Common BMW Faults
Many car owners up and down the country view their cars as their source of pride and delight, investing substantial amounts each year to ensure their vehicles remain in excellent condition. BMW vehicles are very popular in the UK, offering luxury and a great driving experience.
Although these cars are typically manufactured using top-quality components, they are not immune to common issues that many BMW owners may encounter. In this blog post, we will explore the prevalent faults that you may encounter or have already experienced with your BMW. We will discuss methods for identifying these faults and their causes and provide preventive measures to help you avoid these problems.
For many years, Athersmith Motor Services has served as the preferred garage for BMW owners in Ulverston and nearby areas. As an independent specialist garage, you can rely on us for all your BMW service and maintenance requirements. Reach out to us today to get started.
With that said, let’s get into the blog!
A Guide to BMW Faults
In this blog, we will look at the most common BMW problems, from the engine to the electrical components and everything in between. Understanding these faults can improve your driving safety, extend the life of your BMW, and maintain its resale value.
The following are some of the most common BMW faults we see at Athersmith Motor Services:
Engine Faults
BMW engines will wear out over time, as is inevitable with all machines. Regular maintenance can help prevent many of these issues, but wear and tear and ageing can still have an impact on your engine.
The following are the seven most common BMW engine problems:
- Defected Camshaft Cover Gasket – BMWs are prone to oil leaks. You may have an oil leak if you notice brown spots on the road under your parked vehicle. In most BMWs, the Camshaft Cover Gasket leaks oil. The Camshaft Cover Gasket (also known as the Rocker Cover Gasket) job is to seal the joint between the engine’s Valve and Cylinder Head, preventing oil from leaking. In most cases, leaks are caused by a cracked gasket.
- Oil Camshaft Gasket Leak – The Oil Camshaft Gasket in BMWs often leaks oil. When dirt and debris accumulate in the crevices of the gasket, it becomes less effective and performs poorly. In the event of an oil Camshaft Gasket failure, the engine can be severely damaged or even completely destroyed. We recommend routinely checking and replacing the oil to prevent leaks.
- Defective Timing Chain – BMWs often have timing chains that fail prematurely. Over time, your BMW engine’s chain will stretch and become loose due to regular wear and tear. When the Timing System is not properly maintained, the chain may wear out more rapidly. Rough idling, strange noises, or an illuminated Check Engine Light will usually accompany it.
- Water Pump Failures – The failure of the water pump is a common problem among BMW owners. There have been a number of BMW models recalled over water pumps in the past, including the 2012 BMW 650i, 2012 BMW 550i, and 2012 Mini Cooper S. These engines overheated as a result of design flaws.
There are some differences between the BMW water pump and traditional belt-driven mechanical water pumps. Plastic and electric are the two main components of BMW pumps. Overheating and failure of the engine can occur when the water pump fails.
- Cooling System Damage – The cooling system of an engine circulates water and coolant to keep the engine at an optimal temperature. Therefore, your BMW will not overheat. However, sometimes the BMW cooling systems may fail. Regular maintenance of your BMW can prevent these problems, which are not caused by poor design but by wear and tear on specific components.
- Malfunctioning Fuel Pump – There have been numerous reports of issues with BMW’s High-Pressure Pump. Stuttering or poor acceleration are symptoms of a failing fuel pump.
- Thermostat Failure – Vehicle thermostats can be set to close or open. When the thermostat is closed, the vehicle can reach its ideal operating temperature more quickly. When the engine reaches the average temperature, the thermostat will open, and the Cooling System will keep the engine cool.
In some BMWs, a faulty thermostat may fail in the closed position, preventing the Cooling System from operating properly and causing overheating. This rapid heating can cause the radiator to crack, and the engine can be severely damaged.
When you experience any of these BMW engine faults, you could face costly engine repairs. If any of the above problems occur, please contact us immediately so that we can help to save you stress, time and money. At Athersmith Motor Services, we offer better service and value than the local BMW dealer.
Door Locking Faults
Generally, BMW’s locking and unlocking mechanisms work as expected. Occasionally, however, BMW owners are unable to unlock or lock their cars due to issues with the door-locking system. BMW X5s commonly experience this problem. Usually, the lock mechanism on the door needs to be replaced in order to fix the problem. For assistance in this situation, contact our technicians at Athersmith Motor Services.
Suspension Faults
There is often a lack of attention given to the suspension system in BMWs, but it needs to be given specific attention. When approaching speed bumps and potholes, you should take care to avoid damaging your suspension. No matter what type of suspension system your vehicle has, you should be attentive to any changes in suspension.
Electrical System Faults
Modern cars have many computer components that help control and manage various systems such as the Engine Control Unit (ECU) for engine performance, the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) for transmission operation, the ABS Control Module for anti-lock braking, the ESC Module for stability control, the Body Control Module (BCM) for electrical functions, infotainment systems for entertainment and navigation, and the Climate Control Module for HVAC operations.
These can sometimes malfunction and cause problems. The good news is that this is a common issue that can be resolved with proper maintenance.
Whenever one of these systems malfunctions, you should contact an independent BMW garage, such as Athersmith Motor Services. Our technicians have the knowledge and experience to fix any BMW Electrical System problem. Contact us today.
Identifying Common BMW Faults
When your car is experiencing problems, it is important that you know how to identify the most common BMW faults.If you are able to address them promptly, you will be able to prevent further damage. Keep these things in mind when looking out for BMW issues:
- Dashboard warning lights – Make sure you pay attention to the warning lights on your dashboard. These warning lights can be caused by a number of problems, including electrical failures, engine issues, brake problems, and even low tyre pressure.
- Strange noises – If your BMW is making unusual noises, such as squealing, grinding, or knocking, it could be an indication of an electrical or mechanical problem.
- Vibrations – There are times when you may feel unusual vibrations while driving that indicate an issue with the wheels, suspension, or drivetrain, including the electrical system.
- Decreased performance – The performance of your BMW can be affected by engine problems, transmission problems, fuel system problems, and electrical issues.
- Fluid leaks – Leaks under your BMW could indicate a problem with the engine, transmission or other components.
Keeping an eye out for these warning signs can help you detect common BMW faults and act quickly to fix them.
Our technicians at Athersmith Motor Services are capable of fixing any of the above problems with your BMW. Whatever your BMS issue, our friendly team can help. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.
BMW Faults: What Causes Them?
Most BMW faults arise from the regular usage of your vehicle in day-to-day activities. Rather than being attributed to accidents, negligence, or unexpected failures, these faults can be mainly traced back to wear and tear, ageing of the vehicle, and insufficient regular maintenance. It is important for every driver to anticipate wear and tear issues at some point and be familiar with the warning signs to prevent further damage to your BMW.
In order to avoid the risk of common faults leading to significant damage in your BMW, it is highly recommended to stick to regular servicing and maintenance. Neglecting these essential practices may result in unusual noises, driving problems, and warning lights illuminating on the dashboard. Ignoring such indicators may lead to expensive repairs in the future.
While accidents can still be responsible for a number of faults in your BMW, even minor ones can potentially escalate into major issues if left unaddressed. In the event of your BMW being involved in an accident, it is crucial to conduct a thorough inspection. If you notice any discrepancies or changes in the performance of your vehicle, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Athersmith Motor Services.
Common BMW Fault Prevention
Maintaining your BMW regularly will prevent longer-term damage, save you money on unnecessary repairs, and keep you safe on the road. Nevertheless, some people neglect to regularly service their vehicles for a number of reasons, resulting in small issues becoming more serious.
Any problem should be addressed as soon as possible. Our helpful team at Athersmith Motor Services is here to help if you notice any changes in your drive or the performance of your vehicle.
Driving safely and regularly servicing and maintaining your BMW can prevent any common issues from becoming bigger problems, keeping you safely on the road, saving you money and maintaining your vehicle’s resale value.
Does My BMW Warranty Cover These Faults?
In some cases, the warranty may cover BMW faults, depending on the cause. You might be eligible for warranty coverage if you purchased your BMW from an Authorised BMW Retailer or BMW Service Authorised Garage. We recommend you refer to the vehicle’s warranty handbook for more information about what’s covered under your warranty. If you purchased a second-hand BMW, check the warranty documents you received upon completing the deal to determine whether your faults are covered.
Our highly qualified technicians at Athersmith Motor Services ensure that your BMW Warranty remains intact. Contact us today if you need more information or assistance.
Athersmith Motor Services is Here to Help
Our independent BMW garage serves Ulverston and the surrounding area. If you have a BMW problem, we are here to help. All repairs are performed with genuine BMW parts or high-quality equivalents, and your BMW warranty remains intact. BMW issues are nothing new to our team, so you can rest assured your luxury vehicle is in good hands!
We can help you maintain your vehicle’s resale value, extend the lifespan of your BMW, and keep you safe on the road. Get in touch with Athersmith Motor Services today.
In Summary
We at Athersmith Motor Services understand how frustrating it can be when something goes wrong with your BMW. In spite of their high-quality parts and components, these premium vehicles can still develop problems.
From electrical problems to door-locking malfunctions, BMW owners have experienced a wide variety of faults. Hopefully, this blog has given you some idea of the faults you should be aware of and how you can prevent them.
When left unattended, these faults can worsen and cost you more in the long run. Our team at Athersmith Motor Services recommends you resolve any of these common problems straight away. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance. Call us today!
