BMW is among the most popular luxury car brands in the United States. They have a very sophisticated design, which contributes to these vehicles’ technical repair techniques when they get damaged. It is no surprise that most car owners tend to have many questions regarding the repairs of their vehicles, no matter the make and model. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about BMW repairs.
These cars are known for being high-performance vehicles. The reality is that automotive repairs and maintenance can be challenging because they use many advanced electronic components that need to be programmed and initialized after being repaired, replaced, or even sometimes tested. For that reason, most owners prefer to leave the repairs to reputable automobile restoration shops and mechanics. It helps only to have your vehicle repaired by BMW trained and experienced technicians familiar with its sophisticated electrical systems.
The best time to have your BMW repaired is when there are any identifiable symptoms, such as rough running or warning lights on your dash. Never postpone repairs for long, as neglecting your vehicle’s maintenance can lead to more significant problems.
We recommend only working on your vehicle if you have experience with the work needing to be performed. Also, make sure that you have the proper computing equipment to be able to complete the repairs performed. Even a battery replacement on many BMWs requires a computer with OBD2 capabilities to register the battery. So make sure you have 100% confirmed accurate diagnosis and proper tooling.
BMW’s parts and services are relatively reasonable compared to other luxury brands such as Mercedes, Audi and Porsche. The common surprise BMW owners get is when pricing out interior and/or body components. BMW aesthetics can be costly.
The first thing you can do to save money is to avoid unnecessary repairs. For example, if your engine check light comes on, you should have your vehicle inspected to find out what is wrong with it. Because life gets busy, it is common for vehicle owners to delay getting an appointment with a good BMW shop, which typically causes further issues if a vehicle is driving for an extended period of time relevant to the damages that had occurred.
BMW has what is called CBS (Condition Based Services), which is monitored and evaluated by your car’s engine management system (computer). Have your vehicle checked for service when your vehicle is in the shop for repairs, oil changes and check-ups.
Automotive repairs can be relatively expensive based on the damages and parts needed. For example, a new engine on 5 series can retail for up to $8,000 on specific engines. That can be due to not having aftermarket options available. However, some modern BMWs are still covered by a warranty, and owners can get their vehicles repaired for free if covered under warranty.
If you want to find out more about how much it costs to repair various vehicle components and if your warranty will help, call a few shops that specialize in BMW and get a quote.
Several different signs can help you identify a reliable mechanic so that you do not have to waste money on car repairs in the future. BMWs are excellent vehicles with very complex systems and designs. For that reason, people tend to ask for referrals from their friends and family to get their repair services done. You could also talk to other BMW owners if they could suggest any reputable car mechanics in the area.
The Internet is also another excellent tool for getting referrals from people who may be familiar with mechanics that specialize in repairing German vehicles.
It is sometimes difficult to predict when your BMW will need repairs because some vehicles will allow many miles before symptoms occur. Cars with higher miles can quickly develop problems that need increased service intervals.
Your service interval is the best time to find out if there are any problems or excessively worn components that need to be taken care of.
BMW repair times vary from one shop to another. If you want to get your automobile fixed by a specialist, expect it to take at least the amount of time the BMW book time quotes; however, it will usually take longer because a good shop should test drive your vehicle before and after repairs, as well as racking your vehicle on a hoist to inspect.
When it comes to getting your BMW repaired, time is money, so make sure that you get everything done correctly and on time to avoid major problems from happening in the future.
Steve’s Imports has been performing BMW repair services in Portland, Oregon, for over thirty years. We’ve seen the full range of BMW’s evolution, and we have the experience to make any model of the German classic run for years to come. Our certified technicians take pride in servicing any BMW with the same level of care, be it rebuilding your 3.0CS or diagnosing the electronics on your M3. We have the tools and knowledge to get your BMW up to spec.