Your MIL light, (Check Engine Light, also called Service Engine Soon light in some BMW years/models), turns on when a fault, (Diagnostic Trouble Code aka DTC) is detected related to emissions and your OBDII(Onboard Diagnostics, second version). It is about clean air.

There are probably 100 different “things” that can trigger faultsand then cause your Check Engine Light to illuminate. Some are serious, others are not too serious.

For example; a loose gas cap. You just filled up, but neglected to tighten the cap properly. Now your MIL light is on. Just because you tighten the cap, do not expect that light to turn off immediately. The car must go through several specific drive cycles before the light goes off. Even the gas cap is part of the vehicles “evaporative emission system”. (That’s why it is being tested during your CA smog test).

Suppose, the light comes back onafter a day or two of regular driving? Now, it is probably a completely different fault, (unless you did not tighten the cap again), related to emissions.

The only way to know what is going on, is to get your BMW, MINI, Mercedes or other car checked out. The codes are pulled, the problem traced, verified, then repair is made. Your shop should know what the parameters are for the various drive cycles, and also be able to perform those on a dynonometer, so they know, (and you know) that the “fix” is really the “fix”. So, after a battery replacement, reprogramming or code clearing, after the drive cycles are completed, the “monitors” re-set. Then your car’s system begins checking all of those emission related items, again…..

Remember that if your check engine light comes on and you are told that you have a PO420 code, or commonly called at “cat code”, you may not need the catalytic converter replaced. Only a California Smog Test and Repair station, (such as The Driving Machine, Inc) is legally allowed to repair emission systems. A “cat code” can be caused by a defective O2 sensor, an exhaust leak or fuel mixture being out of spec and a few other situations. Any of those can cause the Check Engine Light to come on and flag one of those PO420 codes. But, unless there is a proper diagnosis, you could be spending a lot of money on a catalytic converter and not really fixing the real problem.

If your Check Engine Light is on and you need to check it out, make an appointment online. We will tell you why it is on and what you could do to get the problem fixed.

• Check tire pressure regularly (every two weeks or at least once a month), including the spare.
• Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the tread, cracks, foreign objects, or other signs of wear or trauma. (This is best done by a professional who will raise your car up on a lift and check the tires for inside/outside wear.
• Carefully remove bits of glass and other foreign objects wedged in the tread.
• Make sure your tire valves have valve caps.
• Check tire pressure before going on a long trip. Keep in mind that tire pressures will change in a change of altitude. You will want to recheck pressures if you are going to the mountains. A good time to recheck is when you make one of those “bathroom breaks” while en-route.
• Do not overload your vehicle. Check the tire information placard or owner’s manual for the maximum recommended load for the vehicle.
• If you are towing a trailer, remember that some of the weight of the loaded trailer is transferred to the towing vehicle.

Proper tire inflation is a must, not only for safety reasons, but getting the best gas mileage, too.

44% of those who deferred work in the past year also admitted that they felt the value safety or reliability of the vehicle would suffer, with some saying their vehicle was becoming an embarrassment. The failure to have small problems promptly repair or regular maintenance performed on schedule can lead to larger and more costly problems down the road.

Your independent specialty repair shop, one that specializes in BMW, MINI, Mercedes or other European cars, should be glad to help you with prioritizing your repairs. Is it more critical to fix your radio knob or replace that tire that has a slow leak? Or, should you get the oil changed or get your brakes replaced first? Those are the kinds of answers that our Service team at our local independent shop can answer for you.

If you are coming to our workshop, you know that we will always be glad to prioritize your repairs for you. We can also let you know what will be coming up in the future, so that you can plan on, let’s just say new front tires or brakes, (whatever the case may be).

Another great thing about going to one place, like one stop shopping, is that we will keep a record of everything that we do for you and your BMW, MINI or Mercedes. Another plus is that we know these great autos! We know which plastic thermostat housing will crack and how to replace it with one that actually exceeds BMW specs and will last longer for you, ( along with a 25 month or 25K mile warranty).

Do we have a crystal ball? No way. But, there are advantages to having worked on thousands of these fine German autos over the years. Let us help you make educated repair decisions about your BMW, your MINI or your Mercedes. No guessing, just the facts.

Make an appointment and see what your maintenance schedule will look like.

A few other tips!

Don’t use your trunk as a storage locker! OMG you would not believe the trunks that we see. Sometimes, if we have to access a trunk for a repair, there can be stuff shoved and pushed in the trunk that weighs as much as one or two more people! Weighing down your trunk with “stuff” can affect your gas mileage in a negative way.

Synthetic oil seems to give my little 98 325i better gas mileage. I made the change many years ago, and I did notice better gas mileage. Check with your specialist to see if that can work for you. It did for me, anyway. The later models use very specific synthetic oils. Be sure you are getting the proper oil for your BMW, MINI or Mercedes! The oil is the life blood of your engine. You would not want a blood transfusion with the wrong blood type! Same for your car. You must use the correct fluids for the best gas mileage and performance.

Air filters, oxygen sensors and components that relate to fuel management need to be replaced as needed. We can help you with that, too.

Be sure your tire pressure is set properly for all of your tires. It is required by law in CA, that your shop check your tire pressures at least once a year, refill if necessary and record the new pressures on your invoice. Now that is kinda crazy, because you should be checking tire pressure at least once a month! The State is trying to keep our air clean and they realized that some people never, ever, check their tire pressure. So now it is our job! If you do check your tires at home, look at the label on your drivers door panel and use the recommended tire pressures that are posted on the label. Keeping your tires inflated per manufacturer specs will go a long way in your getting better gas mileage.

Doing your part to get the best gas mileage does make sense! Cents, too.

Depending on your later year and model BMW, the BMW Intelligent Alternator Control, aka IAC, places battery monitoring and charging on the DME, (Digital Motor Electronics). Due to the increased number of convenience and comfort items and features, your battery is being subject to heavy use while you are just enjoying the gadgets. What this means for you as a driver is that your glass mat battery (AGM type) is being charged as you accelerate, cruise or idle, any time the state of the charge is below 80%.

In the professional shop setting, the chargers for the AGM batteries are much different than chargers for lead acid batteries. That is why you want to be using a technician or shop that has the specific equipment. In your modern BMW, MINI or Mercedes, the specs for almost everything on these cars has become very, very unique and tolerances tighter. It can be “sticker shock” the first time you have to replace of these AGM batteries, but that’s technology for you. Note: Don’t try to use your old battery charger on your AGM battery. If it is still a good battery, it can be damaged.

Your new gadgets and creature comforts in your later model BMW are resource hogs for sure. Don’t let an alternator or battery problem grow into something worse. Always follow at minimum your BMW inspection and maintenance schedule. You will for sure want to go to a BMW specialist or a dealer who will have the proper equipment for your AGM battery.

Do not try this at home!

You may never have thought about it, but your car is a “consumable”. As you drive, it is being “used up”. Yes, your gas, the oil, the rubber on your tires. Those are the things that most people think about. But, there are other parts in your car that are being worn just because they are being used on a daily basis. The CV boots, your brakes, brake fluid, transmission and it’s fluid, power steering pump and fluids, your battery, too. There are precious parts throughout your BMW, MINI or Mercedes that are taking a beating every day. Suspension systems, axles, ….the list can go on and on. Yes, just like a light bulb – it can be working fine for years, then you flip the switch and it’s burnt out.

Deferring routine maintenance and check ups on your car is never a good thing. The chance of small issues becoming larger, (with a more expensive repair) is more prevalent to those who do not get their fine German engineered car checked out regularly. So plan on some maintenance and some repair dollars. If your BMW, MINI or Mercedes is higher mileage, you will want to get it checked out more often.

If you are going on a trip this Spring Break time, let us check out your BMW, MINI or Mercedes before you hit the road.

Reliable transportation is vital to most of us. Your car takes you to some of the most mundane places, but then it also takes you to some of the most memorable places or experiences in your life! Have fun!

All the while fault codes are being stored, adaptations are happening in the systems, and one component being out of spec is affecting another and the situation is exacerbating. Your BMW or MINI will only “self-heal” for so long and then it’s time for some health care.

Of course, it didn’t “do it” while the car was at the shop. That’s when our BMW, MINI and Mercedes special tools that store data about the occurrence comes in very handy. It can be attached to the component, the car can be driven, (or not), and readings will be taken. At that point, it takes an experienced BMW or MINI technician to run a diagnostics to determine the root cause of the intermittent problem. We are talking of intermittent electrical issues, and the readings may not be consistent. Inconsistent readings usually prove that the component in question is on it’s last leg and doomed to fail completely.

Remember: A battery that is old or weak may also cause intermittent electrical problems. In some cases, a new battery has to be installed so that the readings are accurate. That way you will have a good “baseline”. Of course, you never want to replace a battery until it is necessary. We have a battery tester that will give you a reading of the health of your battery. That way you can be sure that it is only being replaced because it needs to be replaced!

Electrical intermittent issues may be one of the most exasperating problems for both the consumer and the tech. But, running a diagnosis is the only way to get to the root of the problem. Otherwise, it is just a guess as to what component needs to be replaced. It does not happen too often anymore, but every once in a while a new client does not see the value in running a diagnosis. At that point, we can ask you the customer, “what part do you want us to change?” – OK, we get it!

Metal will expand when it is heated, and aluminum expands at 2x the rate of cast iron. In some cases the aluminum head with the cast iron engine block actually undergo 2 different expansion rates. There will be a normal amount of expansion no matter what the engine configuration, but if the specs are exceeded, then it is probable that you have now damaged the cylinder head. Minuscule or larger cracks may be found between valve seats, between the spark plug cavity, between combustion chambers and sometimes even on the top of the head. (An overheat condition can also result in a warping of the metal, where the metal has deformed, but a crack is not yet evident).

The best way to prevent this from happening, is to always heed your warning lights. But, even before you get to that point, have your BMW, MINI or Mercedes checked out by a pro to determine if you have the correct coolant in your engine and whether or not it is still working at it’s optimum. Follow, at minimum the manufacturers maintenance schedule, and keep in mind that your intervals may be closer together if your car is an older or a high mileage vehicle.

Sometimes, clients mistakenly think that “coolant” is something that keeps their AC cold. Not! The coolant is what is used to keep the temperature of your engine from overheating. The critical systems need coolant to perform properly, and to prevent damage such as a cracked cylinder head. Your coolant becomes old and useless after time. Yes, it is still a liquid, but it will become “watered down” from condensation in your hoses, etc, after thousands of miles of usage, and the chemicals become less effective.

We test your coolant and determine whether or not it is time for a coolant exchange. No guessing, just the science! If necessary, the old coolant is replaced with the new, fresh and correct fluid for your beautiful BMW, MINI or Mercedes. Unfortunately, a cracked head or a warped head is an expensive proposition. Preventative maintenance and paying attention to those warning lights will go a long way in helping to avoid severe engine damage.

Happy Motoring!

Have you really thought about the safety issues involved in stopping your BMW, your Mercedes or your MINI, (or any car)? Stopping may the the most important safety factor when it comes to getting you and your family safely from A to B, without an accident.

So why do you want to buy the cheapest brakes when you are putting what you value most, (yourself or your loved ones) into your car? Doesn’t make much sense does it? This is a question we wonder every day.

It is virtually impossible to give an accurate price for brakes over the phone, unless the car’s brake system has been inspected. Accurate is the word! A guess is just a guess, and with out an inspection, it is only a guess. That doesn’t help anyone. Best practices will entail brake measurements, and inspection.

Possibly due to better manufacturing processes, most of the European vehicles will no longer need to have the rotors “turned” or “machined”. They are actually wearing out together, and machining these new rotors does not leave enough material to be within the demanding specifications of the manufacturer. So, do not be surprised if your old BMW could have the rotors turned successfully, and your new one, does not! It is just another change in the modern vehicle that one who either drives a car, or performs repairs will see on a daily basis.

For example, the price to machine the rotors is now about the cost of one new rotor. So, in most cases on your modern European car, your pads and rotors will be replaced completely at the same time. Pads are measured, too. The brake calipers will be inspected for proper function and parts will be cleaned and lubricated where applicable. Calipers may need to be rebuilt or replaced, if they are no longer working as designed.

So, if you are getting a “cheap” brake quote for your BMW, Mercedes or MINI, it may not include the correct procedures or it may include some really cheap products that may not meet specs to stop your car as it should. Yes, those cheap products are everywhere, and they don’t last too long either. We have seen cases on BMW’s where the rotors are turned, and then they begin warping, (shortly thereafter), adding the concern of brake pulsations. Not good, but it was “cheap”. Same with pad material thickness.

Brake fluid is another integral part of your BMW, MINI and Mercedes braking system and your brake fluid should be changed minimum every 2 years, according to BMW. Fresh brake fluid vs. deteriorated brake fluid does affect stopping distance as was tested and reported a few years ago by Brembo. Yes, brake fluid efficacy does deteriorate over time. We are happy to test that for you, too.

How did the “Cheap Brake Job” became famous? (It must be famous because everyone is talking about it -like it’s a Kardashian or something). Cheap brake jobs are WAY overrated, in our opinion.

We continue to celebrate our 30th year of business in the South Bay, helping thousands of fine vehicle owners over those decades. We are so grateful that you have chosen our team of professionals to help you. If you are happy with us, (and we know that you are from your surveys and reviews) we always appreciate your referral to friends and family. We are adding more services throughout the next year due to requests from our clients. So, if you have another European car at your home besides the BMW and Mercedes, our Master Techs will be glad to help! Just give us a call or send an email.

Thanks also to our wonderful vendors who supply the BMW and other fine quality German parts to us, so that we can help you in the best way possible. Thanks also to our partners on the web, Netsprinter and the Acosta Agency, helping us with our Newsletter and our web presence. Our goal this next year is to provide more videos and blogs that you, our client, will find valuable.

We contact our clients by phone, or email to confirm appointments and to assure quality control after a repair or service.

If you prefer not to have us contact you, please let us know! If you prefer a text, an email, or phone call, please let us know. ***Please note: we do not sell, rent, or loan our client list to anyone***Never have and never will.

Friendly Reminder: Cell phone number “go public” this month. All cell numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you may begin to receive sales calls, (not from us)! You may be charged for these calls, also.

If you wish to prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:
888-382-1222

It is the National “Do NOT Call” list and it will only take a minute of your time. Just call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked.

THANK YOU! We wish you a healthy and very HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Jim, Mary, Bill, Dave, Rick, Daniel and William