by Admin | Jul 20, 2026 | Auto Mechanic, BMW |
When you take a trip on Highway 17 to Santa Cruz for your favorite weekend tradition, be aware the journey demands a lot from your vehicle. This stretch of road is famous for its steep grades, sharp curves and unpredictable traffic patterns. So, before you load up the Bimmer or van with beach gear and your family, do a thorough maintenance check.
What to Check Before Travel Day
Tire and Brake Integrity for the Santa Cruz Commute
The first priority should always be your tires. Because Highway 17 requires constant cornering, your tire sidewalls experience significant stress. Ensuring your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended cold pressure is vital for maintaining grip and preventing heat buildup. Under-inflated tires generate excessive heat when climbing steep hills, which can lead to a blowout at highway speeds.
You should also inspect the tread depth and look for any uneven wear patterns that might suggest an alignment issue.
While checking the tires, do not overlook the braking system. The descent back down the mountain puts immense pressure on your brake pads and rotors. If you feel a vibration in the steering wheel or hear a high-pitched squeal when slowing down, your brakes may be thin or warped. For Bimmers, using high-quality rotors and pads is crucial to prevent brake fade during long downhill stretches where heat management is most critical.
Consider the Powertrain
The climb toward the summit of Highway 17 is a true test of your vehicle’s powertrain. When a Bimmer or van is fully loaded, the transmission has to work much harder to find the right gear for the incline.
Transmission Maintenance for Steep Mountain Inclines
When the transmission is working harder, it generates internal heat that can degrade transmission fluid quickly. If your fluid is old or low, the transmission might hunt for gears or shift harshly, which can lead to expensive internal damage. Checking the health of your transmission fluid before a mountain trip ensures that the gears stay lubricated and cool under the heavy load of a mountain ascent.
Examine the Cooling System
Equally important is the cooling system. Some engines are designed to run at specific temperature ranges, and a steep grade in summer heat pushes those limits. A small cooling system leak that goes unnoticed during a flat commute across town can quickly become a major failure when the engine is under load. Check your coolant levels and inspect the radiator hoses for any soft spots or bulging. A fresh coolant flush with the correct spec fluid ensures that heat is moved away from the engine block efficiently.
By taking the time to verify these systems are in top shape, you can enjoy the drive to the coast with the peace of mind that your vehicle is prepared for the challenge.
by Admin | Oct 5, 2021 | BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG established its first dealership in the US in 1975, and it was a completely unknown brand at the time. Almost five decades later, BMW is one of the leading luxury brands in the US market. But how did it get to the current heights?
Premium Quality
The US, the second biggest market for BMW, is an important focus for the manufacturer’s decision-making process. It is the market for brand shaping, and that is apparent in the luxury, connectivity, driving dynamics, and contemporary design the model offers.
The vehicle that carries a circular blue and white logo has a reputation for quality, style, and class, and its cabin has so much quality that it resembles a premium lounge. The variety of technology, comfort and safety, and the resulting driving experience underscore why the vehicle is the favorite of so many in the country.
Variety
By 2015, the German automaker had a little over 100 models, with various engines, body styles, and sizes in the US. This variety ensures motorists don’t get bored and go to rival car makers such as Mercedes Benz, Lexus, and Audi. The massive spread of model lines is a skill that the brand has mastered, and this has made them competitive.
The automaker has invested massively in new models, and any current BMW owner that wishes to trade or whose lease has expired finds there are numerous upgrades to choose from.
Agility in Manufacturing
Building so many models within a short time is not for everyone. It requires a manufacturing system with sufficient agility and capacity, and BMW has excelled in this.
BMW has various plants worldwide, and several are in the US and are in a joint venture with others, such as SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers. This provides for better logistics and efficiency. The flexibility of BMW assembly lines necessitates cost-effectiveness, and they can manufacture new models easily and quickly. This manufacturing agility pays off through competitiveness in the US market.
by Admin | Jun 27, 2018 | BMW
Many BMW automobiles have been hacked by Chinese security researchers. In March of 2018, they discovered 14 points of vulnerability in many BMW models. These security flaws can allow a hacker to take control of your car while you’re driving it.
BMW Models Effected
The BMW models that were found to have up to 14 different vulnerabilities in the conducted research in March 2018 are the BMW i Series, BMW X Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series. The model years range from 2012 to 2018.
What Can Be Hacked
Some of the features that can be hacked in these cars are found in the cyber connected entertainment system. There were 8 different flaws found.
There were 4 flaws found in the Telematics Control Unit (TCU) which gives features like unlocking the car remotely, telephony service that lets you dial the phone or other features, and accident assistance.
The Central Gateway Module was found to have 2 different flaws. This module is sort of a brain that receives diagnostic messages for the car from the TCU and infotainment unit and sends them to other parts of the vehicle.
What It All Means
Some of these flaws allow a hacker to take control of the vehicle by exploiting the flaws to control the car’s electrical system. In a nutshell, a hacker could take complete control of your vehicle, whether you are driving it or it is sitting in your garage.
What to Do
Patches are being rolled out by BMW. You need to visit your BMW dealer in order to have the patch applied to your vehicle. Some of the patches are applied over the air, like the patch for the TCU unit, but others will require an appointment at your BMW dealer.
