INTRODUCTION
If you drive a BMW, you’re driving the best of the best. Our cars are not just for transport - they’re a reflection of us, which is why it’s so important to maintain them as best we can.
If you’re a BMW owner, you’ll want to maintain your BMW to the highest possible standard. BMW pride themselves on producing cars that are not only reliable but are a joy to drive, so you’ll want to keep yours in top condition to get the most out of it for years to come.
BMW repairs can be costly, so keeping on top of regular car maintenance can save you a lot of hassle and expense later down the line. Thankfully, many common BMW problems can be avoided by taking good care of your car.
In this ebook, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to maintain, protect and enhance your BMW.
ABOUT BMW
BMW is more than a century old, starting life in 1916 in Munich, Germany, where it began manufacturing aircraft engines.
It wasn’t until 1923 that the company started to specialise in the production of motorcycles and cars.
Today, BMW is the world’s 12th largest car manufacturer, producing almost 2.5m cars a year.
MAINTAINING YOUR BMW
Maintaining your BMW doesn’t have to be a chore. Keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance can save you time and money in the long run. Here we list the five key areas to focus on to keep your BMW in great shape:
1. KEEP FUEL TOPPED UP AND CLEAN
This might sound like an obvious one, but you’d be surprised just how many people neglect their fuel tank. Not only is ‘running on empty’ (driving when the fuel warning light comes up on your dashboard) stressful, it’s also bad for your engine, as it’ll be guzzling up all the dirt and debris at the bottom of the tank.
You’ll also want to invest in good quality fuel. While supermarket fuels can be a little cheaper than premium options, choosing a quality fuel can pay off over time. Premium fuel has a higher research octane number, which will improve your fuel consumption, as well as offer engine protection and performance.
If you drive a diesel BMW, you’ll also want to keep your Ad Blue topped up. This fuel additive is essential for keeping your diesel particulate filter (DPF) clean – if your DPF becomes clogged or damaged, your car will go into ‘limp mode’ and you’ll have to pay up to get it fixed. A DPF replacement can cost thousands of pounds. Your BMW will tell you when you need to top up your Ad Blue, so do it straight away to avoid any further damage to your vehicle.
Finally, keep the fuel cap screwed on tightly and ensure it is clean and free of build-up.
2. KEEP AN EYE ON TYRES
Did you know the number one cause of vehicle breakdowns in summer is the tyres? While many associate a flat tyre with wintry conditions, it’s actually heat that can cause the most damage. Couple that with long drives, packed cars (particularly for those heading on their holidays) and standstill traffic, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster!
To avoid a nightmare like this, it’s best to keep your tyres at the recommended PSI as stated in your BMW manual. This will not only limit the chance of a blow out, but it will also ensure you get the best possible driving experience from your BMW, helping to improve fuel consumption.
Check your tyres for signs of wear and damage once a month. The legal limit for tyre tread depth is 1.6mm; however, to get the best driving experience and mileage out of your BMW, look to change your tyres at 1.8mm. If you’re caught driving on illegally worn tyres you’ll be hit with a fine.
During winter, and particularly in rural, icy or snowy areas, invest in good quality winter tyres for your BMW. This will improve handling and make sure your vehicle is able to grip the road properly in tough conditions.
3. KEEP IT CLEAN
If you, like many other BMW drivers, take pride in your vehicle, keeping your car clean will be second nature to you. We recommend cleaning your BMW at least once a month to avoid any damage to the paintwork.
Looking after the paintwork is key to avoiding any corrosion or fading. If you spot a scratch, see to it as soon as possible to prevent it from getting any worse. Small scratches and marks can be buffed out using specialist car wax/polish available at most motoring retailers, but larger marks or corrosion should be treated by a BMW bodywork specialist.
4. CHANGE OIL REGULARLY
Keeping up with your service and maintenance plan will ensure your vehicle has the right amount of oil at all times. Before any long drive, it is recommended that you check your oil level before setting off.
Driving without enough oil in the engine is fatal. Your car needs oil to lubricate the components within it – if you run out, the engine will seize up altogether. You could be looking at a total engine replacement in this scenario.
All modern BMW cars come with an oil warning light on the dashboard, so if you’re running low, your car will tell you. If the light comes on, top up immediately to avoid any further damage to the engine.
5. REPLACE YOUR BLADES
If you've noticed smearing or streaking when using your wiper blades, it could be time for a new pair. Wiper blades are designed to last around six months but can wear even quicker during particularly hot or wet weather.
The good news is that a new set of BMW wiper blades is relatively cheap. Bosch manufacture some of the highest quality wiper blades on the market, and many car retailers will even fit them for you, for a small fee.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR BMW
You’ll also want to ensure your BMW is protected from the elements:
1. AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT WHERE POSSIBLE
This won’t be possible when you’re driving - however, taking care to park in the shade will help to protect the engine from heat damage, as well as the paintwork and interiors from fading over time.
2. PROTECT THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE
You’ll want to choose a tightly-woven grille to protect the radiator and intercoolers from damage. Zunsport manufactures grilles specifically for BMW vehicles. These feature
a specially designed rounded mesh to allow better airflow into the vehicle’s vital components. With discount code BM221019 you can get money off your next purchase at Zunsport.
3. TAKE CARE WHEN DRIVING
Driving with care is a part of everyday life as a motorist, but this is especially important if you wish to preserve the life of your BMW. Driving erratically can cause damage and excessive wear to the vehicle’s tyres, brakes, steering, engine and gearbox. Hitting debris while driving can also cause damage to the body of the vehicle, including the grille.
4. KEEP LEATHER SEATS COVERED
Many motoring retailers sell car seat covers, and it’s sensible to invest in some to cover up seats that are not in use to avoid damage and fading over time. This is even more important if you own a BMW with leather interiors.
5. BE SURE TO PREPARE YOUR CAR FOR THE SEASONS
There’s loads of advice on how to do this online, so read up to ensure your car is protected whatever the weather. A quick way to do this is to look out for seasonal checks at your local BMW garage. A BMW technician will check things like your tyres, engine oil level, windscreen, antifreeze level and car bulbs.
5 WAYS TO MODIFY YOUR BMW
If, like many BMW owners, your car is your pride and joy, you’ll be looking for ways to enhance and modify your vehicle to get the most out of it.
Try these five BMW-specific modifications to upgrade your BMW today:
1. SUN PROTECTION GLASS
Not to be confused with tinted windows, sun protection glass offers the driver protection from the glaring sun without affecting visibility from outside the vehicle. Tinted windows are against the law, so be sure to seek out a reputable BMW modification specialist to ensure you have the correct sun protection windows installed.
2. AIR INTAKE UPGRADE
Your BMW engine needs air to work properly. If your vehicle isn’t getting the oxygen it needs to operate, it can affect how it drives.
Upgrading the air intake of your BMW can significantly improve the performance of your vehicle, increasing both power and acceleration.
3. HIGH-PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION
While most modern BMWs are already fitted with high-quality specs, if you’re a car enthusiast, you may be looking to upgrade the components for an even better experience. One such component is your BMW’s suspension. Choosing a high-performance suspension can greatly improve handling, providing a much smoother and more enjoyable driving experience.
4. HEADLIGHTS
Some older BMW models will be fitted with traditional headlights. If you wish to enhance the look of your BMW, we suggest upgrading your headlights to LED or Xenon. These are not only aesthetically pleasing (they will make an older BMW model look much more modern), but they also enhance your visibility in the dark.
5. CHOOSE A NEW GRILLE
You may want to provide even more protection to the internal workings of your BMW, especially if you drive at high speeds. Doing so is easy - simply upgrade your grille. Zunsport BMW grilles provide absolute protection to the essential components within your BMW, while allowing for better airflow to the car’s radiators and intercoolers, greatly reducing the possibility of the engine overheating.
What’s more, these high-spec grills come in smart black nylon or modern stainless steel to match your vehicle perfectly https://www.zunsport.com/en/bmw-grilles
For a limited time only, Zunsport is offering huge discounts on Zunsport grilles. Simply use discount code BM221019 at the checkout today. Zunsport gift cards are also available if you’re looking for a gift.
READY TO UPGRADE YOUR BMW?
It’s no secret that BMW vehicles are some of the most premium available on the market. Newer spec BMWs are fitted with the latest technology as standard, so you can enjoy the thrill of driving an enhanced vehicle right from the off.
While your BMW may already be high spec, there are still endless opportunities to enhance and customise your vehicle to your exact preferences and requirements. If you’re looking to upgrade your BMW today, choose a Zunsport grille. Our specially designed high specification BMW grilles are engineered for optimum fit and airflow on most makes and models of BMW.
