A Guide to Identifying and Preventing Common BMW Faults

Note to BMW owners! Do you own a BMW? Or are you considering purchasing a BMW? Most luxury vehicles boast high-quality components and a superior driving experience, but many owners report issues that can adversely affect their driving experience.

Don’t worry; Roade Main Garage is an independent family-owned garage serving Northampton and the surrounding areas for over 60 years. The following blog post discusses some of the most common BMW issues. We’ll also share with you our top tips for maintaining and repairing your BMW.

Now, let’s get started.

Are There Common BMW Faults I Should Know About?

There are several faults BMW owners can experience when owning one of these fantastic vehicles. We’ll cover the most common faults affecting BMWs, from the engine to the windows. Understanding these faults can increase your BWM’s reliability, extend its lifespan, and enhance its resale value. 

BMW is prone to the following faults:

Engine Faults

Wear and tear is inevitable with all machines, including BMW engines. It is generally possible to prevent these problems via regular servicing, but sometimes you may need to deal with them due to lack of maintenance, ageing, or general wear and tear.

Listed below are seven common BMW engine problems you may encounter:

1. Thermostat Failure – The thermostat of a vehicle can be set to either closed or open. When the thermostat is closed, the vehicle can quickly reach its ideal operating temperature. The thermostat opens as soon as the engine reaches the average temperature, and the cooling system kicks in. There are some BMWs with faulty thermostats that fail in the closed position, resulting in a malfunctioning cooling system, which results in overheating. In the event of rapid heating, the radiator may crack, causing severe damage to the engine.
2. Defective Timing Chain – BMWs have timing chains that are known to prematurely fail. The chain in your BMW engine will stretch and become loose over time due to wear and tear. Proper maintenance can extend the life of the timing chain and other timing system components. If you have this type of issue, you may notice rough idling, odd sounds, or an illuminated check engine light.
3. Cooling System Damage – In order to prevent your BMW from overheating, water and coolant are circulated throughout the engine’s cooling system. Some BMWs have cooling systems that fail occasionally. In fact, these issues are not the result of faulty design but instead of wear and tear on specific components. These problems can be prevented with regular maintenance.
4. Malfunctioning Fuel Pump – The high-pressure fuel pump has been reported to fail by many BMW owners. Poor acceleration and stuttering are the most common signs of fuel pump failure.
5. Water Pump Failures – Water pump failures are a common complaint among BMW owners. In the past, some BMW models, such as the 2012 BMW 650i, 2012 BMW 550i, and 2012 Mini Cooper S, have been recalled due to overheating caused by water pumps. Significant differences exist between the BMW water pump and the traditional belt-driven mechanical water pump. The BMW pumps are made of plastic and are electric. The engine can overheat and fail if the water pump fails.
6. Defected Camshaft Cover Gasket – A BMW is prone to leaking oil. There may be an oil leak if there are brown spots underneath your vehicle. It is common for BMWs to leak oil from their camshaft cover gaskets. In order to prevent oil leaks, the camshaft cover gasket (also known as the rocker cover gasket) seals the joint between the engine’s valve and cylinder head. In most cases, leaks occur because of wear and tear on the gasket.
7. Oil Camshaft Gasket Leak – There is a tendency for BMWs to leak oil from the oil camshaft gasket. The gaskets can become clogged with dirt and debris over time, halting their performance. When the oil camshaft gasket fails, the engine can suffer severe damage or even fail completely. We recommend routinely checking and changing the oil at Roade Main Garage to prevent leaks.

At Roade Main Garage, we offer unbeatable service and value! In the event that your BMW develops one of these faults, you may need extensive engine repairs. You should contact Roade Main Garage immediately if you notice any of these problems.

Electrical Faults

BMWs are prone to electrical faults. Some of the most common ones we have seen at Roade Main Garage include:

• Window Regulator Failure: Failure of BMW window regulators is not uncommon. A window regulator that fails will not allow the window to rise or lower and will typically remain stuck in its position.
• Ignition Switch Failure: You will not be able to start your BMW if the ignition switch fails. At Roade Main Garage, we can help you get your BMW running again! 
• Blower Motor Resistor Failure: As part of the Climate Control system, the blower motor resistor controls the fan speed. However, it is possible that the fan will not work at all or will only work at one speed if it malfunctions.
• Faulty Alternator: The alternator charges the battery and powers your BMWs electrical system. In the event of a faulty alternator, you could be left stranded as your battery will have drained.
• Battery Issues: Battery problems are a common problem with BMWs. You might have a dead or weak battery in your BMW if it is not starting or has electrical problems.

Door Locking Faults

The locking and unlocking mechanisms of BMW vehicles are generally reliable. There are times, however, when owners have reported issues with unlocking or locking their BMWs. This problem is known to occur in BMW X5s. Replacement of the door’s lock mechanism is often the best solution; however, this may only sometimes be the case. In this situation, we recommend seeking assistance from Roade Main Garage’s door-locking experts for a quick fix. 

The importance of regular maintenance cannot be overstated when it comes to protecting your investment in your luxury vehicle. At Roade Main Garage, we have expert BMW technicians on hand to help you.

How Can These Common BMW Faults Be Identified?

Several signs may indicate that your BMW is having an engine or electrical problem. The following are some common ones to watch out for:

• Poor performance: An engine issue can cause sluggish acceleration, loss of power, or decreased fuel efficiency in your BMW. There can also be electrical problems causing poor performance, such as issues with the fuel injection system or ignition.
• Smells: If your BMW smells strange, such as burnt rubber or oil, you might have an engine problem. You may also smell burning and experience electrical problems if there is a short circuit.
• Difficulty starting: If your BMW won’t start or has trouble starting, then you may have a problem with its engine or electrical system. 
• Strange noises: Strange sounds coming from an engine, such as knocking or tapping, might indicate a serious problem. Additionally, electrical issues can result in unusual noises, such as buzzing and clicking.
• Warning lights: If you see warning lights on your dashboard, the engine or electrical system may be malfunctioning. There are three types of warning lights that are most common: the check engine light, the battery warning light, and the oil pressure warning light.

We recommend you have your BMW checked by our expert technicians right away if you notice any of these signs so that any problems can be diagnosed and addressed before they get worse.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Schedule your BMW appointment with Roade Main Garage today.

Common BMW Faults: Why Do They Happen?

BMW faults are commonly caused by several factors, including:

• Lack of maintenance: Maintaining or servicing your BMW regularly can prevent common problems such as brake or cooling system problems.
  
• Environmental factors: Changing temperatures, humidity, and other environmental factors can cause problems with your BMW’s cooling system and electrical system.
  
• Manufacturing defects: Some BMW faults are the result of manufacturing defects or design flaws.
  
• Driver behaviour: Common BMW faults can be caused by improper use, aggressive driving, and ignoring warning signs.
  
• Wear and tear: There are some common problems associated with BMW parts and components, including problems with the engine or transmission, which can be caused by wear and tear.

By maintaining your BMW, paying attention to warning signs, and driving responsibly, you can reduce the likelihood of experiencing these common BMW problems.

If you are experiencing any problems with your BMW, our experts at Roade Main Garage will be able to help.

Common BMW Faults: What Can Be Done to Prevent Them?

Several steps can be taken to prevent engine and electrical problems with your BMW.

Firstly, it is imperative that you perform regular maintenance on your BMW to keep it running as it should. For regular maintenance, you should follow the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. By using high-quality parts and fluids, such as synthetic oil, you can prevent premature engine wear and tear.

Additionally, do not ignore any warning signs, like warning lights, strange noises, or poor performance. It is key to address any problems as soon as possible to prevent these issues from getting worse over time.

Furthermore, by taking care while driving, you can prevent unnecessary strain on your engine and electrical system. To put it another way, refrain from driving aggressively, stopping suddenly, and hard accelerating.

Follow these simple steps to prevent common engine and electrical faults in your BMW and keep it running efficiently for years to come.

Fixing Common BMW Faults is Easy at Roade Main Garage

Roade Main Garage is the place to go for reputable BMW repairs and preventative maintenance. For over 60 years, we have helped road users stay safe on the road. Here’s what we can do for you:

• Regular maintenance: Roade Main Garage is dedicated to keeping your BMW running smoothly and safely on the roads. Our team uses the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule to ensure your BMW sticks to its regular maintenance plan. Additionally, we use high-quality parts and fluids to ensure your engine is maintained properly.
• Value for Money pricing: Roade Main Garage offers great value on all of our services, so you won’t have sleepless nights worrying about the cost!
  
• Professional service: We are committed to providing you with outstanding customer service every time you visit Roade Main Garage. You can count on us to treat your BMW like it was our own!
  
• Expert diagnosis: For over 60 years, we have helped BMW owners. At Roade Main Garage, we can diagnose and resolve BMW issues quickly and effectively.
  
• Quality parts and fluids: We use only high-quality parts and fluids at Roade Main Garage in order to protect your BMW’s engine and electrical systems.

If you are looking for a BMW garage that can fix and prevent common electrical and engine problems, Roade Main Garage is the right choice for you. Our comprehensive maintenance services, quality parts and fluids, expert diagnostics, professional service, and competitive pricing will give you peace of mind knowing your BMW is in the right hands. 

In Summary

Roade Main Garage understands how frustrating it can be to experience a fault with your luxury BMW vehicle. Despite their quality, premium vehicles are not immune from faults, even when they are constructed with the best parts and components available.

A number of common BMW faults have been reported, from electrical problems to door-locking problems, and this blog focuses on the common faults you should be aware of and how to prevent them.

Ultimately, if these problems are not resolved, they will worsen and could end up costing you more. Our team of experienced technicians are on hand to resolve any of these common problems whenever you encounter them. Our friendly experts are always available to assist you with any BMW fault. We are waiting for your call at Roade Main Garage today!

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