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If you own a Mini Cooper, you know how much fun driving these little powerhouses can be. Between their unique design and undeniable strength, the Mini is surely a force to be reckoned with. Besides design and performance, the Mini is known for being reliable. When drivers keep up with its general maintenance, they can expect to keep their Mini on the road for years to come. Although the Mini is known for its strong performance and unique design, this vehicle still faces its fair share of issues. Front radiator support damage is one of the leading problems that Mini owners deal with. Since this vehicle is so compact in comparison to others, the slightest impact can have a drastic effect on not only its look, but its performance.
In order to address this issue, you must first understand what role the front radiator support plays, why damages ensue and how to fix them. Taking into consideration these details is key to keeping your Mini well-maintained. Let’s take a closer look in the article below.
What role does the front radiator support play?
Your engine works constantly to keep your car running. This makes it more susceptible to overheating. The radiator plays a vital role in keeping the temperature of your engine balanced.
The radiator support is what protects the radiator from damage, thus keeping the temperature of your engine regulated. When this important piece is compromised, it causes unnecessary damage to your engine. The radiator support keeps the radiator in place while connecting it directly to the engine. Much like a mount, this vital piece goes hand-in-hand with the radiators overall structure.
What causes radiator support damage?
Car accidents cause severe radiator support damage. This is especially prevalent when your Mini is struck from the front. Unfortunately, as durable as the Mini is, there’s not much protection between the exterior of your car and your internal engine. Because of this, the slightest amount of impact could result in catastrophic damage.
Next, internal leaks could cause damage to your radiator support. This piece is so close to oil sources underneath your hood. If this part is damaged by constant oil exposure, this could result in premature corrosion.
Signs of Radiator Support Damage
If your Mini was involved in a collision, it’s safe to assume your radiator support took a hit as well. If your Mini is able to be driven after an accident, drivers may experience consistent shakes, vibrations, or strange noises coming under the hood. This is especially prominent in older Mini’s, as they may not have the advanced protection to absorb impact as well as modern ones.
If your vehicle wasn’t involved in an accident, there are still signs that indicate radiator support damage. Since this piece is directly connected to your engine, trouble in this department could trigger your check engine light. Although it’s easy to ignore this issue and chalk it up to sensory problems, it’s best to take any flashing light seriously, especially on the Mini. Bring your car in for immediate servicing and let a trained mechanic take a look at it.
How to Avoid This Issue
Since damage done to this vital part occurs primarily from impact, it’s best to use extreme caution when driving to avoid an accident. While we can’t predict the future, we can take steps now to prevent accidents. Those include:
- Using a turn signal when driving
- Paying attention to all street signs
- Exercising caution when driving on the interstate
- Paying attention to the speed limit
Driving cautiously yet efficiently is key to keeping your Mini in excellent condition and avoiding radiator support damage. Paying extra attention to how others on the road are driving is also a wise way to avoid an unforeseen accident.
We Will Help
It is best to have a qualified mechanic on hand 
who is familiar with your Mini and what it needs to operate efficiently. The automotive experts of Group One Motorwerks are your best choice for Mini maintenance in Tucson, AZ. We will go the extra mile to make sure your Mini is driving efficiently for years to come. You will never have to worry about being pressured to purchase parts or services you don’t need. We have you covered.
Audi is irrefutably one of the best vehicles in the market in terms of performance. Over the years, the German manufacturer has made it their business to produce some of the most exemplary cars that offer luxury, comfort and excellent performance rolled into sleek and stylish automobiles. While the Audi is all this and so much more, it is also notorious when it comes to oil consumption. This is because most users testify to the fact that the car consumes a lot more oil than other cars would need to cover certain distances.
Fuel consumption varies from model to model, and for each of them there is an acceptable range that is considered to be normal. Engines have continued to evolve so that they require less oil in between changing periods even after covering several thousand miles. In many Audis, this may not be the case because many drivers constantly find that they have to top up their oil levels even before the recommended changing times. This is mostly experienced by Audis that have the 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines.
Why it Happens
Some of the main reasons why the engine in your Audi might be consuming excess oil include:
Wear and tear
As the engine components are almost always in motion as long as the car is in use, they are increasingly prone to wear and tear. This can happen faster than the manufacturer anticipated when recommending the servicing intervals. The most commonly affected parts include the spark plugs, the catalytic converter as well as the valves that control the amount of oil that is allowed into the engine.
Leakage
This can be as a result of the above mentioned wear and tear, or cracks in the engine components. If oil is not injected into the engine, it is probably leaking into other parts of the car and as a result burning from the overheated engine parts. Noticing pools of oil under your car when parked or smoke coming from under the hood all point to this problem. If the oil leaks, you will definitely need to refill it more often than the manufacturer recommended.
Excessive residue deposits
Over time, the continuous use of the car will lead to clogging in the exhaust of the car. This clogging results from the soil, dust particles and tiny stones that may find their way into the oil and form a slurry residue that blocks the valves. This blockage affects the flow of oil and compromises the overall fuel efficiency of the car.
Tips to Improve Oil Consumption
While it is correct to say that Audi drivers will more likely than not experience heavy oil consumption, they can still try to maintain lower oil consumption in their cars. This can be achieved by using chemical engine flush in the process of changing the oil. This will combine with old oil and dissolve the residue and ensure that all of it is removed during the change.
Once the engine is completely clean, adding a fuel system cleaner into the fuel tank will prevent the deposits that cause blockages from forming. By breaking down the deposits, the oil is able to be atomized and burnt efficiently. In addition, you can add friction-reducing additives in the engine to reduce the wear and tear. This will counter the friction that makes the components faulty, cause leakage, and reduce oil efficiency.
Go to the Pros
Keeping the engine well lubricated and free of residual blockage will go a long way towards ensuring that your Audi consumes acceptable amounts of oil to cover 
reasonable miles before needing a change. Increasingly topping up oil after driving over short distances can be a nightmare to the driver.
In order to prevent this, you need a genuine servicing partner that understands the needs of your Audi’s engine. This is because they will not only help you with the oil changes, but they will also put in measures that will go a long way to ensure that your Audi literally goes a long way before you require a top up of oil.
For Audi owners in and around Tucson, AZ, you no longer have to worry. This is because Group One Motorwerks has an experienced and dedicated team that is ready to sort out your engine problems and improve your car’s oil consumption. Give us a call today to get started!
If you know anything about leaks, you know that even the smallest leak results in complete drainage of the tank in a short amount of time. When the leak is in an automobile, the danger factor is extremely high. This issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
In luxurious cars such as Mercedes, keeping the transmission functioning well is not only essential for safety but also for enjoying a nice ride in a nice car. A transmission leak, however, can quickly cause the transmission to fail, so it is a problem that needs immediate attention. In this article, we will discuss transmission leaks and how to deal with them to stay safe on the road.
What is a transmission leak?
Transmission leaks are breaks in the transmission system which cause the transmission fluid to escape. Transmission fluid is a red or green liquid that acts as a coolant for the transmission. This fluid allows smooth shifting of gears.
When the transmission fluid leaks out, it can be easy to detect because it leaves a red or green pool under the vehicle. The more difficult part, however, is identifying the source of the leak. There are many parts to the transmission system, including the gasket, transmission pan, or seals, to name a few.
Causes of Transmission Leaks
Transmission leaks may be caused by a number of reasons, but they usually arise due to excessive heat and vibrations. These natural mechanical breakdowns wear down the seals and causes gaps to form.
In some cases, small rocks and other debris on the road can fly up under the vehicle and damage the transmission system. You may be very aware of any damage if you are driving in a rocky area or where road repair is occuring. In this case, you can take your car to a professional Mercedes repair shop relatively quickly for an inspection of your transmission.
Problems Associated with Transmission Leaks
Once a transmission leak occurs, a transmission failure is bound to ensue. Since the transmission leak slowly but steadily depletes the transmission fluid, there will eventually be no coolant left to keep the transmission functioning smoothly. This results in problems with gear shifting and therefore will cause the vehicle to lock in a gear.
Even before total transmission failure occurs, the leak will cause the transmission to not work properly since it is unable to cool fast enough. The gears may lock up and not shift smoothly, causing the vehicle to shake and rock severely upon accelerating. Needless to say, these rough movements may be very uncomfortable and may also lead to other problems in the vehicle as well, increasing the rate of transmission fluid leakage.
Dealing with Transmission Leaks
Although the presence of a transmission leak may be easy to detect, the specific location of the leak is much more difficult to find. Also, finding the leak is not easy because it requires cranking the vehicle up and inspecting underneath it to examine the transmission.
Sometimes, the leak may be occurring from inside the transmission, requiring one to open the hood and inspect each of the many parts of the transmission system, each of which may be contributing to the leak. For example, the leak could potentially occur in the transmission fluid lines, torque converter, pan gasket, transmission pan, or any of the seals that keep them locked up securely.
Since this process is not only difficult and dangerous, but also requires a lot of expertise, it is highly recommended to consult a professional. With something so intricate and important as your Mercedes’ transmission, there is no reason to risk further damage to your vehicle by making this a DIY project.
The Solution to Transmission Leaks
Given the severity of transmission leaks, it is imperative to get them 
checked out as soon as they happen. Not only is fixing a small leak much easier than a big one, but getting it fixed earlier will minimize potential damage to other parts of the vehicle as well. The leak will need to be corrected before complete transmission failure occurs, so it is much better to get it fixed earlier rather than later.
If you think you have a transmission leak and want to get it examined, visit Group One Motorwerks in Tucson, AZ, where we provide the professional experience from trusted specialists. We are all you need for your Mercedes vehicle needs.
Driving a BMW is a luxury. They are vehicles that set very high standards. When you own a BMW, you know that it will be of top quality and last for a very long time, as long as the proper maintenance and repairs are kept up. One part of your BMW that plays a huge role is the clutch. Below you will find information on what the clutch is and how to repair it if you need to.
What does the clutch do?
If your BMW is automatic, then one of the most important parts of your vehicle is the clutch. In order for you to successfully drive your automatic BMW, you have to have a clutch that is working properly.
The clutch is the mechanism that communicates between the engine and the wheels. The clutch tells the engine and the wheels when it is time to engage with each other and disengage from each other. In order for your BMW to shift into the next gear, the engine rotation has to be disconnected from the wheel rotation and the clutch is the part that allows this to happen.
In order for the clutch to function properly, there are many different nuts, bolts, and screws that all have to work together. The 4 main parts that make up the clutch that you should be aware of are the throw-out clutch bearing, clutch disk, flywheel, and the pressure plate.
Signs the Clutch is Failing
The clutch in your BMW is crucial if you are going to keep driving. Over time, it is possible that the clutch can wear out. There are certain signs and symptoms that you should be aware of that will indicate to you that the clutch is starting to fail.
The first sign is going to be a grinding or squeaking noise. You will hear the grinding noise as you are attempting the shift gears. The squeaking noise comes from the pedal. As you engage the pedal, if it squeaks, then you will know that there is an issue with the clutch.
In addition to the pedal squeaking, the pedal can also begin to feel different. This could mean anything from the pedal vibrating to the pedal sticking to the pedal feeling loose. Any one of these will alert you to the fact that there is an issue with the clutch.
Another sign that you should be aware of that will indicate to you that there is an issue with the clutch is if the gears are slipping or if you are having trouble shifting. Both of these signs are very common in BMWs, especially as the vehicle ages. Once you become aware of this sign, it is extremely important to repair the clutch yourself or take your BMW in for servicing immediately because this can cause damage to the transmission and the engine.
How to Repair the Clutch
If you are handy with tools and need to replace the clutch due to one of the issues previously mentioned, then the following steps will walk through how to do it.
- Make sure your BMW is in a secure position. This will keep you safe as you are working on it. Then you can properly lift your BMW with a jack to hold it in place.
- In order to get to the clutch, you need to remove the transaxle. To make it easier for you to remove, then disconnect the clutch cable and also the positive battery cable because these cables will be slightly blocking the transaxle.
- Unbolt the engine mount because you will need to remove at least one of the engine mounts in order to completely remove the transaxle. The transaxle can be removed by unbolting the flywheel housing and then gently pulling it away from the engine.
- After the transaxle is out, you will be able to take the clutch out by unbolting the pressure plate. It is here that you will also want to thoroughly inspect the flywheel to ensure there are no hot spots and make sure it is clear of all grime and debris.
- Replace the flywheel and then put in the new clutch.
- Reinstall the transaxle and slowly release your BMW from the jack.
- The last step is to test the clutch to ensure that any and all issues have been repaired.
Servicing Your BMW for Clutch Issues
Changing the clutch on your own can be a difficult job if you 
are not familiar with all the parts. If there is a hint of doubt, then you will want to bring your BMW in for servicing at Group One Motorwerks. We are located in Tucson, AZ.
We will run a thorough diagnostic on your BMW to locate the exact part that is causing your clutch to need to be repaired. Our trained technicians will then go over with you what they recommend, and upon your approval, the clutch will be repaired using the best and newest parts without you having to pay dealership prices for them. We will always make sure that you leave our shop satisfied and with a completely fixed clutch.
Any type of vehicle failure is very serious and can even be fatal. Learning about engine mount failure is essential to understanding when a vehicle needs attention to maximize safety and comfort on the road. For luxury cars such as a MINI, engine mount unbalance may result in extremely loud and uncomfortable car rides. A complete engine mount failure may be very dangerous, especially on the highway. Here is what you need to know about engine mount failure and where to go for help.
What is an engine mount failure?
Just as the name suggests, the engine mount is an attachment that serves the purpose of mounting the engine to the body of the vehicle so that the engine does not simply bounce around and fly out of the car. The engine mount is usually made from metal and rubber parts, so that the metal absorbs the main brunt of shock while the rubber softens the vibrations. Together, they act to reliably protect the engine while also making the ride more comfortable for the driver and passengers.
Like everything else, however, complications may arise where the engine mount is not functioning properly and the engine is allowed more freedom to move around. An engine mount failure refers to the fault when the engine mount is no longer able to sufficiently keep the engine in place. As expected, there are many dire consequences that stem from engine mount failure that need to be addressed. Some of these can be catastrophic for the vehicle.
Problems Associated with Engine Mount Failure
When the engine is no longer mounted properly, it is able to bounce around in the engine bay more strongly. This results in a greater amount of force being placed on the body of the car, resulting in heavy vibrations shaking the entire vehicle. Not only does this make the ride very uncomfortable, but it also can make loud banging noises that are not exactly pleasing during the car ride.
Furthermore, the excessive shaking of the engine and, in severe cases, banging against the walls of the engine bay result in engine damage. Over time, this may lead to other engine complications such as oil leaks, which then contributes to the breakdown of other vehicle parts. Clearly, engine mount failure quickly results in damage all parts of the car, so it is important to fix it as soon as possible.
Dealing with Engine Mount Failure
Given the inherent complexity of the engine mount being under the engine and attached to the body of the car, it is extremely difficult to remove the engine and fix or replace the engine mount by oneself. Also, detecting the specific cause for the engine mount failure is very difficult, so replacing the entire part by a professional mechanic is highly recommended.
First, the engine must be detached from the engine mount so that the engine mount can be easily visible and worked on. After that, the engine mount itself must be detached from the body of the vehicle and either fixed or replaced. However, this is very complicated because extra care must be taken so that the engine does not come into contact with other parts or the inside walls to avoid unnecessary damage.
Finally, the engine mount should be properly removed to avoid damage to the chassis of the car and securely replaced with a good one. When securing the engine mount and inserting the engine, it is of utmost importance again to take maximum care to avoid damage to the engine mount, the engine, and other parts. For the best results, professional advice should be consulted.
The Solution to Engine Mount Failure
Engine mount failure is a serious problem that needs 
to be dealt with appropriately. If you suspect your engine mount might not be working correctly and want to get it checked out, visit Group One Motorwerks in Tucson, AZ, where they offer years of expertise regarding engine mount failures for all your automobile needs. Their specialists provide excellent customer service as well as professional comprehensive auto maintenance, so you can feel assured that your vehicle will be treated well and you can drive safely!
The Porsche is a high-performance vehicle, meaning you likely bought yours with high expectations. From superior handling to impressive power from under the hood, Porsches are known for giving drivers a fantastic experience. It is understandable, then, why you might be frustrated and disappointed when something goes wrong with your Porsche.
While Porsches are certainly highly engineered vehicles, made with only the finest German parts, they are sadly not immune to problems that all vehicles encounter over time. One issue that may pop up as your Porsche ages is a fuel pump leak. Below, we’ll take a look at why fuel pumps are so important and how to take care of yours when it develops a leak.
What is a fuel pump?
The fuel pump does pretty much what it says on the tin — it pumps fuel from your gas tank to the engine. Obviously, no matter how great your Porsche’s engine is, if it’s not getting fuel, you’re not going to get anywhere. The fuel pump is an integral part of the vehicle’s internal combustion system, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any problems with it as you’re driving.
Symptoms of Fuel Pump Problems
If you notice any of the signs below, your fuel pump may be experiencing problems:
Engine sputtering
If you find your engine sputters occasionally while you’re driving, especially when you’re pushing at a consistently high speed, this may be a sign that the fuel pump is struggling to maintain the proper pressure.
Overheating
While coolant is the main fluid that keeps the engine cool, fuel also plays a role. If your engine is overheating, it could be because there isn’t enough fuel flowing through the engine.
Power Loss
In addition to sputtering when you’re going fast, you may find your engine struggling to provide the power needed to climb hills or pull heavier loads.
Surging
In what is the opposite of surging, irregular pressure in the fuel pump can cause your car to suddenly surge forward, which can be rather dangerous on crowded roads.
Poor Gas Mileage
When a fuel pump is leaking, you’re losing precious fuel that you paid for! When you notice your car is getting poor gas mileage, that may be a sign of a failing fuel pump.
Failure to Start
If the problems with your fuel pump progress too far, you may find your vehicle unable to start at all.
Fixing a Fuel Pump Leak
While routine servicing can help prevent fuel pump leaks, it’s important to know how to tackle the problem in case it ever arises. Luckily, a fuel pump leak does not always mean a total part replacement is required. In some cases, such as when the leak is coming from the level sensor, line connector, or one of the outer gaskets, that one piece can be replaced to resolve the issue, saving you the cost of an entirely new fuel pump. However, it is often difficult to determine the exact location of the leak, especially in cases like the level sensor, which is surrounded by other parts, so sometimes full replacement is easier when it comes to labor.
If the leak is coming from the pump itself or from the ring gasket, which is supposed to be sealed into the pump, then you will need to replace the whole pump. It is important to remember that Porsches are built to very specific parameters, meaning it is essential to replace the pump with OEM parts. That also means that replacing the fuel pump in a Porsche is a bit different from what you may have seen in other vehicles, making it important to rely on a trusted mechanic with extensive knowledge in German vehicles.
Group One Motorwerks
When you have problems with the fuel pump in your 
Porsche, Group One Motorwerks is here to help. Conveniently located in Tucson, AZ, our mechanics specialize in German auto repair, so you can rest easy knowing your Porsche is in good hands. If you live or work in or around Tucson, call or stop by today to speak with one of our experts on how we can help get your Porsche back up to the performance standards you expect.
The quality of fuel in the engine of a car plays a major role in ensuring that the vehicle posts nothing short of an excellent performance. With the level of engineering that goes into the design and manufacture of the Mercedes engine, it is very important to have an efficient fuel system with a properly-functioning fuel tank screen filter. Having good quality fuel in the engine will also prevent damage from coming to the engine components. This is where the fuel tank screen filter comes in.
What does the fuel tank screen filter do?
The fuel tank screen filter is a small component that is located within the engine for the sole purpose of filtering out fuel before it is let into the internal combustion chamber. Through filtering the fuel, the fuel tank screen filter prevents the engine from contamination by trapping any unwanted substances and allowing only the pure fuel to get into the engine.
In the course of driving, unwanted substances such as dust, sand, and tiny stones and debris can sometimes find their way into the fuel. If these substances somehow find their way into the combustion chamber, they can present a number of performance-related problems, and worse, completely damage the engine of your Mercedes. This can be a very unfortunate situation because performance is at the top of the appealing characteristics of the Mercedes.
The fuel tank screen filter in your Mercedes can easily develop problems of its own. The main reason behind some of these problems is clogging of the filter. This happens naturally over time, depending on the quality of driving as well as the conditions of driving. The debris that finds its way into fuel can become too thick and may completely clog the filter, especially if the car is not serviced as often as it should be.
Symptoms of fuel tank screen failure
When the fuel tank screen develops problems, there will be a few symptoms pointing to the fault. Some of these symptoms include:
- The engine of your car will misfire because of the inconsistency in the amount of fuel that gets into the fuel injectors. This inconsistency will cause the ignition to misfire, especially if you are carrying a heavy load or driving uphill.
- Your car may experience significant loss of power when accelerating. Acceleration requires more fuel to be injected into the combustion chamber. A clogged fuel tank screen filter limits the flow of this fuel into the injectors.
- The check engine light on the dashboard will come on to indicate the loss of power in the engine due to insufficient fuel getting to the injectors. The engine of your Mercedes will also slip into limp mode to protect the engine from damage.
How To Maintain The Fuel Tank Screen Filter
The only sure way to ensure that the fuel tank screen filter in your Mercedes remains in perfect working condition is by maintaining a strict servicing schedule. In the servicing process, you should ensure that your technician examines the screen filter to ascertain that it is in perfect condition. This way, they will be able to identify any signs of fault and apply the necessary corrective measures, which often is a replacement.
In addition, you should also adhere to the quality of fuel 
that has been recommended by the manufacturer for your Mercedes. This will ensure that the fuel getting into the injectors is of good quality, which will in turn minimize blockage of the fuel tank screen filter. It is also very important to only enlist the services of a technician that has abundant knowledge and experience in dealing with the Mercedes. This will ensure that your car gets very specific care, as opposed to generalized services which may not improve the longevity of your engine.
If you notice any signs of fuel tank screen filter failure in your car, you should immediately take it into a reputed Mercedes repair shop and have a specialist look into it. This should be done as soon as possible in order to minimize damage in the engine that may quickly degenerate into complete stalling.
Group One Motorwerks has extensive experience servicing Mercedes automobiles. We are experts in the repair and replacement of Mercedes fuel tank screen filter problems in Tucson, AZ. We will gladly come to your rescue as soon as you give us a call.
* Mercedes-Benz W176 A-Class image credit goes to: DarthArt.
Driving a MINI is fun and exciting. They are uniquely designed both inside and out. They also have an engine that is built to perform. As your MINI begins to age and gets older, there may be some parts that need to be maintained or replaced. One of those parts is the spark plugs. They are essential in keeping your MINI running properly, so they are parts that you should keep new and fresh at all times. Below you will find out more about the purpose of the spark plugs and the signs to look for that will point to them needing to be replaced.
What are Spark Plugs
The spark plugs are electrical plugs that fit into the cylinder heads serve two primary purposes. The first purpose of the spark plug is to ignite the fuel and air mixture. In order for this to occur, an electrical current travels through the spark plug and voltage is created. That electrical spark creates what is used to ignite the fuel and air mixture in the combustion chamber.
The second purpose of the spark plug is to remove heat from the combustion chamber. The spark plug has to keep the combustion chamber at a low enough temperature so that pre-ignition does not occur but high enough to ensure that the fuel and air mixture does not foul.
Part of this second purpose also means that the spark plug is responsible for pulling the excess thermal heat from the combustion chamber and transferring it to the engine’s cooling system.
Signs Indicating the Spark Plug Needs to be Replaced
In order to keep the engine of your MINI functioning properly, the spark plugs will need to continual close monitoring, especially if your MINI is on the older side. Below are a few signs that will indicate to you that there may be an issue with the spark plugs:
The Check Engine Light Comes On
When it is time for the spark plugs to be replaced, the check engine light is going to illuminate or it will begin to flash. This will be caused by the spark plugs misfiring. The misfiring can lead to uneven power when accelerating, rough idling, and an increase in emissions from the exhaust. One of the ways to avoid misfiring spark plugs is by adhering to the guidelines in the manual about when the plugs should be replaced.
Your MINI Does Not Accelerate Quickly
After you have had your MINI for a good amount of time, you know and understand how your vehicle responds to the commands you give. These commands include accelerating and braking. When the spark plugs need to be replaced, your MINI will no longer accelerate as quickly as it used to. This will be evident to you because it will be a noticeable change. Your MINI will accelerate in a sluggish fashion. You definitely do not want this potentially dangerous issue to continue, so as soon as you feel your MINI struggling with acceleration, you know that it probably has to do with the spark plugs and you should have it serviced right away.
Getting Gas More Frequently
The gas mileage is going to be the last indicator before the spark plugs in your MINI completely fail. You will notice that you are getting less gas mileage than normal. When the spark plugs are failing, they are not able to effectively burn the fuel that is going to the engine. The fuel consumption will increase, which means that you will have to purchase gas more often than normal.
Repairing the Spark Plugs of Your MINI
As previously mentioned, the spark plugs are essential parts of 
the functionality of your MINI. When you begin to notice one or more of the above signs, you should take your MINI in for servicing.
Conveniently located in Tucson, AZ, Group One Motorwerks will be able to provide you with the best German car servicing around. You will be able to bring your vehicle to one of our many trained technicians for a thorough inspection that will be tailored to you and your vehicle’s unique needs. Once the specific spark plug problem has been identified, we will consult with you about replacements at dealership quality but without dealership cost.
BMWs are known for their high standards of excellence and quality, but being designed with such unique precision means that your BMW is prone to unique issues. To properly care for your BMW, it’s important to understand its potential problems and what you can do to fix them. It’s especially important when having trouble with your BMW’s VANOS system.
What is VANOS?
VANOS is a variable lift and timing system. It is unique to BMWs and integral to your car’s function because it controls the way your camshaft moves. It does this by changing the position of the intake camshaft, which allows your car to maximize its power and use less gas in so doing.
Compared to some of the BMW’s flashier features, you may not give much thought to the VANOS, but it’s actually one of the main features that makes your BMW the awesome ride it is. Without the VANOS, you would have a much less impressive MPG rating, and your ride wouldn’t be nearly as smooth. The VANOS system helps maintain power in the engine with minimal gas usage.
What Causes VANOS Failure?
Because BMWs are so finely tuned, little things can aggravate their electronic systems, leading to system failure. And because the VANOS system is one of the BMW’s most finely tuned features, it’s especially prone to failure. Minor failures like engine leaks, system malfunctions, and the stress caused by everyday wear-and-tear can cause VANOS to fail.
Symptoms of Problems in Your VANOS System
So, how can you tell if your VANOS is failing? One of the first signs you may notice is a decrease in overall vehicle performance and driveability. The engine may be louder while idling and your ride might feel bumpier than usual. The torque will also decrease, as the torque and VANOS are intricately connected.
How to Carry Out VANOS Repair
If you’re interested in fixing the problem yourself, you’re not alone. DIY car repair is a popular interest these days and a lot of people are interested in saving money and brushing up on their skills by repairing their cars at home. So, if you want to try fixing your VANOS system, here are some things you need to know:
- Turn your car off first and give it a lot of time to cool down. You want your vehicle’s engine to be completely cold when you start working, because the engine being too hot can both cause problems with installation and be unsafe for you. So, avoid potentially severe burn injuries and make sure the car is cold.
- Next, you’ll want to remove the engine covers as well as the cooling fan to give you access to the VANOS system.
- Once that step is completed, remove the vent hose as well. It’s important to remember- especially with this step- that handling each of the parts gently is critical. Failing to handle any of the parts with care can cause the hose to break in half.
- Next, remove the coil harness and then remove the coils. This step will expose the valve’s cover.
- Now that you can access it, you’ll want to remove the valve cover. Removing it will let you get to the electrical connectors (which control the VANOS), the oil hose, and the engine lift bracket. Now you have access to the VANOS system’s parts.
- Remove the VANOS system along with all of its associated cover and seals.
- Replace all of the seals with new seals, then replace or refit the old VANOS system in place.
Group One Motorwerks
If you’re in the Tucson area and 
want your BMW to benefit from the care and attention of trained professionals, Group One Motorwerks is here to be of assistance. Founded as a family business in 2005, Group One Motorwerks has continued to maintain its legacy as a cutting-edge repair shop that specializes in top-notch customer service. With an exclusive focus on European vehicles and a dedication to honesty, integrity, and customer satisfaction, no matter what’s wrong with your BMW, Group One Motorwerks can help. Call or stop by today so we can help you get your BMW back on the road as soon as possible with the smooth, comfortable drive you expect from a vehicle of that caliber.
* BMW F26 X4 image credit goes to: DarthArt.