money sectionmoney sectionThe Volkswagen 1.8 liter turbo engine is a 150-horsepower, high-performance double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine. Volkswagen's Passat and Jetta cars have this engine. The 0W-30 or 0W-40 oil that the engine uses, however, develops problems.
The BMW E46 is the fourth-generation platform for 3-series cars. The coupe, sedan, convertible and station-wagon versions are all based on the E46, including the M3. The E46 is popular in the United States and in other countries because of its sporty driving characteristics and the lack of competition in the sport-luxury market. With high mileage, however, the car has had some problems with turbo mechanisms and fuel pumps. The all-wheel-drive systems also can develop problems if not properly maintained.
The BMW 330i is part of the E46 3 Series range of cars from this German automaker. The 330i can suffer from steering wheel shake, a problem that can be caused by any of a number of issues.
Fuel pump problems in certain BMWs may cause motor trouble, according to the results of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation. Fuel pump failure could cause longer engine starting times or rough engine running.
It is important to use only fully synthetic (Group IV and V, rather than Group III) 5W-30 or 5W-40 oils in any Mini Cooper with an API SH specification or higher. Look for the specific requirements of your car using the owner's manual and then check the approved oils with BMW, which has its own system in place for oil regulations and requirements. Also, follow ACEA (Automobile Manufacturers Association) guidelines.
Depending on the age of your BMW and model, you may experience either minor or severe issues with your stereo system. Unfortunately, there are multiple things that can go wrong with the stereo system, and performing basic troubleshooting will require testing multiple components on the vehicle. You may be able to fix the problem yourself without having to take the car to a BMW mechanic.
In October of 2010, certain BMW vehicles were subject to a major brake recall. There have been other reported brake problems with BMWs and recalls prior to the October 2010 event.
Though BMW originally began as a line of airplane engines, the brand has evolved into one of the world's most ubiquitous luxury brand cars. The 1990 BMW 7 series is one of the larger body models of the brand and is a full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan. Because of its unique engineering, only certain types of oils can be used in your BMW.
Failing to use the proper oil in a 2005 BMW 3 Series automobile can lead to a number of negative consequences for the automobile's health, including shorter engine life due to inadequate lubrication. Therefore, it is important to know which oils should and should not be used in a 2005 BMW 3 series to maximize engine health and longevity.
While developing the 335i (3 series) and 535i (5 series) TwinPower Turbo engines, Bavarian Motor Works (BMW) nicknamed this line of engines N54. The N54 motor was introduced in 2008 and was included with most high performance BMW sedans, convertibles, and coupes until 2010. According to BMW's website, the N54 was the first turbocharged engine the company had offered in the U.S. in decades. As of 2010, most N54 vehicles will be phased out in favor of the newer N55, a motor which matches the horsepower of the N54 but reduces fuel consumption.
The BMW 325xi has received very high ratings by both Automotive Reviews and Edmunds, but Repair Pal has noted that there have been three recalls on the vehicle. According to Repair Pal, multiple problems have been occurring to the 325xi at approximately 60,000 miles. These problems range from the CV boots tearing on the front of the BMW to cracks in the rear brake disc or rotors during manufacturing.
Although BMW has a reputation for producing quality products, there are always issues associated with any high-tech machinery. BMW motorcycles will have recalls from time to time. Along with recalls are other problems that customers have discovered, whether maintenance or safety issues, that BMW has not recalled. As with any other piece of equipment, knowing these issues will help you become a more educated rider.
Considered a sporty luxury car, the BMW 5 Series from 2004 through 2011 has earned exceptionally high ratings for its performance, reliability and comfort. The 2011 BMW 550i, for instance, has improved gas mileage compared to the 2010 model, with 17 mpg for city driving and 25 mpg on the highway, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. When you troubleshoot your BMW 550i, you will save money in repair costs and help maintain your car's value.
BMW vehicles are generally noted for their dependability and prestige. But tire problems are the most well-known frustrations from this manufacturer. Some issues are caused by assembly failure and have been addressed by the company. But additional complications stem from the BMW's tire design. Despite the added safety of the run-flat design implemented on many models, owners frequently suffer from problems associated with the unusual characteristics of these tires.
BMW automobiles are high-end pieces of machinery, but even the best cars can suffer a variety of problems with their audio systems. Issues can range from radios that simply won't function to speakers that emit odd sounds. Fortunately, many of these problems can be diagnosed in your own garage if you are willing to invest the time.
In 2002, BMW breathed new life into a famous British brand when it started making a relaunched Mini Cooper. The Mini is hip, and is a blast to drive, particularly in S form. However, the model is not without its problems, particularly the models made during the first few years of production when the bugs were being ironed out. And like any BMW product, it is an expensive car to maintain properly.
Despite the fact that BMWs are among the best engineered cars in the world and the company is a leader in many aspects of the automotive industry, many of the cars it produces can suffer from head gasket problems. This is caused by a few factors, namely the fact that BMWs often appear to have water pumps, thermostats and radiators that don't last long. There are some things that can be done to prevent a warped head gasket as well as signs to look for if you think you have a problem with the head gasket.
The BMW 330i has been manufactured during two different generations. The first 330 was the E46 generation, while the current 330i is part of the E90 and E92 (coupe) generation of cars. Both models are powered by a 3.0-liter straight-six engine that offers strong performance. Like any car, there are some areas buyers and owners should be aware of when it comes maintenance and potential problems.
The BMW 3 Series is one of the most popular BMW models ever made. BMW brought the first generation to the U.S. in 1977 as the replacement for the 2002. Since then, the 3 Series has gone through four additional generations. To differentiate them, many enthusiasts refer to the various iterations of the 3 Series with the internal designation that the factory gave them. Models made from 1984 to 1991 are E30s and so on. By and large, the S Series is a very well-built, reliable car, though there are some things to be aware of.
The BMW 320i, designated the E21 by the factory, was the first generation of the 3 Series, which would go on to become one of BMW's most popular models ever. It replaced the 2002 and was sold in the U.S. from 1977 to 1983. From 1977 to 1979 it was powered a 2.0-liter inline-4 and from 1980 to 1983 was powered by a 1.8-liter inline-4. It was replaced in 1984 by the E30 3 Series.
BMW launched the E90 generation 3 Series in 2005. The 335i was introduced in 2006. The E90 replaced the popular E46 as the latest, greatest 3 Series. The E90 (E92 in coupe form) is an entirely new platform and as such has its share of teething issues that usually occur the first few years that a new model is in production.
The BMW E46 3 Series was made from 1999 to 2006. It is the fourth generation 3 Series, after the E21, E30 and E46. It was replaced by the E90 platform in 2007. The E46 generation is one of the most popular 3 Series models. It combined attractive styling with impressive performance in a relatively compact package. It also is a far more durable platform than the previous E36 3 Series. There are, however, a few areas to pay attention to if you are looking at buying or already own an E46. This does not cover the more specialized M3.
Car stereos made by BMW do tend to present their share or problems. While this is not unlike radios made by other manufacturers, the BMW brand (many models made by Alpine) has caused some audio shops to drop service on the lines altogether. From malfunctioning security codes to jammed CD players and mysterious error messages, replacing stock radios with aftermarket products is popular in some model year BMWs.
