In this issue: Perfect Brake Service; Beating Around the Bushings; Good Money in Maintenance; Aluminum Panels
the bimmer pub april 2015
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Feature Articles:
Airing Out the Problems
In the first year of the new millennium, BMW introduced a new air suspension on its X-Series vehicles. This compensates for load by controlling the ride height of either the rear axle, or all four wheels in later versions. But what do we do when they stop working?
Missing the Point
OBD II has spoiled us. When we were kids, we had to find misfires BY OURSELVES! Now drivers have a blinking Malfunction Indicator Lamp and diagnostic trouble codes telling us which cylinder is in trouble. You would think that would make our job easier, but we still need to find the cause.
BMW Glass Repair
The structural strength of the front and roofline of the passenger compartment depends heavily on the windshield and its bond with the A-Pillars, roof, and base where it connects to the upper frame rails. Replacement parts, installation materials, and procedures must meet safety standards.
Does this Stop the Car? BMW DSC (Dynamic STability Control)
With anti-lock brakes controlling wheel speed while decelerating; traction controlling wheel speed under acceleration; and advanced versions of Dynamic Stability Control, BMW drivers are safer than ever. How do we keep this winning streak going?
the bimmer pub march 2014
In this issue: Airing Out the Problem (Air Suspension); Does this stop the car? (Brake); Missing the Point (Cylinder trouble); BMW Glass Repair
Don’t TREAD On Me: Tire Pressure Monitor Systems
In 2000, the U.S. government responded to serious issues related to automobile tire safety with the TREAD (Transportation Recall Enhancement Accountability and Documentation) Act. This mandated that an elaborate computer-controlled system had to be added to every passenger vehicle to monitor tire pressures. It’s our job to keep these systems up and running.
Advanced BMW Parasitic Battery Draw Diagnostics
Whether you call them draws or drains, tracking them down isn’t as easy as it once was. These procedures and tools will help.
BMW Mechatronic Transmission – Knowing the Do’s and Don’ts
BMW has always been a company that leads the way with technological advancements. One important development was the Mechatronic transmission. It’s been installed in many models, so we need to be more familiar with its do’s and don’ts.
Bring the Heat: Welding
Welding: It’s a matter of focus and staying relevant.
the bimmer pub august 2013
In this issue: Welding; Tires; Mechatronics Transmission; Battery Draw
VANOS Variable Valve Timing: Evolution, Troubles, and Service
Valve diameter, lift, and overlap are all contributing factors to the volumetric efficiency of an engine. If you can vary the relationship between the intake and exhaust valves you can broaden the power band and still have a smooth, clean idle. Variable valve timing is a great advance — as long as we can keep it working.