Engine and Exhaust System

• Engine Repair
  Originally, while BMW was investigating the cause and correction of the ill fated V8, several different methods of repair were initiated. The first attempt was an e-prom reprogram to raise the operating temperature of the combustion chamber. In theory, the hotter burn would yield less residual sulfur and therefore lessen the problem. The benefits of this procedure proved to be negligible. The second attempt involved disassembly and repair of the engine by fitting new pistons and rings. After only a limited number of engine repairs, the idea was dismissed as not viable. The third attempted repair required short block replacement entirely. Unfortunately at that time, the real cause of the problem had not been completely diagnosed (as a means of keeping cars on the road). Short blocks were replaced with the identical type of Nikasil block. This is the reason you may see some cars that have had 2 and sometimes 3 replacement engines.
• Oil Change
  An oil change is more than just an oil change. We want to share with you, as a valued customer, the development of our policy to change your oil.
• Engine Tune-Up
• Exhaust System Repair
• Starter Repair
• Alternator Repair
• Engine Services
  Keep in mind the BMW service interval system uses a math model to infer the rate of oil degradation based on collected data. This software based maintenance reminder system is at best a prediction because it cannot directly measure the condition of the oil or detect the presence of contamination. Engine maintenance requirements can also be greatly influenced by ambient air conditions, fuel formulations and by the actual condition of the engine.
• Engine Diagnostic
• Spark Plug Replacement
• Emissions Inspection
  Although the definition of a tune up has certainly changed, the need for a well tuned engine has not. As of January 1, we have taken our first steps forward toward real emissions testing. Regretfully, the motorist choice emissions testing program is a watered down version of the failed I/M 240 program. Still your car will be required to pass an actual tail pipe exhaust analysis at idle and 2000 rpm.
• Timing Belt/Chain Replacement
• Fuel Injection Service/Repair
  Generally speaking, there are two approaches to restoring injector performance. On the car and off the car cleaning. I have utilized both approaches and come to the conclusion that the only effective operation is an off the car method. This requires the use of a fuel injection cleaning/flow bench. It is more labor intensive due to the fact that the injectors have to be removed from the engine, but it offers several important advantages. In this procedure, the injectors can actually be observed during operation for an accurate spray pattern. An ultrasonic bath is also used to dislodge deposits in the nozzle and body of the injector that normally resist chemical cleaning. As an aside, it is interesting to note that Bosch does not approve the use of chemicals to clean injectors such as that utilized in the on the car method. Additionally, the cleaning bench allows for back flushing of the injectors and a set of injectors can actually be flowed and matched for a particular engine.

Transmission and Drivetrain

• Transmission Service
• Clutch Service/Repair
• Differential Service/Repair

Steering and Suspension

• Suspension Service/Repair
  “How can my steering wheel still shake!” she exclaimed. “I’ve had the tires balanced several times and even had the alignment checked.” Does this sound all too familiar? This is one of the most common complaints I see, and unless properly addressed, can lead to expensive front end repairs, or worse, a loss of driving enjoyment from ones BMW. Her 1997 528i recently had new tires installed and thereafter developed a slight shimmy, nothing big, just an annoyance in the 50-60 mph range. 2000 miles later, the car had a full blown steering wheel shake. How can this seemingly simple job of mounting and balancing tires end up becoming such a problem situation? Simply put, there is a lot to having the job completed successfully. This article will point out some of the basic concepts involved in achieving the smoothest ride and longest term tire wear from your BMW. When diagnosing and correcting front end related vibrations, there are three major areas that must be investigated. These areas are steering and suspension components, tire and rim run-out, and tire and rim imbalance.
• Steering Service/Repair
  Power steering systems are regularly neglected, especially since BMW makes no provision for routine service. Take the top off any two year old M3 power steering reservoir and instead of nice red ATF (Dextron III) you will see burnt brown fluid. By the 3rd year it will have a grayish tinge to it from all the aluminum powder. By the 4th and 5th years you will develop an occasional cavitation sound from the pump because the filter is clogged. This lack of maintenance could also contribute to a steering rack leak from a side seal or at the very least, worn internal rack bushings.

Heating and Cooling

• Air Conditioning Service/Repair
  One final clogging problem for now: As everyone knows, the most efficient way to operate the air conditioning system in the hot, humid Houston climate is in recirculation mode. However, be aware that on some cars this can lead to a clogging problem with the integrated heating and air conditioning system (IHKA) internal recirculation filters. These IHKA filters are not to be confused with the external-air micro filters (which should be replaced at regular intervals as part of routine service). When these internal IHKA filters become clogged they impede air flow through the air conditioning system including the blower motor and final stage If no attention is paid to the IHKA filters the result will be a 12-hour job to remove the dash and replace a burnt out blower – all for the sake of two small filters. When you replace these original filters for the first time, especially if you have a pet that travels in the car, wear a mask and gloves because it won’t be pretty. You won’t believe what you’ve been breathing
• Radiator Service/Repair
• Radiator Flush
• Air Filter Replacement

Tires

• Tire Rotation
• Wheel Alignment
  A last item I consider part of the steering and suspension category is the overall alignment. Many times I have been asked to check the front end alignment because the steering wheel has a shimmy. From experience, I know that no amount of re-aligning the front end of your BMW will change the degree of steering wheel shimmy. A properly aligned car will help prevent a shimmy problem down the road by keeping tires wearing evenly but it will never correct the actual shimmy. This is definitely a cause and effect issue.
• Tire Replacement
  In addition to the manual task of dismounting/mounting tires there is also a technical aspect to the job that needs to be considered. Tire manufactures can be very specific with mounting directions for performance tires. Some tires require mounting so all the tires only roll in one direction. Some are designated with an inside or outside mounting position only and mostly all tires are marked for a specific valve stem to tire mounting position. With the introduction of Run Flats came the new EH2 rim design. This is a rim with an extra bead ridge on the inside of the rim to help retain the tire in position in the event of pressure loss. Proper mounting and care is required to ensure the tire is seated within the double bead surface. There are also Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors that can be destroyed or damaged during dismounting/mounting. Some sensors even have I.D. coding and must be installed in the correct order on the car.
• Tire Service
• Tire Balancing
  The Hunter 9700 is much more than just our wheel balancer. We consider this machine one of our more useful diagnostic tools. Prior to any wheel balancing, this machine is used to perform an array of tests that qualifies every tire & rim.

Brakes

• Brake Service
• Brake Fluid Service
• Brake Replacement

Exterior/Interior

• Body/Collision Repair
• Frame Repair
  Frame repairs, seat track wear repair, drive motor repair, new brass gear replacement, and cable modification
• Glass Repair/Replacement

Electrical and Electronic

• Lighting Services
• Battery Service
  If the battery was recharged and appears to have a good post to post no-load charge, then its time to find out how good it really is. After charging the battery, the artificial surface charge on the battery must be removed by applying a load to the battery. You can do this by simply reinstalling the battery and turning on the head lamps for two to three minutes. Disconnect the battery and recheck the post to post no-load charge. If 12.45 volts or higher is indicated, you are ready to load test the battery. Since an accurate battery load test requires a fairly expensive variable load tester, it is best to find someone to do this for you. Remove the battery from the car and transport it, preferably in a plastic container. (Note: A clean battery, void of acid build up or leaks, will always be appreciated by the testing facility. Also, remember that battery acid/corrosion eats through clothing and car interiors. This will also give you a chance to clean or neutralize the battery tray in the car). Any shop/store selling batteries will load test your battery, usually for free. Have the battery test performed with a load equal to one-third of the battery’s CCA. The test should last at least 10 seconds but no more than 15 seconds.
• Electrical Service/Repair
  A good plan for troubleshooting any poor cranking problem should start with a strong word of caution. Don’t jump to any conclusions. Too many times a battery is replaced only to have the starting problem return within the first week. Begin with the simple things first. Are there any visibly bad connections at the battery terminals, starter solenoid or ground connections on the engine block? Check to see that the alternator belt is not loose and therefore not providing a sufficient system charge. How about the condition of the battery terminals? Are the terminals coated with a build up of corrosion? Are the terminals secure? Is the battery filled to the proper level with electrolyte? Is the battery even the correct size and type for your BMW? Check the cold cranking amperage (CCA) rating of the battery and compare it to the recommended size listed in your owner’s manual. If all of these things are good, then you may simply have an old or weak battery. However, if the battery is relatively new (2 years or newer) and won’t crank the engine, you may be facing a number of gremlins that are causing the battery’s weakened state. Some examples might be an alternator or voltage regulator problem, a starter motor or starter bendix problem or the dreaded parasitic electrical system drain.
• Electronic Service/Repair
  The PPI goes deep into the car and its health to give buyers peace of mind. Inspections generally cost $400-$500 depending on the vehicle and its condition. This is the first step in making the right buying choice (“Is the car worth it or not?”). We will check for any evidence of flood and collision damage, perform electronics testing, and inspect numerous other points of interest. View our Pre-Purchase Inspection Sheet.

General

• General Repairs
  Our Houston BMW service and repair is independently owned, not a dealer. We offer more personal attention to each customer and their BMW.  Our BMW technicians have decades of experience collectively, and understand what it means to do have stellar workmanship.  We know how you feel about your BMW because we know how we feel about ours. Our goal will always be to ensure the long-term dependable ownership of your BMW. Our shop is not a “catch all†for German Auto Repair or European Auto Repair; our shop is dedicated to BMWs.
• Towing Service
• Auto Maintenance
  Here is what we recommend for our BMWs to take them through the warranty period – and beyond. Make sure you scroll to the bottom of this page to see the Additional Notes for Regular Scheduled Maintenance.
• Car Wash