll be able to spot a problem before it gets worse. Always be conscious of your vehicle and seek out quality BMW-certified maintenance. Call Motorwerkes at (403) 768-3168 to find out what we can do for you!

When Should You Remove Your Winter Tires?

1 March 2017

Driving safe and taking good care of your BMW during winter is all about preparedness. One of the most important elements of this is a quality set of winter tires. However, once the end of winter comes near, you may be wondering when it’s safe to switch them out.

The Right Tire for the Right Season

Unfortunately, it’s still quite common for drivers to opt out of using winter tires during winter, and many people mistakenly assume that all-season tires are adequate for snowy, slushy, and icy conditions. The truth is that switching to winter tires when necessary is very important for your safety and the condition of your BMW, not to mention gas milage and the longevity of the tires themselves. Removing them at the right time is crucial, as the tread on winter tires will wear down considerably faster in warm weather.

Temperature Is Everything

The main environmental factor determining the performance of any type of seasonal tire is temperature. Each kind is specifically designed to do their job within an optimal temperature range in order to give you the best control relative to road conditions. It is sometimes recommended to remove your winter tires when temperatures start to exceed 7 degrees, but the exact figure will often depend on your tires. The weather will vary from year to year, but a more general rule to follow would be to make the switch at the beginning of April.

Things to Consider

Switching out your winter tires at the right time is just one component of keeping them in good condition for as long as possible. Storage is another. Keep them in individual tire storage bags and store them in a space that isn’t too hot or humid. They shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight either. Avoid stacking other objects on top of them, as it’s important to eliminate any stress from their surface so that they stay in good shape. Most importantly, choose the right set! A local BMW-certified technician will be able to make a recommendation just for your vehicle.

Making a smooth transition between winter and spring is important for the cleanliness and mechanical health of your BMW. Motorwerkes is here to help you with any aspect, from repairs to a post-winter inspection or detailing. Call us at (403) 768-3168 to schedule an appointment!

Signs that You’re Being Too Hard on Your BMW

23 January 2017

Even if you’re attentive of how well your BMW is maintained, there are plenty of ways you can affect the health of our vehicle without being completely aware of it. Many can be categorized as driving habits, but not all of them. These examples will help you stay more aware.

Your Brakes and Transmission

One key to long-lasting brakes is to be smart about your driving and to avoid the assumption that you can rely on them for everything. Always calculate your distances wisely and be attentive of your stopping, both in terms of pressure and frequency. It’s also not uncommon for drivers to abuse their transmission without realizing that they’re doing so. Avoid sudden shifts from reverse to drive. If you’re driving manual, try not to rest on the transmission all the time, or you may be putting unnecessary stress on the system. And don’t ride the clutch either!

Your Engine

It can sometimes be tempting to rev up the engine or accelerate aggressively from a stop. While it’s great to enjoy the power of your BMW, it’s possible to enjoy a higher driving experience without compromising safety and the health of your engine. You don’t want to put excessive strain on your drivetrain, and you certainly don’t want to wear out your brakes with the inevitable hard stop that will follow. You should also avoid driving for too long with a low tank of gas, otherwise you could end up with unfriendly sediment in your fuel line or the need for a fuel pump replacement.

Other Bad Habits

Even if you pay close attention to all of the factors noted above, you never know which habits could be going unnoticed. For instance, it’s usually a bad idea to carry excessive loads, so be sure that you know the limits of your model before carrying large amounts of extra cargo. Not only does it affect your fuel economy, it’s not particularly good for your suspension, drivetrain, or brakes either. Last but not least, don’t fall into the habit of ignoring potential problems and putting off regular maintenance. Always watch out for anything unusual, and when it doubt, take it to a BMW certified technician!

Being equipped with the right knowledge and having a local technician to trust for maintenance are the two most important ways to make your BMW last. We’re here to help with both! Call Motorwerkes at (403) 768-3165 to find out what we can offer you.