by Chris Keefer | Jun 17, 2008 | Shop Talk and BMW Advice
This is my car, a 2000 BMW M5, which I love, except the fact that all M parts are extremely expensive, especially for the M5. The only other thing I dislike about it is that I have to measure my fuel consumption in ‘smiles per gallon’ as it gets about 12mpg around town and 22mpg on the freeway if I’m lucky. . .
 I’m going to fill up my tank this morning and I thought it would be fitting to speak about gas and your BMW. With the average price of regular gas in California sitting at around $4.57/gallon many are feeling the pinch, especially those who have long commutes or vehicles that are not fuel efficient. Luckily I only have a 4 mile commute, so I haven’t had too much to complain about. However, I’ve seen many BMWs complaining over the past few months about their owners choices in gas. BMWs have strict gasoline requirements, and this is what you want to know before deciding on your own that ‘regular should be fine.’ (more…)
by Chris Keefer | Jun 13, 2008 | BMW Service
If you are driving around right now and the words ‘Inspection -3458 miles’ shows up, chances are that you are due for a major tune up or Inspection II. This is another example of what I call the BMW language barrier. I grew up in New Jersey. In New Jersey when you need an ‘Inspection’ that means you’ll be heading to the local DMV testing station where they test your brakes, lights, and run an emissions test. In California, ‘Inspection’ means nothing, so many ignore it. What it should read is ‘Tune-Up.’  Some ‘places’ have an interesting philosophy as to what should be done during the Inspection II, these same ‘places’ also tell you that you only have to change your oil every 15,000 miles. So, what exactly constitutes a proper tune-up on a BMW?? (more…)
by Chris Keefer | Jun 9, 2008 | BMW Restorations
In recent years the restoration market has gone through the roof, especially in the American Muscle car category. Personally, aside from a 1965 Mustang fastback, I really am a die-hard BMW fan with a few old Ferrari cars mixed in. With all the hoopla on TV, the auctions, the car shows, etc, many people get into this world of ownership without having the proper knowledge about the car, or about the restoration process in general. If you are looking at an older BMW with the hopes of restoring it to a fine example of a car, this is what you need to know before buying that ‘candidate’ that needs everything.
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by Chris Keefer | Jun 5, 2008 | Independent Motorcars
One thing that I consistently witness is people buying used cars that they can afford the payments on, but cannot afford to maintain. The main problem is depreciation, and how it applies to BMW’s on a whole. Within 5 years, a 750Li will be purchased for nearly $90,000 only to be sold for a mere $25,000. The guy or girl that suffers is not the original owner — they obviously had plenty of money to be able to drive it off the lot and the loss won’t kill them. The big loser in all of this is the guy who saw the car at the San Diego Auto Show five years ago, and has wanted it ever since. It never fails.  A customer will come to the shop extremely excited about their new acquisition and I have the unpleasant duty to inform them that the car, while it looks shiny and new, needs over $3000 in repairs/maintenance. Hard pill to swallow.
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by Chris Keefer | Jun 4, 2008 | BMW Service, Shop Talk and BMW Advice
Right around the late 90’s BMW decided, for some reason, to change the ‘Check Engine’ light to read ‘Service Engine Soon’. One problem I have found on the consumer level is that most people see ‘Service Engine Soon’ and feel as though it is time for an oil change, which makes sense. Check Engine has been the standard for years throughout the automobile industry, so I’m not quite sure why they changed it, and I’m not going to call and ask.
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