Common BMW Faults
Many road users consider their car to be their pride and joy and will spend thousands on their vehicles each year to keep them running in top condition. BMW are one of the most popular vehicles in the UK – from a 3 Series to a 5 Series, these luxury vehicles are fantastic to own and drive.
While these cars are typically made from top-of-the-line components, they can often suffer from common faults that many BMW owners may experience.
In this blog post, we will cover the most common BMW faults that you can come across or may have already experienced, including how to identify these faults, what the causes are and what preventative measures you can take to avoid these errors.
For many years, JDK Automotive has been the go-to garage for BMW owners in Camberley and the surrounding areas. You can rely on our independent family-owned garage for all your BMW service and maintenance needs. Get in touch with us today.
Let’s begin!
BMW Faults You Need to Know About
There are many faults that every BMW owner needs to be aware of. We will, however, discuss the most common BMW faults, from the engine to the windows and everything in between. The knowledge and understanding of these faults can improve your safety on the road, extend the life of your BWM and maintain its resale value.
Here are a few of the most common BMW faults we see at JDK Automotive:
Engine Faults
It is inevitable that every machine will wear out over time, including BMW engines. Although you can prevent a lot of these issues by carrying out regular maintenance, sometimes factors such as wear and tear or age can take their toll and cause problems with your engine.
Here are the seven most common BMW engine faults:
- Defected Camshaft Cover Gasket – There is a tendency for BMWs to leak oil. If you notice brown spots under your vehicle, you may have an oil leak. Most BMWs leak oil from their Camshaft Cover Gaskets. The Camshaft Cover Gasket (also known as the Rocker Cover Gasket) job is to seal the joint between the engine’s Valve and Cylinder Head, preventing oil from leaking. The most common cause of leaks is a cracked gasket caused by wear and tear.
- Oil Camshaft Gasket Leak – The Oil Camshaft Gasket in BMWs often leaks oil. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate in the crevices of the gasket, making it less effective and resulting in poor performance. When the oil Camshaft Gasket fails, the engine can be severely damaged or even fail completely. In order to prevent leaks, we recommend routinely checking and replacing the oil.
- Defective Timing Chain – Timing Chains in BMWs often fail prematurely. The chain in your BMW engine will stretch over time and become loose as a result of regular wear and tear. In the absence of proper maintenance, the chain or other components of the Timing System may wear down more rapidly and will usually be accompanied by rough idling, strange noises, or an illuminated Check Engine Light.
- Water Pump Failures – Water Pump failures are a common problem among BMW owners. Many BMW models have been recalled over Water Pumps in the past, including the 2012 BMW 650i, 2012 BMW 550i, and 2012 Mini Cooper S. These engines overheated due to design flaws. Compared to traditional belt-driven mechanical water pumps, the BMW water pump has some differences. Most noticeably, plastic and electric are the two main components of BMW pumps. In the event of a failure of the water pump, the engine could overheat and fail.
- Cooling System Damage – Water and coolant circulate throughout the cooling system of an engine so that the engine is kept at an optimal temperature. As a result, your BMW will not overheat., Sometimes BMWs’ cooling systems can fail. These issues are not caused by poor design but rather by wear and tear on specific components, and regular maintenance of your BMW can prevent them.
- Malfunctioning Fuel Pump – There have been many reports of High-Pressure Pump problems among BMW owners. Symptoms of a failing fuel pump include stuttering or poor acceleration.
- Thermostat Failure – The thermostat in a vehicle can be set either to close or open. A closed thermostat allows the vehicle to reach its ideal operating temperature more quickly. In response to reaching the average temperature, the thermostat will open, and the Cooling System will keep the engine cool. A faulty thermostat in some BMWs can fail in the closed position, which prevents the Cooling System from activating as it should, which can lead to overheating. This rapid heating can cause the radiator to crack, and the engine can suffer severe damage.
You may need to undergo expensive engine repairs if you suffer from any of the BMW engine faults. In the event of any of the above problems, we recommend contacting us immediately so that we can prevent costly repairs. At JDK Automotive, we offer better service and value than the local BMW dealer.
Door Locking Faults
In general, BMW’s locking and unlocking mechanisms work as expected. Occasionally, however, the door locking system fails, and BMW owners are unable to unlock or lock their cars. This problem is commonly reported in BMW X5s. In most cases, it is necessary to replace the lock mechanism on the door in order to solve the issue. The best course of action in this situation is to contact JDK Automotive for assistance.
Suspension Faults
The suspension system is often overlooked in BMWs, but it needs to be given specific attention. You can severely damage your suspension if you don’t take care when approaching speed bumps and potholes. You should be attentive to any changes in your suspension and address them promptly, regardless of the type of suspension system in your vehicle.
Electrical Faults
If you own a BMW, you may have experienced some electrical problems. Due to the number of computer components in modern cars, they can sometimes malfunction and cause problems. Fortunately, this is a common issue that can be resolved with proper maintenance.
When any of these systems malfunction, it’s time to contact an independent BMW garage such as JDK Automotive. With our technicians’ knowledge and experience, we can solve any BMW Electrical System problem you may be experiencing. Call today.
How to Identify Common BMW Faults
Knowing how to identify the most common BMW faults is essential if you suspect your car may be having problems. This will enable you to address them promptly and prevent further damage. When identifying common BMW faults, keep these things in mind:
- Warning lights on the dashboard – Always take notice of the warning lights on your dashboard. There are several problems that could be causing these warning lights, including electrical failures, engine issues, brake problems, and even low tire pressure.
- Strange noises – Whenever your BMW makes unusual noises, such as squealing, grinding, or knocking, it could be an indication of an electrical or mechanical problem.
- Vibrations – When driving, you may feel unusual vibrations that indicate an issue with the wheels, suspension or drivetrain, including electrical components.
- Poor performance – There are many possible causes for poor performance with your BMW, including engine problems, transmission problems, fuel system problems and electrical problems.
- Fluid leaks – There could be a problem with your vehicle’s engine, transmission or other components if you notice any leaks underneath your BMW.
Keeping an eye out for these warning signs can help you identify common BMW faults, including electrical problems, and then you can then act promptly to resolve these faults.
At JDK Automotive, we have technicians who can fix any of the above problems with your BMW. You can count on our friendly staff for assistance no matter what the problem. Call us today to schedule your appointment.
What Causes Common BMW Faults?
Most BMW faults are caused by the regular, day-to-day use of your BMW. Wear and tear, an ageing vehicle and a lack of regular maintenance are often to blame for the majority of faults rather than damage caused through an accident, negligence, or unexpected failure. Every motorist on the road should expect wear and tear issues at some point and know the signs to look out for to avoid further damage to the vehicle.
To help avoid common faults causing major damage to your BMW, regular servicing and maintenance are highly recommended. Without regular maintenance, you may begin to experience strange noises, problems with driving and warning lights on the dashboard. Ignoring these issues may result in costly repairs in the future.
Accidents may still be responsible for a number of faults with your BMW, and even a minor accident could become a bigger problem in the long run if neglected. If your BMW is involved in an accident, no matter how small, a thorough inspection should be carried out, and if you notice any differences with your vehicle, please contact us at JDK Automotive.
Preventing Common BMW Faults
Regularly servicing your BMW will prevent longer-term damage, allow you to save on unnecessary repairs and ensure that your BMW remains safe on the road. However, for various reasons, some people do not regularly service their vehicles, and sometimes small issues become more serious due to neglect.
Action should be taken as soon as you notice a problem. If you notice any changes in your drive or the performance of your vehicle, or if something doesn’t feel right, reach out to our helpful team at JDK Automotive.
However, there are some simple steps you can take yourself to give your vehicle the best chance of avoiding these common BMW problems:
- Drive safely on the road, avoid potholes and take care over speed bumps.
- Take time to inspect the exterior and interior of your vehicle for any wear and tear or damage.
- Keep an ear out for unusual noises – grinding, rattling or squealing means something needs looking at right away.
If you drive safely and regularly service and maintain your BMW, you may be able to prevent any common issues from becoming bigger problems, keeping you on the road, saving you money and maintaining your vehicle’s resale value.
Does My Warranty Cover My BMW Faults?
Depending on the cause of any faults with your BMW, the warranty may cover them. If you purchased your BMW from an Authorised BMW Retailer or BMW Service Authorised Garage, you may be eligible for warranty coverage. For more information about what’s covered under your warranty, we recommend referring to the vehicle’s warranty handbook. In the event that you purchased your BMW second-hand, check the warranty documents you received upon completing the deal to find out if your faults are still covered.
Our highly qualified technicians at JDK Automotive ensure that your BMW Warranty remains intact. For more information or assistance, schedule an appointment today.
JDK Automotive is Here to Help
We are your local independent BMW garage, serving Camberley and the surrounding area. We are here to help you with any BMW problem you may have. Our repairs are performed using genuine BMW parts or high-quality equivalents, and your BMW warranty remains intact. Our team has dealt with every common BMW issue under the sun, so you know your luxury vehicle will be in good hands!
At JDK Automotive, we can help you extend your BWM’s lifespan, maintain your vehicle’s resale value, and keep you safe on the road. Call today.
In Summary
We at JDK Automotive understand the frustration when your BMW has a fault. Despite using high-quality parts and components, these premium vehicles are still prone to issues, like any other vehicle.
There are a number of common faults that BMW owners have experienced, anything from electrical issues to door-locking malfunctions. Hopefully, this blog has highlighted the faults that you should be aware of and how to prevent them.
Ultimately, if you leave these faults unattended, they can worsen and cost you more in the long run. Our team at JDK Automotive recommends you resolve any of these common problems right away. We are always happy to assist you. Just give us a call!
