Having a tow driver “fix” your BMW is like asking the person driving you to the hospital to diagnose your appendicitis attack! Think about it.

Your BMW or MINI won’t start and the battery seems like it has died. Now what?

It is time to check your battery for state of charge, and state of health. Age of the battery is also a consideration and should be recorded at your shop. If your battery is OK, it is now time for a complete charging system check which includes:

• Checking belts,
• tensioners,
• pulleys,
• test of the starter (initial and cranking) and the alternator performance (voltage and amperage output,
• diode stator condition and voltage regulator control and voltage),
• and parasitic drains.

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Why do I need Brake Fluid Flush?

And how do you know my fluid needs to be changed?

Let’s take a look at your Brake Fluid.

The First step is to access the BMW or MINI Brake Fluid reservoir (on some models you will remove the microfilter to get to the reservoir). The level of your Brake Fluid will be checked, and also a visual check for clarity. Next step is the test strip. This chemical reaction indicator will measure copper content of a sample of the fluid, (BTW, not everyone does that extra step).

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You’re with group of co-workers, friends or family and lamenting that your BMW or MINI failed the smog test, when someone pipes up, (pun intended) “I know someone who can pass it for you”. OK. We know those people are out there. It sucks for all of us, especially the techs who are following the rules and regs of the program and doing the checks perfectly, (even if you don’t like the outcome).

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During these times of higher gas prices, do not be tempted to put some “stuff” into your BMW that you read about on-line or picked up at your local DIY auto parts store. Most probably it will not do what you are hoping to increase your gas mileage.

You do not want to fool around entering any fluid in your BMW or MINI that is not spec’d for your particular Beemer. This is a good way to waste your money and possibly gunk up your engine, injectors or lines. Nope. No cans or bottles of “stuff” in your gas tank, please!

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Wow. That one hour can really make a difference. The working day here seemed to be over so quickly due to the time change. I heard some medical sleep specialist this morning reminding us that we could be a little cranky today due to our body clocks being out of whack.

Well, no cranky people here today! We had lots of clients stopping in and taking advantage of the green treats that we will have all week. We are getting a jump on St. Paddy’s and also national Car Care Month, which begins in April 1.

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Well, if you think that it is only certain catalytic converters cannot be sold in CA for your BMW, think again!

Would you believe that window washer fluid with anti-freezing agents cannot be sold here in Santa Clara County? That is correct. We can try to order this for our clients, (as we are helping to prepare their BMW for driving to Tahoe). As soon as we give our Zip Code, it is a “no-no”. That is right! Cannot ship to Santa Clara County due to the CARB laws.

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We have a very sad story to relay in the hopes that other people will heed the message.

The catalytic converter on your BMW, your VW, Mercedes, MINI or just about any other car is very specific to your particular vehicle. They are in most cases very reliable until they reach a certain age/mileage or if they have been abused by poor maintenance, such as the failure to replace oxygen sensors, or a severe overheat condition.

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The variants on electric cars keeps growing, as BMW leaks a few more details about it’s ActiveE car to be leased, (only about 1000) in the U.S. next fall. It is based on the 1 Series and actually seats passengers in the rear vs. batteries in that space. It will have a lithium ion battery that will travel 100 miles on a charge and we are hearing that top speed will be about 90 miles per hour.

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It is interesting that BMW is once again choosing films as a medium. It has been a while, hasn’t it? This time, there will be actual interaction with the consumer and perhaps future customer. Don’t want to comment too much yet, since the first film is not to be released until Feb.

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Why “cheapest” repair or service is not the best for you and your BMW.

Does the shop you are currently using have the proper insurance when fixing your BMW or MINI? Why is that important to you as a consumer?

What happens if there is an accidental, but serious error at a shop that causes your engine to blow? Now what? Is the cheap place that you are currently going to have the means to reimburse you? Of course, people don’t always stop to consider that if a shop has a cheap price, they could be cutting corners to get to that cheap price.

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