List of Services

• Coding/Programming
• Diagnosis and repair
• Mechanical repairs
• Electrical repairs
• Air conditioning repairs
• Wheels and tires, including rim straightening and refinishing
• Run flat tire service
• Road Force wheel balancing
• Sunroof Repair including panoramic roofs
• Audio, Navigation and Phone systems
• Maintenance / service
• Glass replacement
• Four wheel alignments including active steering and rear steering vehicles.
• Exhaust repairs / upgrades
• Leaks
• Noises
• Window tinting

 

 

iPod/iPhone Integration

 Most European cars built from 1998 to current production models can be fitted with iPod integration. The features of the radio and steering wheel control vary but the sound is CD quality. The 6 CD changers equipped in BMWs do not play CDRs (recordable CDs) well and the changers can be expensive to replace (well over the cost of an iPod and integration).

iPods have much greater storage capacity, and you can take them from car to car unlike CD changers. The iPod can be positioned in various locations: in center console, in trunk or on dash. In most applications on-screen display of the songs, album and artist appear on radio or instrument cluster. The iPod is charged by the adaptor and in iPhone applications, the music fades so the phone can ring through the speakers. The cost for integration starts at $350 (not including iPod) and can be completed in a couple of hours. Call us for an appointment.

 

Bluetooth Integration

BMWs are driving machines, and anything that can prevent the driver from getting the full driving experience is undesirable. Phones can be one of those things. BMW started using hands-free phones as far back as 1988. The problem was as the technology got better, the phones and their equipment quickly became outdated. Bluetooth addresses this problem by eliminating clumsy wiring and allowing hands-free use of the phone, which can be replaced or updated whenever desired. 

At RMW we can install Bluetooth integration into most models built from 1995 on. The convenience, safety, and - as of 07/01/08 - necessity of hands-free phone is a nice upgrade.

 

Fuel Injection Servicing

A service consists of running the vehicle until warm, and then the vehicle's fuel system is disabled. The pressurized fuel system cleaner is then connected to the vehicle and the engine is started. The engine actually runs on the cleaner, allowing it to work through the injectors, intake valves, combustion chambers and exhaust valves. Any unburned cleaner goes by the oxygen sensors and through the catalytic converter. We then disconnect the cleaner and reconnect the vehicle's fuel system. After restarting and road testing, the engine control system is reset to factory settings and any related service codes are deleted. 

We have tested the results and are honestly excited about the improvements that can be felt and seen. For example: We have had multiple vehicles that had failed smog inspections. We performed FI services and they passed. These vehicles would have otherwise needed new catalytic converters. The wasted unburned cleaner can cause the catalytic converters to self-clean, and the cleaner helps reduce NOX emissions by cleaning the carbon from the combustion area. We have even had customers tell us their gas mileage increased after a service. We recommend the service every 50,000-75,000 miles.

 

Intake Carbon Cleaning, (AKA Walnut Blasting)

Direct fuel injection has been a major step forward in engine technology and performance. With direct injection, the fuel injector sprays directly into the cylinder with precise timing and volume control.  Previous systems mounted the fuel injector in the intake manifold runner and fuel spray was directed at the intake valve.  This caused a "cleansing" of some of the oil that would run down the valve stem and prevent a buildup of carbon on the intake valve. With direct injection this "cleansing" does not occur.

Carbon buildup is noticeable by diminished performance, and in more extreme cases misfire faults. This is caused by air intake into the cylinders being restricted by carbon buildup. RMW has invested in BMW approved carbon removal equipment also known as a Walnut Shell Blasting. Carbon removal service can be performed in one day. Roundel Motor Werks recommends performing this service every 40,000 to 60,000 miles.

 

What about the 15,000 mile oil change?

BMWs have nearly always had extended oil life recommendations. New BMWs with "full maintenance warranty" limit free oil services to 1 per year or when the service indicator tells you - this averages around 12-16k miles. We believe the engine will not fail prematurely due to the extended miles on the oil; however, the long-term life of the engine might be extended if more frequent servicing is done.

It's very important to frequently inspect all fluids, belts, tires and hoses. A visit to RMW every 6 months or 6,000-7,500 miles to change the oil and filter, adjust tire pressures and perform a comprehensive inspection can save you money over the life of your BMW. It could also save you the inconvenience of a breakdown. Call us for an appointment.

 

Lifetime transmission fluid? 

Since 1993, BMW has been sealing automatic transmissions and recommending "no servicing for the life of the transmission". It is true that transmission fluids do not live in the same harsh environment as the engine oil, so extended services are reasonable. However, it may be more prudent to replace the transmission fluid and filter every 75,000 miles to provide additional assurance that the BMW owner will not experience transmission problems. As with most repairs, RMW can perform the transmission service the same day.

 

Brake fluid

The brake system of your BMW uses a DOT 4, glycol-based hydraulic fluid. This fluid is "hygroscopic" which means it will absorb moisture over time. This Moisture lowers the boiling point of the fluid and causes internal corrosion in the brake system.  Once the fluid reaches boiling point under heavy braking, moisture becomes steam. Steam is gaseous in form, which equates to air in the brake system meaning a "soft or spongy pedal" until it cools to under the boiling point where it returns to liquid again.

That's why the fluid should be replaced when brake repairs are done or every two years (regardless of mileage) as preventive maintenance. RMW uses a pressure bleeding system to ensure all of the fluid is replaced and no air is introduced.  

 

Coolant

The coolant in your engine serves three important purposes. One is to protect your engine from damage from freezing.  The second is to keep the engine cool, and here that is far more important. We all need to be cool, right? The third is just as important, and that is to protect the engine from corrosion. One specific measure of protection is pH. If you have ever had a swimming pool then you know about pH. pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Liquids with a pH less than seven are considered acidic, while those with a pH greater than seven are considered basic (alkaline). A pH of 7.0 is neutral (like pure water).

The coolant pH in your BMW started at 8.5 and after a couple years will dip into the 6 range. At this point it's doing more harm than good. Gaskets, hoses and seals are no longer being protected - they're being eaten! It's a slow process, but irreversible. It is very important to replace the coolant with the correct type every three years or so. At RMW we use the factory zero phosphate coolant and can replace it in about an hour.

 

Power Steering

The power steering fluid of your BMW is just as important as the coolant or brake fluid.

The fluid is used to assist the driver when steering, but just as importantly, it lubricates the steering gear that turns the wheels. It is pumped from its reservoir by a belt driven hydraulic pump through hoses and then to the steering gear. After the fluid passes through the gear it goes through more hoses to the cooler and then back to the fluid reservoir.

The absence of a filter can cause problems; if a pump or gear starts to fail, the debris is sent through the entire system, resulting in an expensive repair. The fluid, when new, helps condition the hoses and seals within the system. After time, the conditioners break down, resulting in hoses and seals that become hard and brittle.

Power steering hose replacements are among the most common BMW repairs. BMW has no recommended service interval for replacing the power steering fluid. At RMW we recommend changing the power steering fluid every 30k miles. Call us for an appointment.

 

 Brake System Service

Why original BMW brake parts?

Over the years we have tried many different variations of brake components on BMWs, and what we have learned is that the original brake rotors and linings perform better for street use than any other combination. The superior cold performance and lack of any noise or vibration makes them ideal for daily driving.

The only drawback to original equipment is the dark grey brake dust caused by the high carbon linings. After-market linings can cure the dust problem but quite often create other issues. A shaking steering wheel as you slow from freeway speeds, and even when not braking, can often be cured with BMW brake discs/rotors.

As the non-original rotors heat cycle from driving, they often become warped like an lp record. The BMW rotors are cast from very soft and porous steel; they dissipate heat very uniformly, and when the factory linings are used, the pores at the surface of the rotors collect and hold carbon from the linings to help adhesion and minimize vibrations (noise).

Ever notice the way the rotors on your BMW rust in what seems like minutes after a car wash? Also, sometimes squeaks can be heard during a rainy day. This is a result of washing the carbon away. Our recommendation is original brakes on your BMW unless you intend to compete. Remember to go easy on your new brakes for the first 200 miles. This will harden the lining materials and maximize the performance and longevity of the linings. Most brake jobs can be done the same day at Roundel Motor Werks. Call us for an appointment.

 

"At RMW, Our goal is to maintain and repair your BMW quickly and accurately without the costs and time associated with taking a vehicle to the dealer. We have invested in the factory service equipment to do so. We specialize in BMW, and know them well. Give us a chance and I know you will be satisfied." - Pat Martin, Owner