Whether you own a classic, late-model, or new BMW fresh off the factory floor, your car will need a tune-up at some point. Modern vehicles may not require the frequent servicing automobiles once did, but it’s still important to service your BMW based on manufacturer guidelines to help prevent major issues down the road. This typically means scheduling a tune-up every 30,000 miles for newer models, and every 10,000 to 20,000 for older models.

 

Aside from regularly scheduled maintenance, you should also be on the lookout for these signs that your BMW needs immediate service.

Difficulty Starting the Car

When your car’s engine fails to turn over, the issue could be related to the fuel pump, battery, or ignition, all of which are fairly minor problems that are easily diagnosed by an expert technician. If your BMW is slow to start but eventually turns over, don’t put off a service appointment. Leaving issues untreated can result in larger mechanical failures down the road.

Knocking or Pinging Sounds

Your BMW should never make a knocking sound. When drivers hear their cars knocking, especially when idling or accelerating, it’s a good bet that there’s a problem with the engine. Alternatively, a car that idles roughly could be alerting you to the fact that its spark plugs are failing, or that the gas you’re using doesn’t have enough octane. A general tune-up can often solve this problem, but knocking sounds usually indicate a serious issue that requires extensive diagnostics, meaning that you could be faced with additional repairs if other issues are uncovered. In fact, any unexplained noises coming from your car should be investigated.

Poor Gas Mileage

A BMW that once got great gas mileage but now suffers from poor fuel efficiency is in desperate need of a tune-up. A car doesn’t just lose fuel efficiency for no reason; it’s an indication that something is internally wrong with the vehicle. You may start to notice this if your car’s fuel consumption has gradually increased. Reduced gas mileage can indicate dirty or faulty spark plugs, fuel injection issues, and other problems. Bringing the car in for a tune-up will help improve your BMW’s overall efficiency and performance.

Stalling

Older vehicles tend to suffer from occasional or frequent stalling, which is a sure sign that you need to schedule an automotive servicing. Take note of when the car stalls. Is it always hot or cold outside? Is it only when the air conditioner is running? Is it after you’ve driven down the road a bit and come to a stop sign? These observations can help a technician pinpoint the problem, which is usually related to dirty connectors or faulty spark plugs.

Check your owner’s manual often to ensure you’re up-to-date on your BMW’s service schedule, and trust the experts at Dave Walter BMW to have your vehicle back on the road in no time. If you no longer have a paper copy of the manual, you can access the full range of service schedules online directly from the manufacturer.