by Chris Keefer | Jan 24, 2011 | Independent Motorcars
The e46 M3 is actually one of the most reliable cars BMW has built in the last 10 years . . . Â unless you have the SMG option on your transmission of course. Â The first generation SMG (or Sequential Manual Gearbox) transmissions have not held up well over the long run and are starting to empty the pockets of their loyal owners. Â So if you are in the market for an e46 M3, stay clear of the SMG. Â If you currently have an SMG M3, this may be what you’re in for if you haven’t had the pleasure already.
(more…)
by Chris Keefer | May 31, 2008 | BMW Service, Shop Talk and BMW Advice
I feel as though my first duty to everyone is to get them on the right track as far as maintenance is concerned. Let’s talk about Oil Changes. BMW is now telling it’s customers that they only need to change their oil every 15,000 miles. DO NOT follow this maintenance schedule!!! You must change your oil every 5,000 miles, or twice a year if you put fewer than 10,000 miles on your BMW. My first encounter with the end result of this program came on a 2001 BMW 525it with 86,000 miles. It had a leaking valve cover gasket, so we removed the valve cover and uncovered what is now a growing problem:
(more…)
by Chris Keefer | May 31, 2008 | Shop Talk and BMW Advice
I began this blog in order that everyone can get a glimpse of what a BMW is all about. Throughout, I’ll be covering all years of BMW’s in order that everyone can take something from this and it’s not a waste of bandwidth. I am part owner of La Jolla Independent BMW Service, Parts and Restorations in San Diego. I’ve been around BMW’s for about 11 years and have been professionally working on them for the last 8 years. We are one of the National Technical Advisers for the BMW Car Club of America and we pride ourselves on top notch service, honesty and fair pricing. (more…)
