BMW Feature: Understanding Variable-Capacity A/C Compressors
Diagnostic Specialist Sergio Fernandez discusses the ins and outs of the swash-plate compressor and how its variable cylinder displacement allows for the most efficient HVAC operation and boosts fuel economy.
Coolant Leak From Front Right Side Of BMW M52TU Cylinder Head
Cylinder heads with a machining flaw (hairline crack) may have been installed on M52TU engines in production on a limited number of vehicles.
Tech Tip: BMW Electric Power Steering Is Not Working Properly
The customer may complain that the electric power steering is not working properly. This may be caused by defective electric motor power steering (emps), blown fuse or damaged wiring harness.
Alignment Specs: BMW 3-Series 1998-2006 E46
The BMW E46 was the best selling generation of the 3-Series. The rear-wheel drive sports sedan is one of the more complicated cars to align, but it has many service and repair opportunities.
Optimal Auto Care: Specialization Fuels Success of Santa Cruz, CA, Shop That Has Serviced BMWs for More Than 20 Years
When you’ve been in the automotive repair business as long as Nate Smith has, you learn a thing or two about running a successful shop. First and foremost, the customer always comes first. And second, specialization can be the key to success. When Smith opened Optimal Auto Care in Santa Cruz, CA, in 1991 along with his wife Meg, it was with a focus on the repair of BMWs, a nameplate Smith was very familiar with having worked as the service manager for the local BMW dealership for 15 years prior.
Tech Tip: BMW’s Power Reduction and Vanos Faults Are Stored In DME
Affected models: E82 and E88 (1 Series) with N51, N52K and K54 engines produced from January 2008 E90 and E91 (3 Series) with N52 engine produced from March 2005 through June 2006 E90, E91, E92 and E93 (3 Series) with N51, N52K and N54 engines produced from July 2006 E85 and E86 (Z4) with N52
Making Sense of BMW Suspension Noises
Import Specialist Larry Bailly contends that most noise diagnosis challenges come from misunderstanding the customer’s complaint. And, as suspension systems have gotten more complex, with many more points of potential failure, making thorough repairs oftentimes takes using your senses during the diagnostic process.
BMW – Squealing Noise From the Steering Gear
Models Affected: E46 (3 Series) except M3 models E53 (X5) E60 (5 Series) up to March, 2006, except M5 and models with Active Steering (SA 217) and/or Active Roll Stabilization (SA 229) E61 (5 Series) up to March, 2006 E83 (X3) up to August 2006 without Servotronic (SA 214) The customer may report a squeaking
Tool Tip: BMW A/C System Leak Testing Procedure Update
The customer complains of poor or no air conditioning cooling. After further diagnosis, the system is found to be low or empty of a refrigerant charge, but when using an electronic leak detector, no leak can be found. Before replacing parts, perform a nitrogen leak test to confirm the location of the leak.
Tech Tip: BMW ELV Won’t Release – No Start, No Crank
The customer complains of a no-crank, no-start situation. The condition may be intermittent. The ELV (Electric Steering Lock) warning is shown in the Instrument Cluster.