It’s July and time to celebrate our Freedom! Believe it or not, BMW was trying to ruin some of that recently by pushing a bill in California that would have essentially locked out all independent repairers from working on anything related to “security” of the vehicle. Because of the integrated electronics in your modern vehicle we are speaking of Ignitions, transmissions, etc.. This is not a security problem, as legitimate mechanical car shops are not stealing the cars they are fixing! Currently we have to show proof that the car is here with us, provide the registration etc.., (every time) to get a key remade. But, the manufacturers were trying to go beyond just “keys”.
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Buying parts on-line from unscrupulous “places” is an ongoing problem. We are suggesting that you just do not do it! We will only install parts that we have sourced from BMW or reputable European import parts houses. That is the only way we can stand by our service and labor 100%.
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Battery Registration? What does this have to do with you? No – not a DMV thing, either.
There is an update process that BMW calls “battery registration” when you replace a battery on your later model BMW. Beginning on the 7 Series in 2002 and then later on with the X5′s in 2007 and on down the line with the 3 Series in 2006. (For more details, a complete list can be found in the May 2011 issue of the BMW CCA magazine the Roundel, in Tech Talk)
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The best motor oils for your BMW and MINI are going to be those that meet BMW and MINI specified recommendations. Pure and simple. More expensive than your run of the mill oil? Yes.
Using the wrong oil such as one with a low viscosity or one that has depleted it’s maximum usage can lead to metal to metal contact of moving parts causing excessive wear resulting in premature damage to critical parts. Using an oil with a higher viscosity will cause excessive drag and the result will be less miles per gallon.
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For all of you in the Bay Area that are interested in AutoCross racing, it’s that time of year!
The 42nd Annual “Duel at DeAnza” is being held this weekend in Cupertino at DeAnza College. The fact that his event has been held for 42 years to benefit the Automotive Technology School at DeAnza is amazing! It takes a lot of work to make this happen, so it’s always the teachers and the students that pull it all together.
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About 31 years ago back in the Mid West there was a horrific accident that killed a prominent TV newsman and his twin boys. A car (far) in front of him on the highway had a muffler that was almost falling off. It did fall off and wrapped around his axle. The car became airborne and crashed through the newsman’s windshield, killing him and his children immediately. Even more gruesome was the fact that his wife was following her husband in another car behind him. She witnessed her family dying because someone chose not to fix their car.
We may have touched on this before, but here it goes again! Don’t shoot the messenger, please.
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According to AAA, only 17 percent of cars have all four tires inflated to the proper level! That means that 83 percent of drivers are using more gas! Who wants to do that as these gas prices keep skyrocketing? If your tire pressure is less than optimum, you will wear out your tires faster also and your BMW or MINI will not handle as well, either. See your tire pressure listed on the
The Department of Energy estimates that every 5 mph you drive over 60 is like paying an extra 10 percent at the pump. Sometimes it is difficult to keep below the speed limit in a BMW, no doubt. But, there is always cruise control!
Keep your BMW and MINI maintained using the correct air filter and the specific fluids for your car. We are happy to help you get the best out of your BMW and MINI.
Enjoy the road!
It is the time of the year when those little critters such as mice, squirrels and yes, big ole rats are trying to stay warm and have a snack at the same time. Yes, they are getting into your BMW and/or MINI, (they have good taste) and eating wiring!
For some reason, members of the rodent family love to chew on wiring. They can cause substantial damage if left to fill their tiny tummies. There are all kinds of home remedies that we have heard of over the years, (moth balls, cayenne pepper etc.). Sadly, we cannot vouch for any of them.
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Has the tragedy in Japan affected our ability to get parts for your BMW and MINI?
No. Fortunately for us, our BMW and MINI parts are German made and we are not experiencing any slow down or shortage of parts for repair.
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Feel a cool breeze in your BMW, or feel that warm air? This is the time of year when you may need your Air Conditioning checked. Is the air blowing out as cool as it should be? Is your A/C blower working? What should be done when checking my BMW or MINI Air Conditioning System or getting it serviced.
Let’s look at the A/C service and what is done at our work shop to insure that you are getting a great checkout. You can also understand exactly what you are paying for.
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