used bmw 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!

Winter, Your Vehicle, and Visibility

20 February 2017

No matter how advanced your driving skills may be, or how well you take care of your BMW, there are other variables during winter that can present themselves on the road and cause trouble. The better you take care of your windows and understand visibility, the safer you’ll be!

Windows and Windshield

You may think that unless you’ve ended up with a crack or other conspicuous problem then you’re good to go, but there are many more things to consider. For instance, you should always pay attention to the condition of your wipers, as they’re working overtime in winter weather. Don’t scrape too hard when removing ice from glass, and never use hot water, as the abrupt temperature change can lead to cracks. Take advantage of your defrosters even before scraping, and keep glass surfaces as clean as possible so that you can see clearly.

Interior and Exterior Lights

Headlights not only help you see, but they also let other drivers see you. Slacking on headlight replacement is one of the more common causes of road hazard when it comes to visibility. Be conscious of how long you’ve had your current bulbs in and replace them accordingly. Keeping the plastic of each headlight and tail light assembly clean and free of debris is also important. Avoid using your brights when in a particularly snowy situation, as this can create a reflective glare that is dangerous in and of itself. Don’t forget that turning your dome light on when driving at night is also no a good idea.

Knowing the Weather

Planning ahead will serve you well in just about any circumstance. This is true for preventative maintenance and repairs, and it’s just as true for understanding the conditions of the road before you head out for the day. Check the weather and be mindful of any advisories. The more prepared you are, the safer your drive will be. Prior to getting in, starting up, and pulling away, be sure to clear your entire vehicle’s exterior of accumulated snow, not just the windshield and rear window. As usual, it’s wiser to avoid taking chances and instead stick to common sense!

There are many components to road safety, no matter what season you’re in. Whether it’s making smart choices on the road or in the garage, Motorwerkes is here to help you stay in the know. For maintenance, repairs, and more, call us at (403) 768-3165 to make an appointment today!