Common BMW Faults
From the 3 Series to the 5 Series, and everything in between, BMWs are one of the most popular vehicles in the UK and it’s not hard to see why.
Although BMW cars are typically made with high-quality components, many BMW owners may experience some issues with their vehicles that are more common than you think.
This blog will cover the most common BMW faults that you might encounter or have already experienced, including how to identify these faults, what their causes are, and what preventative measures can be taken to avoid such faults.
For many years, Gents Garage has been the go-to garage for BMW drivers in Sittingbourne. If you need a BMW service or maintenance, you can rely on our independent family-owned garage. Contact us today.
Let’s get started!
The Most Common BMW Faults You Need to Know About
From the engine to the windows and everything in between, we’ll discuss the most common BMW faults owners should look out for. Understanding these faults can make sure you get them seen to as soon as possible, enhance your safety on the road, extend the life of your BMW, and maintain its resale value.
The following are a few of the most common BMW problems we see at Gents Garage:
Engine Faults
Every machine, including BMW engines, will wear out over time. Regular maintenance can prevent most of these issues, but sometimes factors such as wear and tear or ageing can cause problems.
The following are the most common BMW engine problems:
- Defected Camshaft Cover Gasket – BMWs tend to leak oil. You may have an oil leak if you notice brown spots under your vehicle. It is common for BMWs’ camshaft cover gaskets to leak oil. In order to prevent oil leaks, the camshaft cover gasket (also known as the rocker cover gasket) seals the joint between the engine’s valve and cylinder head. Wear and tear causes a cracked gasket, which is the most common cause of leaks.
- Defective Timing Chain – BMW timing chains often fail prematurely. Over time, your BMW engine’s chain will stretch and become loose due to regular wear and tear. Without proper maintenance, the timing chain or other components may wear down more rapidly, causing rough idling, strange noises, or an illuminated check engine light.
- Water Pump Failures – BMW owners commonly experience water pump failures. Several BMW models have been recalled over water pumps, including the 2012 BMW 650i, 2012 BMW 550i, and 2012 Mini Cooper S. These engines overheated due to design flaws.
There are some differences between the BMW water pump and traditional belt-driven mechanical water pumps. BMW pumps are primarily made of plastic and electric. In addition, failure of the water pump could result in overheating and failure of the engine.
- Cooling System Problems – The cooling system of an engine circulates water and coolant so that the engine is kept at an optimal temperature. Consequently, your BMW will not overheat. However, sometimes BMWs’ cooling systems can fail. Regular maintenance of your BMW can prevent these issues, which are not caused by poor design but rather by wear and tear on specific components.
- Fuel Pump Malfunction – It has been reported that BMW owners have experienced problems with their high-pressure pumps. Stuttering or poor acceleration are symptoms of a failing fuel pump.
- Thermostat Failure – A vehicle’s thermostat can be set either open or closed. When the thermostat is closed, the vehicle can reach its ideal operating temperature more quickly. As soon as the engine reaches the average temperature, the thermostat will open, allowing the cooling system to keep it cool.
A faulty thermostat in some BMWs can fail in the closed position, preventing the cooling system from functioning properly, resulting in overheating. It is possible for the radiator to crack due to this rapid heating, and the engine may suffer severe damage as a result.
BMW engine faults can result in costly engine repairs if left unattended. If you experience any of the above problems, please contact us right away so that we can help prevent costly repairs.
Door Locking Faults
Most of BMW’s locking and unlocking mechanisms work as expected. However, BMW owners are occasionally unable to unlock or lock their cars because the door-locking system fails. BMW X5s are commonly reported to have this problem. In most cases, the issue can be resolved by replacing the lock mechanism on the door. In this situation, Gents Garage is the best place to turn for a reliable fix.
Electrical Faults
Having electrical problems in your BMW may be a problem you’ve experienced. Modern cars have a large number of computer components, which can sometimes malfunction. Fortunately, this is something that can be resolved with proper maintenance.
When any of these systems malfunction, you should contact an independent BMW garage such as Gents Garage. It is our technicians’ expertise and knowledge that enables us to fix any BMW electrical system problem you may encounter. Contact us today for a complete fix.
A Guide to Identifying Common BMW Faults
If you suspect your BMW may be having problems, you should know how to identify the most common BMW faults. You will be able to address them promptly and prevent further damage.
Some common BMW warning signs:
- Dashboard warning lights – Make sure you pay attention to the warning lights on your dashboard. A number of problems can cause these warning lights, including electrical failures, engine problems, brake problems, and even low tire pressure, to name a few.
- Strange noises – A BMW that makes unusual noises, such as squealing, grinding, or knocking, may have an electrical or mechanical problem that needs to be investigated immediately.
- Vibrations – You may feel unusual vibrations when driving, which indicate a problem with the wheels, suspension or drivetrain, including the electrical system.
- Decrease in performance – BMW engine problems, transmission problems, fuel system problems, and electrical problems are some of the many possible causes of poor performance.
- Fluid leaks – In the event that you notice any leaks underneath your BMW, there could be a problem with the engine, transmission, or other components.
Our technicians at Gents Garage can fix any of these problems. You can count on our professional team for assistance no matter what the problem may be. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.
How to Prevent Common BMW Faults
Regularly servicing your BMW prevents longer-term damage, saves you money on unnecessary repairs, and keeps your vehicle safe.
If you notice any problem, act immediately. Get in touch with Gents Garage if you notice a change in how your vehicle drives or performs, or simply if something feels ‘off’. We are here to help.
In order to avoid some common BMW problems, you can take these simple steps yourself:
- Take care driving over speed bumps, avoid potholes, and drive safely on the road.
- Inspect your vehicle’s exterior and interior for wear and tear.
- Listen for unusual noises – grinding, rattling, or squealing indicates a problem.
You may be able to prevent any common issues from becoming a bigger problem if you drive safely and regularly service and maintain your BMW. This will keep you on the road, save you money, and maintain the resale value of your vehicle.
Does My BMW Warranty Cover These Common Faults?
If your BMW develops a fault, the warranty may cover it. You may be eligible for warranty coverage if you purchased your BMW from an Authorised BMW Retailer or BMW Service Authorised Garage. You can find more information about your warranty in the vehicle’s warranty handbook. If you purchased your BMW second-hand, check your warranty documents to see if your faults are still covered.
At Gents Garage, we ensure that your BMW Warranty remains intact. Get in touch with us today if you would like more information or assistance.
We’re Here to Help at Gents Garage
We are your local independent BMW garage, serving Sittingbourne and the surrounding area. If you have any BMW problems, we are here to help. Our repairs are performed with genuine BMW parts or high-quality equivalents, and your BMW warranty remains intact. Your luxury vehicle will be in good hands with our team since we have dealt with every common BMW issue under the sun!
With Gents Garage, you can extend the lifespan of your BMW, maintain the resale value of your vehicle, and stay safe on the road. Get in touch today.
In Summary
When your BMW is experiencing a fault, we at Gents Garage understand your frustration. Although these premium vehicles use high-quality parts and components, they are still prone to issues.
BMW owners have experienced a variety of common faults, from electrical problems to door-locking issues. Hopefully, this blog has helped you identify the faults that you should be aware of and how to prevent them.
Ultimately, allowing these faults to go unattended can result in them worsening and costing you more. At Gents Garage, we recommend you resolve any of these common problems as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us at any time. We’re just a phone call away!
