Common BMW Faults Should That You Should Know About and How to Prevent Them
For many road users, their car is their pride and joy. Car owners spend thousands of pounds on cars, whether brand new or second-hand. One of the leading brands that are popular with many road users up and down the country is BMW. Whether you own a 2 Series or a 7 Series, these fantastic vehicles are a joy to own and drive.
However, if you are reading this, it would be safe to assume that you are a BMW owner or looking to buy a BMW vehicle. We understand that although these cars are made from high-quality components, often top of the range, they do, however, come with some common faults that many BMW owners have experienced when owning one of these premium vehicles.
In this blog post, we will cover the common BMW faults that you come across or may have already experienced, including how to identify these faults, the cause of these faults and what you can do to prevent these faults.
At Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre, we have been the go-to garage for BMW owners in Cheltenham and the surrounding areas for over 20 years. Our independent family-owned garage can assist you with all your BMW service and maintenance requirements. Get in touch today!
Now, let’s get into the blog!
Common BMW Faults to be Aware Of
There are many BMW faults that every BMW owner should be aware of. However, we will cover the most common BMW faults from the engine to the windows and everything in between. Knowing these faults and understanding them could help you be safer on the roads, expand the lifespan of your BWM and also maintain your resale value.
So, here are a few of the most common BMW faults we see at Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre:
Door Locking Faults
Generally, you can expect BMW’s locking and unlocking mechanisms to work as expected. In some cases, however, owners find that they are unable to unlock or lock their BMWs. This problem is commonly known to occur with BMW X5s. It is usually necessary to replace the Lock Mechanism on the door as a solution. However, this may not always be the case. In this situation, it is recommended to seek help from Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre.
Engine Faults
Every machine wears out over time, including BMW engines. In most cases, you can prevent these problems with regular servicing, but sometimes, due to lack of maintenance, age or general wear and tear, you may have to deal with them, which could be time-consuming and costly. The following are the seven most common faults found with BMW engines:
- Defected Camshaft Cover Gasket – BMWs have a tendency to leak Oil. You may be dealing with an Oil leak if you notice brown spots underneath your vehicle. Most BMWs leak Oil from their Camshaft Cover Gaskets. The Camshaft Cover Gasket (also known as the Rocker Cover Gasket) job is to seal the joint between the engine’s Valve and Cylinder Head, preventing Oil from leaking. In most cases, when leaks happen, it’s due to the Gasket being cracked due to wear and tear.
- Oil Camshaft Gasket Leak – There is often Oil leakage from the Oil Camshaft Gasket in BMWs. In the crevices of the Gaskets, dirt and debris can accumulate over time, halting their performance. When the Oil Camshaft Gasket fails, the Engine can suffer severe damage or even fail completely. We recommend routinely examining and changing the Oil to prevent leaks from happening.
- Defective Timing Chain – Many BMWs have Timing Chains that fail prematurely. Over time, the Chain in your BMW Engine will stretch and become loose due to regular wear and tear. Without proper maintenance, the Chain or other components of the Timing System can wear down more quickly. This is typically accompanied by rough idling, strange noises, or an illuminated Check Engine Light and could result in engine failure.
- Water Pump Failures – There is a reputation among BMW owners for Water Pump failures. There have been a number of BMW recalls over Water Pumps in the past, including the 2012 BMW 650i, 2012 BMW 550i, and 2012 Mini Cooper S. Due to design flaws, these Engines overheated. There is a significant difference between the BMW Water Pump and the traditional belt-driven mechanical Water Pump. BMW Pumps are electric and made from plastic. A Water Pump failure could lead to overheating and engine failure.
- Cooling System Damage – In order to keep an Engine’s Cooling System at an optimal temperature, water and Coolant are circulated throughout the system. This prevents your BMW from overheating. Unfortunately, BMWs’ Cooling Systems can fail. The reason for this is not poor design but rather wear and tear on specific components, but regular maintenance of your BMW can prevent these issues.
- Malfunctioning Fuel Pump – BMW owners are familiar with Fuel Pump problems, and there have been many reports of High-Pressure Pump problems among BMW owners. Stuttering or poor acceleration are signs of Fuel Pump failure.
- Thermostat Failure – The Thermostat on a vehicle can be set to either closed or open. By starting out with a closed Thermostat, the vehicle can reach its ideal operating temperature more quickly. Upon reaching the average temperature, the Thermostat will open, and the Cooling System works to keep the engine cool through this opening. A faulty Thermostat in some BMWs can fail in the closed position, which results in the Cooling System not activating as it should, which can cause your BMW to overheat. As a result of this rapid heating, the Radiator can crack, and severe damage can occur to the engine.
In the event that you suffer from these BMW engine faults, you may need to undergo expensive Engine repairs. At Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre, we recommend contacting us immediately if you notice any of the above issues, so we can prevent costly repairs before they worsen. The BMW dealer can’t beat us on service or value!
Suspension Faults
Suspension systems are often overlooked on vehicles, but they need to be treated with more attention. It is possible to severely damage your Suspension if you don’t take care when approaching speed bumps and potholes. Regardless of the type of Suspension system in your vehicle, repairing it can be a significant investment, so it’s crucial to stay attentive to any changes in your Suspension and address them promptly.
Electrical Faults
If you own a BMW, you may have experienced some issues with its Electrical Systems. This is because modern cars have a lot of computer components, which can sometimes malfunction and cause difficulties. Don’t worry though, as this is a common problem that can be resolved with proper maintenance and attention.
In the event of a malfunction in any of these systems it’s time to call an independent BMW garage such as Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre. We have technicians who have the knowledge and experience to solve any Electrical System problem you may be experiencing with your BMW.
Identifying Common BMW Faults
If you suspect that your BMW is experiencing some issues, it’s essential to know how to identify the most common faults. This way, you can take the necessary steps to address them promptly and prevent further damage. Here are some things to look out for when identifying common BMW faults:
Warning Lights on the dashboard – If you see any Warning Lights on your dashboard, don’t ignore them. They could indicate a range of issues, including Electrical faults, Engine problems, Brake issues, or even Low Tyre Pressure.
Strange noises – If your BMW is making unusual noises like squealing, grinding, or knocking, it could be a sign of a Mechanical or Electrical problem.
Vibrations – If you feel any unusual vibrations while driving, it could indicate an issue with the Wheels, Suspension, or Drivetrain, including Electrical Components.
Poor performance – If your BMW isn’t performing as well as it used to, it could be a sign of Engine trouble, Transmission issues, Fuel System problems, or Electrical faults.
Fluid leaks – If you notice any leaks underneath your vehicle, it could indicate a problem with the Engine, Transmission, or other components.
By keeping an eye out for these warning signs, you can quickly identify common BMW faults, including those related to Electrical systems, and take appropriate action to fix them.
Whenever you experience any of the above problems with your BMW, we have technicians at Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre who can resolve them. No matter what you’re unsure about, our friendly staff will be able to assist you. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.
The Causes of Common BMW Faults
Typically, we can break down the cause of these common BMW faults due to wear and tear, ageing or a lack of regular maintenance and servicing, as well as accidents.
Sometimes, it can be a case that these common faults come from wear and tear. This is often a result of regular day-to-day driving, which can cause gradual deterioration of your BMW over time. In other words, it’s damage done to the vehicle that has nothing to do with an accident, negligence, or an unexpected failure. Every motorist who owns a BMW should expect wear and tear issues at some point, which coincides with ageing.
Additionally, you will likely find your BMW’s performance may deteriorate by not Servicing or maintaining your vehicle. As a result, you may begin to hear strange noises, have problems with overall driving, and Dashboard Lights may start to illuminate. Ignoring these issues could lead to costly repairs, so you should act upon these immediately.
Finally, some faults could be caused by accidents, and even minor accidents may cause problems in the long run. If this happens to you, you should thoroughly inspect your BMW, and if you notice any differences with your drive, then give our friendly team at Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre a call.
How to Prevent Common BMW Faults
First and foremost, if you regularly service your BMW, then you will likely save on larger repairs and ensure that your vehicle stays safer on the road for longer. However, not everyone regularly services their vehicle for various reasons, and sometimes small issues become bigger ones.
In addition, prevention at the first sign of a problem should be your first step. If you notice any changes with your drive or the performance of your vehicle or if simply something doesn’t feel right, it’s recommended that you seek the help of Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre.
There are some steps that you can take yourself to give your BMW the best chance to avoid these common BMW faults. First of all, driving safely on the road and taking care when driving over potholes and speed bumps should help maintain the longevity of your vehicle. You can also check the exterior and interior of your vehicle for any damages and listen out for any unusual noises.
In conclusion, by taking care when driving and regularly servicing and maintaining your BMW, you can prevent these common issues from happening, keeping you on the road, saving you money and maintaining your vehicle’s resale value.
Does My Warranty cover my BMW Faults?
Depending on the cause of any faults with your BMW, your Warranty may cover them. If you purchased your BMW from an Authorised BMW Retailer or a BMW Service Authorised Garage, you might be eligible for Warranty coverage. We always recommend consulting your Warranty Handbook to see what’s covered. If you bought your BMW second hand, check the documents you received to see if your faults are covered under Warranty too.
The work we perform at Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre is performed by highly qualified technicians, ensuring that your BMW Warranty remains intact. Book an appointment today if you have any more questions or need assistance.
Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre Can Help
We are your local independent BMW garage. No matter what problem you have with your BMW, you can count on us to resolve it. All repairs we perform are performed with genuine BMW parts or high-quality equivalents, and your BMW warranty remains intact. There isn’t a common BMW fault that our team hasn’t encountered before!
Contact our team at Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre today to increase your BWM’s lifespan, maintain your vehicle’s resale value, and secure your safety on the road.
In Summary
At Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre, we understand the frustration that BMW owners feel when they experience faults with their vehicles. When you own a premium vehicle, you will be aware that despite the use of top-of-the-range parts and components to build these vehicles, they’re not immune to faults.
When it comes to BMW specifically, there are several common faults that many BMW users have experienced, from Electrical faults to Door-Locking malfunctions; this blog highlighted the faults that you should be aware of and how to prevent them.
In conclusion, if these faults are left unattended, then they can worsen, and in the long run, these problems could cost you more. At Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre, we recommend that you resolve any of these common faults before the issues worsen. Our friendly team is always on hand to assist you. We are only a call away!
