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.
Tech Tip: Clicking Noise Coming from Rear Suspension on Mini Cooper Clubman
On 2008-10 Mini Cooper Clubman models built between
December 31, 2007 and December 30, 2009, there is a possibility that a clicking noise can be heard from the rear suspension when the vehicle is driven over uneven roads. If this is the case, remove both rear shock absorbers and look for excessive weld spatter on the chassis at the shock mounting point.
Tech Feature: BMW Diagnosing Electronic Accessories
BMW has some of the most technologically
Tech Tip: BMW Blower Motor Issues
Owners of 2000-’03 BMW 525I 2.5 may complain that the blower motor does not work, stays running all the time or does not have proper speed control. The climate control blower motor is controlled by a final stage unit, which receives variable voltage from the climate control head. To fix, disconnect the final stage unit, which is located beneath the passenger side of the dash and installed near the firewall into the lower side of the heater box.
Tech Tip: BMW Brake Pad Warning Light On After Brake Pad Replacement
You may get a customer complaint that the brake pad warning light comes on after the rear brake pads have been replaced. After replacing the pads and wear sensor, turn the ignition on and wait for at least 30 seconds, then start the engine. If the pad wear circuit is good, the light should go out with no further procedures.
Tech Tip: BMW Oil Filter Head Leak
A repair kit is available that eliminates oil leaks coming from the control valve cover area of the oil filter housing on all M20 (B25 with engine oil cooler) and S14 (M-Power) engines. An O-ring with improved material quality (Viton) has been developed by BMW. The new repair kit must be installed whenever an oil leak is detected coming from the control valve cover of the oil filter housing.
TPMS UPDATE: BMW Systems
BMW has offered Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) on most of its vehicles since 2002. Some 2002 and 2003 models have a indirect system called Flat Tire Monitor (FTM). These system compare the inputs of the wheel speed sensors to detect a flat tire. These early indirect and direct systems were implemented not to meet the 2007 government mandate, but to inform the driver when a run-flat tire was deflated.
Tech Tip: BMW Check Engine Light On and Vehicle Running Rough Due to Airflow Meter
If a customer complains of a check engine light on and a vehicle running rough, it may be due to problems with the airflow meter and wiring.
BMW Control Systems: DSCs, DTCs and DBCs Dial in ABS, Handling and Traction
Automotive technology continues to evolve in
BMW Tech Tip: Steering Column Rubbing and Scraping Noises
The customer may report a rubbing or scraping noise, which occurs when turning the steering wheel from left to right. While there are a number of components that can cause this type of noise, this bulletin is specifically related to those noises that occur directly at the steering shaft.
Tech Feature: Troubleshooting BMW’s Condition Based Service System
BMW’s “Condition Based Service” (CBS) system monitors various maintenance items on the vehicle, and alerts the motorist when service is needed. But even this maintenance alert system can require maintenance itself.
Tech Feature: BMW and J2534 Pass-Thru Programming
In the U.S., 8 percent of the cars on the road are European vehicles. OK, that doesn’t sound like much, but think of it this way: an average repair yields more dollars per repair than most domestic and Asian vehicles. In most cases, each repair pays better. Plus, the vehicle owners have more invested into the vehicle, so they want to spend the money to fix their vehicle correctly. That 8 percent of cars on the road can pack a powerful punch when it comes to automotive repair shops making money.