bmw repair - Motorwerkes

A Few Myths About the MINI

20 January 2018

MINI may be one of the most fun and distinctive auto marques out there, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Few drivers realize how much versatility and variety MINI can offer, but this isn’t the only area where misconceptions are found. Here are three important myths to rethink.

They’re Too Small

Some drivers seem to see compactness as a weakness of the MINI, anticipating low storage capacity, a cramped interior, and an uncomfortable feel to its drivetrain. While you may need more room for cargo or passengers than most MINIs can provide, the assumption that they’re uncomfortable often comes from those who haven’t driven them. Not only have they been carefully designed over decades to balance modest size with roomy comfort, they even offer crossover and supermini models like the Countryman and Clubman. These provide a great amount of space for families or SUV lovers who don’t want to purchase a massive road hog!

They’re Not Safe

Sizable cars like full-size SUVs seem to offer the best safety specs and resistance to accident damage. After all, greater size means greater strength, right? Not exactly. Someone who is unfamiliar with the safety ratings of MINI vehicles could be quick to jump to conclusions and see them as inferior to their larger competition in this department. However, with features such as forward collision warning and auto-braking, as well as a recent significant improvements in side crash ratings, MINI has developed as good a track record as any. The 2016 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2-Door racked up the highest IIHS ratings in all crash tests, so this is certainly a myth to be cast aside.

They’re Expensive to Maintain

This could be the most common myth that pops up out there, particularly among those considering a MINI but leaning towards deciding against it. A similar myth gets around regarding BMWs as well. The truth is that MINI offers a level of care with prepaid service and warranty, not to mention benefits in gas mileage and resale value, that place it ahead of the curve in terms of overall investment power. A high-quality car requires high-quality parts, fluids, and maintenance, but that means that you’re benefiting from some of the finest automotive engineering out there, and that’s worth the price of admission!

It’s important to set the record straight on automotive myths, especially with regards to taking care of your vehicle. The technicians at Motorwerkes have all the facts when it comes to BMW and MINI, and we can’t wait to help you with whatever you need. Call (403) 453-0269 today!

BMWs on the Big Screen

15 January 2018

There are few automakers in the world as enduring and iconic as BMW. As such an important part of vehicle history, it has established an unforgettable presence for itself across various forms of media, even movies. Let’s look at a few memorable moments in the brand’s film career.

Memorable Moments

There’s no better place to look first than the James Bond films of the 1990s. While the Aston Martin may live on as the signature Bond car, the BMW Z8 driven by Pierce Brosnan’s Bond in The World Is Not Enough is simply too classy to be ignored. In the 1998 thriller Ronin starring Robert De Niro, audiences got a taste of the speed and power of the 5 Series during a climactic chase that featured the E34 535i. Six years later in The Bourne Supremacy, Matt Damon’s character Jason Bourne evaded capture in a 1985 E28 5 Series. Not a bad choice when you’re on the run!

BMW Films

In 2001 and 2002, BMW embarked on their own film production project in order to boost PR during a quiet period in their launch schedule. BMW Films produced a series of eight short films called The Hire, boasting legendary directors such as Ang Lee and Guy Ritchie, not to mention Clive Owen in the lead role. While the internet-released series was more of a “small screen” appearance than a big screen one, it nonetheless went on to become of of the most memorable BMW campaigns in history. It was even revived last year to promote the 2017 5 Series with a film called The Escape, once again starring Clive Owen in the lead.

The Cinematic Feeling

BMW has always strived to develop a visual identity for the brand. Striking TV ads, dramatic photoshoots, memorable motor show presentations, and BMW Films are all examples of how they have built an internal world for their vehicles, and this is has distinguished the company from other automakers as the king of automotive marketing. This edgy cinematic flare has communicated to car lovers everywhere just how commanding the presence of a BMW can be, not only on the road, but also within stories and powerful images. These are the makings of a true icon!

With a BMW in excellent shape, whether it’s a classic model or a new release, who wouldn’t feel like they’re in a movie? Give your vehicle the certified service it deserves and you’ll always get the most out of it. Call (403) 453-0269 to find out what the Motorwerkes team can do for you!

Three Ways You Can Become a Better Driver

10 January 2018

Most drivers develop their driving abilities just enough to pass the tests and get a license, but we all know that doesn’t necessarily make you a model motorist. Skillful driving is about both safety and caring for your BMW, so you might want to consider a few upgrades to your habits.

Sharpen Your Defensive Driving Skills

The process of becoming a licensed driver teaches a lot of essentials when it comes to navigating the road safely. However, there’s another level of driving technique and proficiency that you don’t really get unless you pursue the right instruction. The right defensive driving course offers the chance to develop skills in evasion, braking, and preventative technique which can prove to be lifesaving in extreme circumstances. These skills are especially powerful when combined with the sharp handling and safety features of your BMW, which should not be relied upon to prevent accidents on their own.

Be Alert, Be Aware

A lot of us spend a significant portion of our lives driving. Because of this, we tend to tune out from what we’re doing when we’re at the wheel and pay attention to other things. However, one of the best ways you can become a better driver is by breaking this habit and remaining alert. This applies to how we pay attention to our surroundings as well as how we pay attention to even the smallest aspects of our driving technique. How much distance are you leaving between you and the vehicle in front of you? Do you stay conscious of your input and avoid abrupt movements or decisions? These are all important to bear in mind.

Stay Educated

Remember last week when we talked about the importance of staying informed about the maintenance needs of your BMW? The exact same principle applies in the department of driving techniques. One of the greatest things about having an experienced BMW certified technician to take your vehicle to is that they don’t just offer mechanical help. A good BMW expert is also a good driver and understands the importance of combining a great car with great driving habits. Ask your technician for tips that apply to your specific model and follow them closely, it’s a great way to stay smart as a driver!

The certified technicians at Motorwerkes may not be able to make you a better driver beyond offering some friendly advice, but when it comes to taking care of your BMW, we can do a lot more than that! Our team does it all, so call (403) 453-0269 to make an appointment today!

Cold Weather and Your Spark Plugs

22 December 2017

Every type of car under the sun depends on heat and combustion to stay moving, even if the sun doesn’t seem to show up! In the cold of winter, many key components are working extra hard to do their job, and your spark plugs are no exception. Here are some things to consider.

Why They’re Affected

Each spark plug in your engine is responsible for igniting the air/fuel mixture in its respective combustion chamber, forcing the cylinder to rotate its corresponding crankshaft. This is the motion that keeps your vehicle moving, but it’s also the exchange of heat that keep the combustion chamber the right temperature. Everything in this system is about balance in heat, energy, and movement. When in the grip of plummeting winter temperatures, spark plugs that are in poor condition can’t do their job properly. For successful ignition events to occur, a narrow list of parameters must be met, and damaged spark plugs just can’t compensate for the cold weather. This can leave you stranded.

Warning Signs

One of the key red flags to look out for when it comes to winter spark plug health is how smoothly you’re able to start your BMW. A rough or failed start can be indicative of many different things, such as a compromised battery, but if you haven’t replaced your plugs in preparation for winter, there’s a decent chance that this is the culprit. Poor spark plug health can take a toll on your fuel efficiency and increase your emissions, as it contributes significantly to overall poor performance, particularly during winter when your BMW’s engine is under other simultaneous forms of stress.

Preventing Problems

Drivers who don’t replace their spark plugs often enough will typically rush to replace them during winter at the last minute, as this is when they tend to fail most often. However, it’s not as though winter weather is some unstoppable force that will inevitably lead to the death of this or any other car part. Issues arise only if you’ve fallen behind on routine maintenance. Always follow the recommendations of a local BMW-certified technician when it comes to the frequency of spark plug replacement so that you can go into winter without worrying about it!

Do your spark plugs need replacing? It’s best to do it right away before these winter temperatures really take a dive and make things worse. Give Motorwerkes a call at (403) 453-0269, and it will be our pleasure to take care of this and any other maintenance essential!

Three of the Best MINIs for Winter

15 December 2017

Your average MINI might seem like a fairly unassuming vehicle, with its compact frame and playful aesthetic. Don’t be fooled, however. Some MINIs are known to hold up impressively well to harsh conditions like those we experience during winter. Let’s look at three standout models.

The Countryman

The MINI Crossover concept revealed at the Paris Motor Show in 2008 was a significant break from the approach to vehicle design that had been associated with MINI for decades. Despite this, it would go on to become the Countryman, a subcompact crossover that has won the hearts of millions of drivers. Despite its small stature relative to full-size SUVs, the Countryman can really hold its own in winter weather. MINIs are already known for their excellent handling, but the new Countryman’s ALL4 option and turbocharged 3 cylinder engine takes ruggedness and command of the road to another level. There’s now even a plug-in hybrid edition!

Clubman All4

As legendary as the Countryman has become as MINI’s first crossover, one should never forget the prowess of the brand’s flagship supermini: the Clubman. For the first time, the Clubman has recently inherited the Countryman’s ALL4 system, a marvel of modern stability control that instantaneously redistributes power between axles based on precise grip detection. Being a small family car, the standard Clubman isn’t as suitably outfitted for off-road or harsh weather duties as the Countryman in terms of its suspension and body paneling, but the newest ALL4 edition is nonetheless as perfect for wintery urban and suburban road conditions as a family-sized MINI can be.

MINI Hardtop

In pointing out MINI’s more utility-focused ambitions, one can’t help but feel that the more standard models are left on the bench. These days many of them are more suitable for slushy and ice surfaces that one might think. Take a look at the recent MINI Hardtop models, for instance. The frame is more rigid than ever, slight increases in size have taken place, and BMW’s expert engineering of stability control systems complement that legendary MINI agility beautifully. That TwinPower Turbo engine and 207 lb-ft of torque on the Hardtop Cooper S are nothing to sneeze at either. With a high quality set of winter tires, you’re really in business!

Ever since our team began to offer full repair, maintenance, and upgrade service on MINIs, we’ve worked on many different models under the marque. You can expect the same level of excellence as on any BMW, so call (403) 453-0269 to book an appointment for your MINI today!