Tag: BMW Specialist

Seek The Assistance of Our Trained Technicians in Los Angeles to Identify a Bad VANOS in Your BMW

Posted on August 22, 2021 by Gary Kasbarian - BMW Repair

VANOS system faults can easily be a nightmare for any BMW driver. VANOS faults often have a direct impact on the performance of the BMW and should be attended to as soon as possible. There are several reasons behind VANOS system failure, which is often followed by several symptoms pointing to the issue. Let’s have a look at some of these reasons and signs as well as what role the VANOS system does in your BMW.

The VANOS system is one of BMW’s unique technological advancements that is responsible for valve timing. The VANOS works by using oil pressure to adjust the valve timings by changing the camshaft’s position in relation to the drive gear. What this means is that the VANOS system controls the camshaft for intake and exhaust valves. This makes it possible for your BMW to have smooth idling and produce more horsepower.

The VANOS system also has solenoids that are responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of oil to the cam gears. This smooth flow of oil is what allows for the adjustment of the timing. In addition, the VANOS system also helps BMWs to maintain low carbon emissions as well as increasing fuel economy.

Sources of VANOS System Failure

The VANOS system in your BMW can develop faults for a number of reasons. The first of these reasons is the O-ring failure. The O-ring is a rubber component in the VANOS system that is more or less a weak link in an otherwise excellent system. Being made of rubber, the O-ring often wears out faster than expected due to the constant expansion and contraction that causes it to dry out over time, losing elasticity. This leads to cracks developing in the O-ring, leaving the VANOS system unable to fulfill its tasks.

The other cause of VANOS system failure is a clogged solenoid. The clogging happens due to the gathering of dust and dirt particles on the surface of the solenoids blocking them from working as they should.

What You’ll Notice about a Failing VANOS System

Because the VANOS system is an important electronic component in your BMW, when the system develops any problems, you’ll notice a few changes in your driving. Some of the most common symptoms of a bad VANOS system is rough idling. Remember, this is the part of your car that ensures your engine idles smoothly, so when it’s not working, you’ll hear rattling noises when idling. These noises are a result of loose gears vibrating.

Another symptom of VANOS system failure is that your BMW may lose power when driving at lower RPMs. The engine may also hesitate when driving at those lower speeds. This happens when the engine doesn’t receive enough fuel and is unable to expel the exhaust efficiently. This is also the reason why your car may also sputter as you drive.

Your BMW will also have a case of poor fuel economy whereby you’ll be spending a lot more fuel to cover distances that you’d otherwise cover on less money at the pump. This occurs when the engine burns more fuel to compensate for the discrepancy.

The check-engine light on your BMW’s dashboard is also likely to come on when you’re having a VANOS system fault. While this warning indicator illuminates anytime you have an issue in the engine, it can also point to VANOS failure. To rule out all the other possible causes of the dashboard warning, you’ll need a BMW specialist to run the proper diagnostics.

If you suspect that your BMW has suffered a VANOS system failure, seek out our BMW specialists. The diagnostic process of isolating this particular problem requires a level of brand specific experience that you can’t find at a corner garage.

At Carotech Automotive, our certified BMW specialists have factory-grade tools necessary to make the repairs using OEM parts. We provide high-quality repairs to BMW owners in Los Angeles, CA for years. Schedule a visit with us for regular VANOS servicing and repairs. Our expert team is happy to help. Let us show you why we’re the best BMW service center in the area.

* BMW Car image credit goes to: ByoungJoo.

Is It Safe To Drive A BMW If It’s Having Electrical Issues?

Posted on May 18, 2021 by Gary Kasbarian - BMW Repair

BMW is known for being a luxury vehicle with an exceptional life span. Your car’s electrical system plays an important role in its ability to operate, so you should have any electrical issues inspected and repaired immediately to ensure your vehicle lasts for as long as possible.

Your BMW is important for your day-to-day life, and when you use your vehicle regularly, you want to make sure it is keeping you and your passengers safe. If your vehicle is showing any signs of experiencing electrical issues, bring it to an experienced automotive repair shop. Driving with electrical issues puts you at risk of being stranded with a vehicle that cannot start and is in need of extremely expensive repairs.

Signs Your BMW Is Having Electrical Issues

The electrical system in your vehicle is complex and plays a vital role in many of your vehicle’s functions. If your BMW is having electrical issues, there are a large number of signs that could indicate there is an issue including:

Light Issues: Your vehicle has a lot of lights that are important to keep you and those driving around you safe, such as, turn signals, brake lights, and headlights. When these lights dim or do not work altogether, it could indicate that your vehicle’s electrical system is holding a low voltage.
Ineffective Heating and Air Conditioning System: If the heating of air conditioning in your vehicle seems to be losing strength, it could be a sign that your vehicle is not able to charge properly.
Ignition Issues: Your vehicle’s engine needs electricity to be able to start. If your vehicle’s ignition is making an unusual noise when starting or is having trouble turning, then you should bring your vehicle into a professional BMW repair shop Ignition issues can quickly turn into not being able to start your vehicle at all.
Burning Smell: Whether it smells like burning plastic, burning rubber, or burning oil, all can be signs of an electrical system issue. While they vary in what electrical issue might be causing the smell, any burning smell should be addressed by an automotive technician because it could lead to more expensive repairs if ignored.
Malfunctioning Electronic Component: Other electronics in your vehicle, such as the power windows and the stereo, are also powered by your vehicle’s electrical system. If they are not operating properly, it could be a sign of an electrical issue.

Common Causes of Electrical Issues in Your BMW

Similar to the wide variety of signs that indicate electrical issues in your vehicle, there are also several different reasons that your vehicle may be having electrical issues. Some of the potential causes of your BMW’s electrical issues include:

Dead, Damaged, or Faulty Battery: While it is possible for your vehicle’s battery to die due to a mistake, such as leaving the lights on overnight, a battery can lose its ability to hold a charge over time. If your vehicle is exposed to moisture or road debris often, the battery’s terminals and cord connectors could corrode overtime, inhibiting the battery’s ability to hold a charge. Depending on the severity of the corrosion, it could potentially be cleaned up to allow the battery to function better. If not, the battery might need to be replaced.
Malfunctioning Alternator: The alternator helps recharge the battery, so when it malfunctions it can prevent the battery from charging properly, and may need to be replaced.
Damaged Alternator Belt: A cracked alternator belt can disrupt the electrical system’s process.
Damaged Cables: The electrical system’s cables can become frayed or broken over time, and disrupt the connection between the power source and various electronic components.
Faulty or Blown Fuses: Fuses are designed to protect your vehicle’s electrical system, and when a fuse blows, it disrupts the flow of electricity in your vehicle. While sometimes they blow for no reason, any time a fuse is blown it may be a good idea to have an automotive technician inspect the issue in case there is an underlying issue with the electrical system.

Bring Your BMW to Carotech Automotive

At Carotech Automotive, our ASE-certified technicians are experienced in handling automotive repairs and maintenance, including electrical issues. We serve vehicle owners in Los Angeles, California and its surrounding areas. If your BMW appears to be experiencing electrical issues, make an appointment at our shop today and we will return your BMW to its top condition.

* BMW Car image credit goes to: aapsky.

Diagnose Engine Cooling System Issues in BMW From Certified Mechanics in Los Angeles

Posted on April 14, 2021 by Gary Kasbarian - BMW Repair

Though BMWs are known for their reliability and style, there is one problem in particular that BMW drivers tend to run into, especially during the hotter months: cooling system issues. Today we’re going to walk you through what the cooling system is, what signs might tell you it’s malfunctioning, and how to get help when you need it.

The Function of the BMW Cooling System

In this situation, we’re not talking about your vehicle’s air conditioner, which is in charge of keeping the air inside the cabin cool. No, we’re talking about the thing that regulates the temperature of the engine and keeps it from getting too hot— or too cold!

To operate as efficiently as possible, the engine needs to stay within a certain temperature range. Getting too hot can damage the engine, lower the fuel efficiency, and, if left unfixed, can lead to costly repairs down the line.

The cooling system is what prevents that, by making sure the engine never gets too hot.

How to Tell the Engine Cooling System Isn’t Working

Luckily, detecting when the cooling system stops working isn’t that hard in most cases. There are some easily identifiable symptoms to watch out for, and if you tell these to your mechanic when you bring your car in for repair, they can help cut down on the amount of diagnostic and repair time that’s necessary.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of cooling system problems:

Coolant leaks. Coolant can be a lot of different colors, from green to pink to yellow, and it usually has a sweet smell. If you notice anything like that pooling under your car, that’s a pretty good indication that your engine’s cooling system is damaged or cracked somewhere. This could be from the hoses, the radiator itself, the water pump, or other places.
High engine temperature. Many cars allow you to see the engine temperature on the dashboard. If the reading that you see is consistently much higher than it should be, your coolant isn’t doing its job.
Steaming hood. Steam coming from under the hood of the vehicle is an indication that the engine is overheating, which means that something is wrong with the cooling system. If you notice this issue, bring your BMW in for repair as soon as you can.
White exhaust smoke. Similar to the steaming hood, white exhaust is a sign of an overheating engine. White smoke can also be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a cracked head gasket, so if you notice this symptom it is best to get it into a garage as soon as possible.
Cracked hoses or other parts. If you notice a leak, there is likely a reason for it. Looking at the hoses, water pump, or radiator can help tell you if there’s something wrong. Even if you haven’t noticed any coolant leaking, damaged hoses or other parts will only continue to wear down, which will eventually lead to a leak.

To prevent these issues from arising, the best thing to do is to keep up with the recommended maintenance schedule that BMW suggests. Regular upkeep will keep your car in the best shape it can possibly be and give you the chance to drive it for much longer.

Similarly, regular maintenance means that you and the mechanic will be able to catch potential problems earlier on, which will save you a lot of money in car repairs later on. That’s why it’s so important to stay on top of inspections, routine maintenance, and repairs.

The coolant system is a vital part of the BMW’s internal components, since leaving it unfixed can mean disastrous things for the engine. If you notice any of the symptoms we talked about, or if your car just seems to be acting strangely for any other reason, you should bring it in to get checked out by a professional.

Where to Go For Help

Located in Los Angeles, California, Carotech Automotive and Tires is proud to provide top-notch service to all our customers. We have extensive knowledge of many different car brands, including domestic, Asian, and European brands like BMW. Because of this expertise, you can trust that we will have the right tools to do the job. If you’ve been having coolant problems with your BMW, or if you’d just like to learn more about what we offer, feel free to give us a call.