Your BMW Repair Specialist Shares the Most Common BMW Repair Issues and How to Prevent Them

A BMW is a luxury car that offers exceptional performance and comfort, which makes it a dream vehicle for many people. If you own a BMW, you are likely enjoying the class and sophistication that come with this German car. However, BMWs do have a few common problems that a trusted BMW repair specialist can and should address whenever they appear. Below are some BMW repair issues and how to solve or prevent them. Book your BMW in for service with our experts today!

1. Corrosion of Alloy Wheels

Many BMWs come with impressive alloys. However, some alloy wheels exhibit premature corrosion. While there is no solution for fixing corrosion, a skilled BMW repair specialist can figure out what options exist for wheel replacement and corrosion prevention. One option is to avoid automatic car washes, which use high-powered pressure washers to clean wheels. These high-pressure washers force water beneath even the tiniest blemishes, resulting in premature deterioration.

2. Malfunctioning Fuel Pumps

Some BMW owners have reported frustrations with a failing fuel pump. In fact, BMW recalled more than 136,000 vehicles in 2016 for problems with their high-pressure fuel pump. But many other BMW models are also affected by fuel pump issues. In most cases, these problems emanate from poor wire contacts. Some common symptoms of fuel-pump issues in BMWs include poor acceleration, engine refusing to turn, and sputtering at high speed. If you notice any of these issues, contact a trusted BMW repair specialist to diagnose and fix the problem.

3. Heater Core and Coolant System Issues

BMW vehicles may also experience problems with the coolant system and heater core. The first symptom of a dysfunctional coolant system is the vehicle overheating or not generating enough heat. You may also feel a sweet smell coming from the heater, a sign of a leaking coolant. Be sure to bring your vehicle to a trusted auto repair shop if you suspect a dysfunctional heater!

Some BMW owners also experience faults with the coolant system. BMW coolant systems typically last between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. Always keep up with the manufacturer's recommended service intervals to prevent issues with the coolant system.

4. Leaking Oil Filter Gasket

BMW vehicles sometimes experience leaks due to a weak oil filter gasket. The gasket linking the engine and the oil filter may become brittle over time, resulting in oil leaks. Make sure to take your vehicle in for regular maintenance to ensure this problem is caught early enough and fixed before it triggers costly engine problems. 

5. Faulty Automatic Headlights

Most BMWs come with automatic headlights, which are pretty convenient. When driving in poor weather conditions, they eliminate the need to flip the headlights on manually. However, some BMWs have issues with their automatic headlights coming on even when they're not needed. This draws on the car's battery, resulting in other electronic problems. It may be difficult to detect automatic headlight issues, but if you often experience battery issues or other mysterious electronic problems, consult a BMW repair specialist to address the problem.

6. Discharging Batteries

A good BMW battery should last between 4 and 6 years before they need replacement. However, many BMW owners have reported issues with their car batteries discharging overnight. Although battery issues can be triggered by multiple electronic issues in your car, the most common cause is accidentally leaving the lights on, or doors open. 

But battery problems may sometimes arise if you keep the smart key too close to the car when parked. The smart key may keep the BMW's systems engaged overnight, lowering battery efficiency. If you suspect issues with your battery, contact a BMW repair specialist to diagnose and fix the problem properly.

7. Faulty Electronic Systems

While not all BMW owners experience problems with their vehicle's electronic system, the brand recalled 300,000 U.K. vehicles in 2018 due to power supply issues. While BMW did not reveal the exact cause of the issue, some BMW owners have noticed similar problems related to the car's electronics. A skilled BMW technician should be able to address any suspected electrical issue.

8. Door Handle Problems

Some BMW owners, particularly BMW X5 SUV owners, have reported problems with their door handles. The most common symptom of door handle problems is physically pulling the door handle, but the door fails to unlock or open. The solution to this issue is most often a full replacement of the locking mechanism. This repair requires specialist tools and should only be done by a technician with BMW-specific training.

9. Failing Electric Windows

BMWs are notorious for having issues with their electric windows. In most cases, the motor goes out, causing the windows to not close. Of course, leaving your car windows open may attract thieves. When you notice problems with your electric windows, contact a trained mechanic as soon as possible to avoid losing your car or valuables within the vehicle. Moreover, driving with car windows open is uncomfortable, especially in rainy weather.

How Can a BMW Repair Specialist Help?

Whenever you notice any of the above issues with your BMW vehicle, you should bring it to our BMW Repair Specialist as soon as possible. Our highly trained and certified technicians have enough experience to keep any BMW model running efficiently for years. We treat every vehicle that comes into our shop as ours, and customer satisfaction is our top priority. Contact us today to schedule any BMW-specific service!