Blog
Maintenance, diagnostics and car care: practical articles written by people who work on BMW and MINI every day.
Remapping1 min read
ECU remapping is not just for BMWs: the case of a Mercedes-Benz Vito 2.1 CDI taken from 163 hp to about 210 hp with a targeted remap.
Read the article Remapping a van: the case of a Mercedes-Benz Vito 2.1 CDI
Coding1 min read
Watching video or using certain apps on the infotainment system while driving is disabled by default: it can be enabled with the correct coding.
Read the article Video-in-motion activation on BMW: what it takes and how it works
Repairs1 min read
Warm air on one side of the cabin and cold on the other: a common climate-control fault, solved only by finding the right component.
Read the article Heating warm on one side, cold on the other: the diagnosis that solved it
Diagnostics1 min read
A noise from the all-wheel-drive system had been blamed on the wrong part: only a full check of the vehicle found the real fault, in the rear differential.
Read the article Noisy rear differential: why a correct diagnosis mattersDiagnostics1 min read
After replacing the front radar, adaptive cruise control (ACC) can stay disabled if the module is not correctly reprogrammed and calibrated.
Read the article Front ACC radar not working: how we reprogrammed it
Diagnostics1 min read
A used part is not always enough to fix a steering rack fault: without the correct reprogramming, the car can be left with warning lights and unusual behaviour.
Read the article BMW 6 Series GT: steering rack problems after a used replacement part
Diagnostics1 min read
A metallic noise on start-up or a ticking from the engine does not always mean the chain needs replacing, but it must be checked straight away. Here are the symptoms to recognise and how we proceed.
Read the article BMW N47 timing chain noise: symptoms and checks to makeDiagnostics1 min read
Jerking at low speed, vibrations or 4x4 warning lights on a BMW with all-wheel drive do not always come from the transfer case. Here is what to check before deciding on the work.
Read the article BMW xDrive jerking during manoeuvres: possible causesElectronics1 min read
Coding and programming a BMW are two different operations. Here is what they mean, when they are needed and why not every function can be enabled on every car.
Read the article BMW coding and programming: what is the difference
Maintenance2 min read
The Condition Based Service system tells you when a service is due, but knowing what is checked helps you avoid unnecessary expense and major faults.
Read the article BMW service: how often to do it and what to checkRemapping1 min read
Before remapping a car it is worth checking the condition of the vehicle and clarifying what to expect. Here are the checks to make and the questions to ask whoever does the work.
Read the article ECU remapping: what to check before doing it
Diagnostics1 min read
Yellow, red or flashing: every warning light means something different. Here is how to behave when the engine light comes on in your BMW.
Read the article Engine warning light on in your BMW: what to do and what not to do
Brakes1 min read
Noises, vibrations and a pedal that feels different: how to recognise the first signs of brake wear and why the fluid needs changing.
Read the article BMW brakes: the signs that tell you when to act
Electronics1 min read
Replacing the battery on a BMW is not enough: the new one must be registered in the energy management system. Here is what happens if you forget.
Read the article BMW battery: why it must be registered after replacement
Maintenance1 min read
Many manufacturers talk about lifetime gearbox oil, but regular servicing can extend the life of the automatic gearbox and prevent expensive repairs.
Read the article BMW automatic gearbox: servicing and oil, what you need to know