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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!

Understanding and Taking Care of Spark Plugs

8 October 2017

When it comes to automotive components, size certainly does not determine importance. Spark plugs may be a small part, but they play a big role in the ability of your BMW to function. Let’s get acquainted with them so that you can spot problems and deal with them properly!

What Do Spark Plugs Do?

For how small they are, spark plugs are pretty tireless workers in the complex system of chemical and electromechanical reactions that keep your BMW running. Essentially, they provide the bursts of electricity that lead to combustion of the air-fuel mixer in your cylinders. The cylinders in a reciprocating engine need this combustion to happen thousands of times per minute to keep that crankshaft going. As a matter of necessity, spark plugs are powerful components designed to hold up to extreme heat and pressure while they receive electricity from their respective coils. However, like any part, they don’t last forever.

What Do They Affect?

The tiny explosions that take place during each combustion cycle may seem like a small element in the overall system of an engine, but the role of a spark plug is so fundamental that its performance affects many larger factors. Timing and precision are everything in the engine of a vehicle. The spark plug needs to cover a highly precise distance in order to zap the air-fuel mixture, and this also needs to happen at a highly precise moment. If the spark plug isn’t functioning as it should, then early ignition, misfires, and other issues can contribute to poor fuel economy, accelerated wear and tear to engine components, and other pesky problems.

Replacement Time

As always, everything boils down to a matter of attentiveness and maintenance. The longer you allow a spark plug to go without being replaced, the harder you’re pushing the limits of your engine. So how do you know when it’s time? Sound and feel are two big factors. Rattling, knocking, and difficult starts or acceleration are things to watch out for. Buildup of deposits on the plugs over time means that you should stay informed as to the quality and longevity of the brand you’ve chosen. Follow the recommendations of a certified BMW technician, and when you notice something’s off, don’t hesitate to take it in!

Do your spark plugs need replacing? No matter what your BMW needs, whether it’s a small part of a big concern, the Motorwerkes team is here to help. Give Calgary’s most dedicated BMW specialists a call at (403) 453-0269 to make an appointment or ask a question today!

How Rain Affects Your BMW

1 October 2017

Rain is generally easier to ignore than snow, so we may not think that it has a notable effect on the condition and function of our vehicles. However, just like any form of weather, it can lead to a number of issues if you don’t keep up with with proper care. Here are a few key considerations.

On Your Exterior

Of course, damage inflicted on your exterior by rain isn’t instantaneous or severe in an immediate way, but wear over time and lack of good maintenance can cause problems down the line. First off, many drivers assume that some rainfall can rinse off your vehicle and save you a trip to the car wash. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Rain isn’t just made of water; it contains a number of minerals and pollutants that are either abrasive or corrosive to many different surfaces on your car. Avoid water marks, rust, and other unpleasant issues by getting a professional wash!

Mechanical Aspects

The outside of your BMW isn’t the only place where rain can take a toll over time. Your battery, for instance, can be vulnerable depending on how your vehicle is structured. If engine compartments aren’t sealed properly, any moisture introduced to the top surface of the battery can lead to power drain issues. This is why it’s important to make sure those connections are dry and free of corrosion. Meanwhile, the ABS functions in your brakes depend on proper function of its sensors. If a crack allows water to leak in and compromise the sensor, the anti-lock mechanism won’t work properly. This goes to show you how important routine checkups can be.

Caring for the Interior

Rain comes with plenty of cleanliness issues as far as your interior is concerned. Tracking water, mud, plant debris, and other materials inside can add up to a pretty unpleasant driving experience if it goes unaddressed. This is cause for particular concern if you have great leather upholstery that you want to keep in good condition, as moisture and leather tend not to get along very well. Proper upholstery care with the right products, as well as visits to a professional for some top-notch detailing, will ensure that the rain doesn’t get the best of your BMW!

If you use the right products and seek out the best professional care, a car will hold up great no matter what the seasons bring. From repairs to routine checkups and powerful upgrades, call Motorwerkes at (403) 453-0269 and we’ll take care of your BMW as if it were one of our own!

The Many Futures of MINI

22 September 2017

There’s a lot to love about BMW’s approach to concept design, but the MINI brand has displayed its own knack for exploring high-tech ideas and showing off a futuristic design philosophy. Let’s run through some of their most ambitious forays into concept developments.

ACV30

Back when MINI was still owned by Rover Group, there was still plenty of innovative spirit behind the brand, and in 1997 there was more need than ever for a truly modern incarnation of the classic vehicle. Thirty years prior, MINI had secured a win at the Monte Carlo Rally, and an anniversary celebration was in order. Thus they unveiled the MINI ACV30 (standing for Anniversary Concept Vehicle), whose design foreshadowed the transfer of the MINI brand to BMW in many ways. Its black A-pillars, white roof, and wheel arch design would find their way onto the relaunched MINI in 2001, and the ACV30 was even conceived by two BMW designers.

Beachcomber

The focus of MINI’s design and engineering philosophy has always been about combining tight control and compact size with a signature, classy sense of style. However, there are always ideas that push the boundaries of routine to keep things fresh. The MINI Beachcomber concept, revealed in 2010, may not have looked like most MINIs, but its open top, utility-oriented design actually harkened back to 1964’s MINI Moke. With all-wheel-drive and a super-durable structure, it served as a preview to MINI’s first crossover, the Countryman.

Vision Next 100

Remember the BMW Vision Next 100 we mentioned in last week’s blog? The ideas behind its MINI counterpart may be presented in a smaller package, but they’re big in their own right! Autonomous driving once again plays a key role, as the Vision MINI is programmed to drive itself to cleaning and recharge stations when you aren’t driving it. However, the key concept behind this classic-yet-futuristic vehicle is that it’s shared between drivers, rather than owned by a single one. It enables you to set and reload personalized preferences to ensure that each time you use one, it feels like your very own. Bold ideas indeed.

Which MINI concept car do you find most inspiring? There’s a lot to admire about the spirit that they represent, and your MINI was born out of that same ingenuity. It’s only right to give it the best service in Calgary! Call (403) 453-0269 to find out what Motorwerkes can do for yours.

A Few of BMW’s Best Concept Cars

15 September 2017

Last week we looked at the history of the X5 to get excited about the new model. However, BMW has a rich history of thinking big even when it hasn’t resulted in a mass-production vehicle. As a result, there are plenty of BMW concepts to admire, both new and old.

E25 Turbo

When the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich came around, BMW was eager to showcase some new technologies and futuristic design motifs. With the unveiling of the E25 Turbo concept car, they did exactly that. Complete with gullwing doors and built from a modified New Class 2002 chassis, Paul Bracq’s design really turned heads. It boasted a high-tech radar system for close-range collision prevention and went from zero to 62 MPH in 6.6 seconds. After building only two, BMW carried over numerous design elements from the Turbo into the famous M1 Supercar, 8 Series grand tourer, and Z1 roadster.

328 Hommage

Any true BMW history buff will feel like a kid on Christmas when looking at the 328 Hommage concept car. Between 1936 and 1940, BMW produced what would go down as one of the greatest and most handsome sports cars of all time, the 328. After a long and rich history of class wins and and stellar average speeds, the 328 was paid tribute by the instantly popular 328 Hommage concept car in 2011. Its 3.0 litre straight six engine and lightweight body of carbon fibre reinforced plastic were accompanied by a high-tech interior and beautiful overall design, combining classic motifs with modern flare.

Vision Next 100

Much of the time, concept car design is a means to showcase and try out design strategies and technologies that soon find their way into mass-production models. Sometimes, however, it’s about going all in and dreaming big. BMW’s efforts under the Vision Next 100 banner allows them to express visions for the coming century of vehicle design. Their Vision Next 100 concept car proposes an entirely self-driving AI automobile with an “Alive Geometry” that reshapes the contours of the vehicle dynamically in response to driving motion. A high-concept car indeed!

It’s hard not to be swept away by forward-thinking speculative designs and futuristic ingenuity, but when it comes down to it, priority one is to take care of your own BMW. The Motorwerkes team can offer you Calgary’s best BMW certified service, so call us at (403) 453-0269 today!