Well, the figures are out and there was a 30% increase in total vehicle manufacturer recalls from the previous year. (Does that make you want to keep your current BMW or what)! That was a whopping 15 million vehicles. The increase may be due in part to legislation that was designed to have safety issues addressed as quickly as possible and issue a subsequent recall if necessary.

So, the bad news is that there was a substantial increase in vehicle recalls. The good news is that you found out about them sooner.

If you are thinking about doing an aftermarket radio or other electronic upgrade in you BMW, (because you have been influenced by one of those trick car shows), think again. (Oh, they can make it look so simple and easy). Let’s face it, your later model BMW already has some stellar audio. Over the past year especially, we have seen some major damage that is the direct result of an attempt to, (shall we say), customize the audio. Sure, it can be done correctly, but unfortunately, we usually see these problems after it’s too late. “Too late”, is when the car is towed in and a new radio system is lying in the front seat of the car, (the old one is in the back), wires are dangling, and multiple fault codes are a happenin’…(not pretty).

Please. Don’t jeopardize your wiring harness or other electrical components by trying to add some aftermarket stuff yourself, or even worse, going to the cheapest place in the world. Your BMW audio and electrical system, well, this is sacred territory. Don’t try this at home.

The front, lowest part of the body on your BMW is your “splash shield”. If you should run over something, this part can sometimes sustain damage. Some of the parts that go along with this scenario could be fog light wires and ambient temperature sensors. If you run over something, take a look at that area. You may see scratches, but hopefully, no wires were knocked loose, (as can sometimes happen). Scratches, you may want to live with. But, wires dangling, get this looked at by a BMW professional.

Just this morning on the way here, we saw a gorgeous, late model 740il with wires hanging down in front of the tires, (on each side of the car). It just sorta ruins the beautiful, rich look of that BMW. Let’s hope it was driving to a destination that is going to give that BMW some tender loving care.

Remember, it’s almost Valentines Day. Love your BMW.

Have you thought about your airbag,(s) lately?

There is a frontal impact recognition sensor that begins to sense that, something is happening, by measuring deceleration of G’s. The angle of the impact is also being mathematically calculated by another unit, because, (an impact of a certain angle will deploy the airbags). All of this takes place in what, a millisecond or less?

So, in less than the blink of an eye, all of the above, (and much, much more) is going on. Your driving speed is being calculated. Your seat belt tension is also being measured, (so that your seat belt will pull you in to optimum position). In the newer technology, you may have both airbags and seat belts that have a 2 stage type of action in case of the frontal crash, which is typical with the “Advanced Airbags”. So the system is even trying to determine how severe the situation is, and whether or not to deploy the next stage. Pretty amazing technology.

The “Advanced Airbags”, were mandated in new vehicles after September 2003. NHTSA wanted specific conclusions to be determined by the vehicles recognition systems. For example, whether or not a seat is empty, a package, (or small child), a child seat that is properly installed, a small adult is in the seat, or a full size adult.

There is so much going on here, (several different technologies and components), and in a time frame that is difficult for a human to comprehend. (Just like stuff on the Science Channel)!

It is critical to be familiar with the type of airbags that may be in your vehicle by reading your manual or calling BMW. All major manufacturers’ 800 numbers are listed on the NHSTA website. (You may already have noticed whether or not the yellow Caution sticker on the visor uses the word “Advanced”).

It is imperative to know all of the issues and recommendations by your manufacturer, (and laws), when it comes to any children, small people or disabled people, that may be riding in your BMW in regards to the airbags, (with both frontal and side airbags). You need to be knowledgeable about this very important issue and it is your responsibility.

Remember that your airbags are designed to work in conjunction with your seat belts. Always wear your seat belts! (No excuses)

So, any indication that your Airbag System, known as the SRS (Supplemental Restraining System) is not operating properly, should be checked out by a qualified BMW professional now. And just one more note: If an airbag is deployed by a crash, (or any situation), it cannot be re-used! This goes for either the frontal, passenger or side airbags.

Some of our friends, clients and colleagues, have reported getting numerous, daily, almost relentless, calls “warning” about their “car’s warranty is about to expire”. We have found these calls to be a third part referral service that is getting as much information about you, and your car as possible. They are saying, (on their recording), that they have recently “sent you a postcard”, (not ), and want you to speak to their “auto warranty specialist”. Well, I tried to speak to their “auto warranty specialist”, and cannot even get them to tell me what state they operate out of! They just want all your vehicle information. Of course , they make it sound really personal and very urgent, but it appears to be just more information gathering that is then sent on to a warranty company, or a manufacturer and then they can start even more intense, targeted marketing at you. Great….we all have time for that.

Keep in mind when purchasing any extended warranty, that the companies, (just like insurance and the casinos), bank on the fact that you will probably not have a claim, (or a win). Even with the luxury car brands that are selling the warranties, most drivers will never hit the mileage limit, but they will run out of time and that’s about the time you become frustrated and they reap the benefit.

We may have said it before, but be cautious when purchasing one of these plans. You have to take the time to read the fine print, and be aware of your driving habits such as your mileage, to help determine if it’s right for you. If, your warranty is actually about to expire, get your BMW checked out and help decide what is right for you. But, try not to be alarmed when you get that call that begins with “Warning! your warranty is about to expire!”

In keeping with the “green” theme, Detroit has recently showcased a Lincoln that is touting some of it’s components that are made from recycled plastic bottles. They also are using as soy based foam in the interior. (No tofu jokes here, I happen to like the stuff). In some of the earliest Fords they were using soy based fabrics or foam. So what goes around is coming around, again.

The Department of Consumer Affairs in our great state recently conducted a survey that revealed that 32% of the respondents had no work done on their vehicles within the last year.

Maybe that explains, why we continue to see so many vehicles on the road with either a headlight, brake lights, tail lights, etc., not working. This is a safety issue people!

Also, remember to turn on your headlights when conditions require that you use your windshield wipers, (usually that means rain or fog), to comply with our state laws.

There are two types of tire pressure monitoring systems, (TPMS), that were mandated in the the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard to help prevent the problems of under inflated tires and the subsequent failure of those tires. You will find these on all later model vehicles.

The first type is referred to as a “direct” TPMS. Those types of systems have a sensor in each wheel and send a signal to a receiver in the vehicle. In this situation, when any of the tire pressure drops (25%) below the recommended cold tire inflation pressure, (indicated on the sticker of the vehicle), the indicator will let the driver know. Besides information on a gradual loss of pressure, it will give you a quick indication of a puncture that would cause a complete, quick loss of air.

Another type is called an “indirect” TPMS. This works with your anti lock braking system, (ABS) comparing wheel speed and the rotation of one tire to another. In other words, if one tire is low, the changes to that one tire will actually cause a difference in revolutions. These differences are measured through the ABS and once again, the driver will receive the information on the indicator.

BMW products actually use both types of systems, depending on your model and year of vehicle.

Remember, there is nothing that takes the place of checking your tires pressure on a monthly basis or before a long trip. Always look for the recommended tire pressure on the sticker/placard on the drivers door pillar. Pay attention to any load factors and remember to check the pressure when your car is “cold”. You may have to reset your TPMS at your dash, also.

Happy Motoring!

Most of our clients understand the value of diagnostics when it comes to their BMW. In some situations with your BMW, it is the only way to verify and get to the heart of the problem.

For some people, it’s not easy to understand the value of a “running diagnostic tree”, when it comes to their car. Sometimes, it is someone who is so sure they know exactly what is wrong with their car, (because their friends car did the same thing or it happened to them in their old beater), so why can’t we just start replacing parts and fix it? Because they told us what was wrong, we should not bother with the diagnostics?

Think about it. Would you walk into your doctors office and insist they remove your appendix because you read about it online, and now, you are sure that’s what it is? And they should not charge for the visit, because, you told them what it was! (Mmmm don’t think that would happen) Oops, it turned out that the appendix wasn’t the problem, but another abdomen part! (Now what)?

Even though your BMW is almost as complicated as your body, not all situations even require running a diagnostic. But, when it does, expect that you will pay a reasonable fee at a top quality shop. Keep in mind, you are not just paying for someone to “look at my car”. You should be paying for BMW experience, BMW diagnostic tools and a very experienced and certified technician.

Cheers! to good health for you and your BMW.