6 Common Problems All BMW Owners Should Be Aware Of

If you’re looking for a high-end luxury car, chances are you’ve had your eyes on a BMW. Whether you’re in the market for a sedan or an SUV, BMW has a wide array of fine offerings. However, the German automotive titan does not come without its problems. Some BMW models tend to come with recurring problems that frequent drivers become acquainted with.

It’s crucial for potential buyers to be aware of these popular issues, so they can be prepared for what kind of repairs will eventually be required. These buyers also have to be aware that choosing a BMW garage is essential for getting the best type of service or repair your BMW needs.

Does BMW have a lot of problems?

BMWs in general are considered to be reliable. You get a car that only looks good, but performs fantastically well. However, when compared to other car makes from Japan, they can fare poorly in terms of reliability.

As is the case with any car make, it all comes down to the model. The BMW X5 2011 model had some of the highest complaints registered, but the German auto manufacturer has taken various strides to improve the car’s performance and reliability in subsequent models.

Why are BMWs so unreliable?

There’s a lot more to the reliability issues a BMW has, than is popularly known. A common misconception is that a BMW is a costly car with poor levels of reliability.

As mentioned above, questions of reliability when it comes to a BMW only show up when compared to inexpensive Japanese alternatives, such as Toyota. While these alternatives rank higher than the BMW, it still fares above average in terms of reliability statistics.

Moreover, the level of regular maintenance and upkeep required for high-end models, like the BMW, differs from its inexpensive alternatives. Car owners generally wait for some kind of damage before carrying out repairs, which works fine with Japanese cars.

However, with a BMW, you’re advised to regularly follow the car manual and dashboard console instructions for all services and repairs. BMWs have more complex mechanics and technology involved, so for getting the best performance out of them, you need to follow a high maintenance system.

The six most common problems with a BMW

The AC won’t turn on

Several owners have complained about how their BMW’s AC turns on for a few seconds and then shuts off completely. A more severe version of this issue is when the AC does not turn on at all. Such issues normally get linked to the AC compressor.

At ServiceMyCar, we have a comprehensive BMW AC repair service. Our BMW specialists can run various inspections on the AC unit and identify what’s causing the problem. Whether it’s the compressor or any other component in the AC unit, it’ll be fixed, so you can have a comfortable drive.

A leaky oil filter gasket

The gasket, which is used to connect the oil filter to the rest of your engine, happens to be a common source of oil leakage. Over prolonged use, the gasket loses its strength and becomes a weak point in the engine unit. When the gasket is unable to connect the oil filter, you lose a lot of oil which is supposed to lubricate all the engine’s moving parts.

With our BMW oil change service, our certified car technicians will carry out a comprehensive oil change service and replace your oil filter and gasket.

A faulty coolant system

Coolant systems are critical in your BMW’s operations. They help to regulate the temperature in the engine unit and ensure your BMW doesn’t overheat after a while. However, various BMW users have reported the coolant system failing on them, causing them to spend a lot on extensive engine repairs.

Such issues can also be handled by getting a regular service once you reach 80,000-120,000 km. We have a range of BMW repair packages to offer, apart from our extensive BMW engine repair service.

With our 360-degree health check, we can identify what needs to be done with the coolant to have optimal engine performance from your BMW.

Vibrating steering wheel

A lot of BMW owners have reported feeling strong vibrations from the steering wheel while driving. This is one of the most common symptoms of having a wheel misalignment.

Such an issue needs to be fixed quickly, which is why we have a BMW wheel alignment service. Our BMW specialists will inspect all the elements, such as the caster, camber, and toe. You’ll be left with no vibrations from your steering wheel, and a better driving experience.

Issues with the automatic headlights

With the advent of new technology in cars, comes one less manual feat for the driver, which is switching on the headlights. However, BMW users have complained about their automatic headlights not turning on when it’s dark enough outside. Other users have also reported that their headlights stay on all the time.

Both of these issues strongly link to battery problems with the BMW. It can be difficult to ascertain what component of the battery is faulty, and if the battery needs to be replaced. Our BMW service experts will inspect the entire battery console and carry out a BMW battery replacement if required. This will help solve any electrical issues you may have with the automatic headlights.

Erratic transmission shifting

A lot of BMW owners have reported problems such as the car vibrating when travelling at higher speeds, and facing resistance when trying to shift gears. These problems normally relate to transmission.

Our comprehensive BMW transmission repair service handles all kinds of transmission-related issues. Whether it’s a fluid refill or a gearbox repair, our team of BMW specialists are there to bring your car back to smooth operations.

Other general issues to be aware of

Regular inspections

As mentioned earlier, vehicles like the BMW require constant care and regular maintenance to give you ideal performance. Getting a comprehensive health check every now and then will keep you on the loop with your BMW’s health.

We offer varied forms of checks, from BMW scanning and diagnostics to a BMW pre-purchase inspection. Whether you’re looking to maintain your new BMW, or you’re in the market for a used BMW, we’ve got the inspections covered.

Breakdown recovery

With the six common problems listed above, it’s a given that you could find yourself stranded if your BMW ever faces a breakdown. Having a recovery service is critical for such scenarios to get your BMW back to ideal performance.

Our BMW recovery service is a part of our larger roadside assistance package. Booking for recovery is incredibly simple on our app or by phone. We’ll have a recovery unit at your location within 40 minutes to help get you back on the road.

You can trust ServiceMyCar for all your BMW maintenance needs. Make a booking today on our website or the ServiceMyCar app.

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