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Car Care

10 Tips to Take Better Care of Your BMW

When you shop for a new car, you have dozens of makes and models to choose from, but owning a BMW is a unique experience. These marvelous examples of automotive engineering can last for decades if you care for them well. Here are 10 tips to help you take better care of your BMW:

1. Polish Your Headlights

No matter how well you care for your BMW, the plastic headlight covers fog up over time, which reduces visibility at night and in poor weather. Thankfully, all you need to polish your headlights is some abrasive headlight compound, a buffing wheel and any old electric drill. Apply the buffing compound and buff until the headlight is clear again. With a little effort, you’ve made your BMW safer.

2. Remove Any Salt Buildup

Salt buildup will be an issue in any location that uses salt to melt snow and ice from the roads during the winter. Salt and other de-icing chemicals can damage your BMW, encouraging rust and corrosion. If you’re driving on salted or treated roads, make sure you’re hosing off your undercarriage to remove any salt or chemical buildup. If this location is your permanent residence, you may even want to invest in an anti-corrosive undercarriage coating. 

3. Have Your Engine Checked

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that goes double for taking care of your BMW. Whenever you head into the shop for regular maintenance, have your engine checked to ensure everything is working correctly. Catching small problems before they cause your car to break down can save you a lot of money in the long run. 

4. Flush Your Brakes

When we think about our car brakes, we usually picture changing brake pads and having rotors turned. But unless there is a problem, we generally don’t think about the brake fluid that transmits that hydraulic pressure. Still, automotive manufacturers recommend flushing and changing your brake fluid every two years. You should do this because brake fluid readily absorbs moisture, which can damage your anti-lock braking system’s (ABS) components over time. 

5. Check and Rotate Your Tires

AC Schnitzer M3 Wheel

It sounds simple, but something as easy as checking your tire pressure can make a world of difference. Underinflated tires don’t grip the road as well as properly inflated ones. They also reduce fuel economy. Check your tire pressure weekly and schedule a tire rotation every 3,000-6,000 miles to ensure everything is wearing evenly. 

6. Flush and Fill Your Transmission

Your BMW dealer will tell you your transmission is a lifetime fill, meaning you never have to do anything with it. It’s a great excuse to sell you a new transmission. That’s why you might hear people complaining about how BMW transmissions tend to slip at 70,000 to 90,000 miles. Instead of spending thousands on a new drive train, flush your transmission and replace the filter every 50,000 miles to keep your BMW running smoothly. 

7. Change Your Oil More Often Than Recommended

Your owner’s manual likely recommends you change your BMW’s oil every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. This can allow carbon to build up on your intake valves, which can cause a whole host of different problems — especially if you drive or live in a hot climate. Instead, change your oil every 5,000 miles or so, especially if the temperature outside is climbing. 

8. Park in the Shade

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are awful for your BMW. They can damage both the interior and the exterior over time, causing all sorts of problems. Whenever possible, park in the shade. You may also want to protect your exterior with a UV-resistant wax for those times when parking in the sun is unavoidable. 

9. Be Picky About Your Fuel

It’s tempting to drive up to whichever gas station crosses your path when you need a fill-up, but if you want to protect your BMW, you need to be picky about your fuel. Only use reputable gas stations. Others can look great on the outside but may not mix their fuel correctly. Or, they may have dirty tanks that can cause more problems. 

10. Treat and Protect Your Interior

It doesn’t matter if you have leather, vinyl, fabric or some combination of the three in your BMW’s interior. You need to take care to treat and protect it. Look for products designed specifically for your interior type. Leather needs to be cleaned and conditioned to keep it from drying out and cracking. Vinyl needs to be protected, especially from UV damage. 

Cloth upholstery also needs to be cleaned — and a liberal coating of Scotch Guard won’t hurt if you regularly eat in your car.

Take Care of Your BMW, and It Will Take Care of You

A well-cared-for BMW will serve you for decades, no matter how many miles you put on it. Care for your BMW, and it will take care of you for many years to come.

Car Care, DIY

5 Things to Do After You Buy a BMW

Responsible for bringing the sports sedan to the masses, the blue and white roundel commands a respect that few other marques can match. Whether it’s your first or the next of many, buying a BMW is a reason for celebration. In addition, there are a few other things you ought to do.

People have been owning BMWs for quite some time, and while the brand has its fans and haters, you would be wise to listen to the advice of those who have come before you in the annals of BMW ownership.

1. Check for Recalls

BMWs are complex cars, and their engineering often pushes the limits of what’s currently doable. That makes them great to drive, but it can lead to catastrophic failure if a recall isn’t addressed. Speak to your local dealer and understand whether your car needs to have any major recalls addressed so that you can be comfortable owning it for a long time and eventually, selling it.

2. Get Some Driving Skills

Sitting down behind the wheel of a BMW can make you feel prestigious. It can also bring out the worst driver in you. Your fellow BMW owners would appreciate it if you don’t go pulling stunts that are more associated with the Mustang crowd, if you know what they mean. Consider attending a defensive driving school or getting a high-performance driving education, which will help you better understand the limits of your new car and how to explore them safely. Probably off of public roads.

3. Find a Good Mechanic

All cars break down at some point, and while there will always be people who claim that BMWs are unreliable cars, there are many others who’ve had good experiences with the marque. It’s true that the maintenance required to maintain a more premium car with advanced engineering, such as a BMW, is greater than that required by your garden-variety Skoda, finding a capable mechanic whom you trust will offset some of the costs that might come later in ownership. They’ll be able to advise you on the car’s maintenance needs early on.

4. Change Your Tires

Most cars these days run all-season tires that are hard and not designed for “spirited” driving. It’s also true that many owners neglect to change their tires when they’re worn down or past due for a change because of age. Dry and cracked old tires are just as dangerous as worn-out tires, and a set of good sticky summer rubber can really change the on-road behavior of your car. Invest in a good set so that you can enjoy driving your BMW from day one.

5. Drive It!

The Ultimate Driving Machine wasn’t made to sit around in your driveway. If you’re going to be a BMW owner, the best way to do it is behind the wheel of a BMW. These are great cars and cars that demand to be taken out and driven hard. Whether it’s eating up miles on an eye-opening road trip or helping you explore the nearest canyons (at legal speeds, of course), make sure you find some time to go and enjoy your new BMW. With a little attention, it’ll be with you for a long time.

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10 BMW Accessories For Man’s Best Friend

There’s nothing better than hitting the open road with your best friend. Even a short trip to the gas station is improved with a dog by your side. If you want to keep your pooch happy while on-the-go, check out the 10 car accessories for BMWs below.

1. Seat Belt

If your pooch rides shotgun, a dog seat belt is a must. It will prevent your pup from roaming around the car, which can be distracting and dangerous while driving.

A dog seat belt clips right onto a regular collar or harness. The other end snaps securely into the car’s seat belt buckle, just like your own.

2. Booster Seat

A booster or doggie car seat is a great way to keep your pooch comfortable on the road. The seat elevates your dog so he can see out the window, perfect for those with a Napoleon complex.

It’s also an ideal spot to take a nap. The seat is easy to install, able to strap to the front or back of a bucket seat.

3. Seat Cover

There’s nothing better than bringing your best friend along for a ride. However, if you want to preserve your BMW’s luxurious interior, invest in high-quality car seat covers.

Look for a durable material that prevents fading, scratches and trapped odors. Multi-layer designs made with polyester are both waterproof and easy to clean.

M3 30th Anniversary Interior

4. Seat Net

A seat net is exactly what it sounds like — a flexible net that extends behind your headrest to keep pets secure in the back seat. Fido can stay close, but you can also focus on the road without distractions. The net also doubles as a storage area, perfect for leashes, toys and portable water bowls.

5. Pet Barrier

Safety matters, even when you’re having fun. A pet barrier keeps dogs from jumping into the front seat. The adjustable steel barrier is easy to install, mounting to the back of the headrests with nylon straps.

Plus, a pet barrier means you no longer have to get stressed about paw prints or scratches on your BMW’s interior.

6. Travel Carrier

If you want to provide both comfort and protection for your pooch while on the road, invest in a quality travel carrier. Foldable travel crates made with water-resistant fabric and steel tubing are perfect for a ride in the BMW.

The crates are designed with mesh panels for ventilation and fasten in with a seat belt.

7. Pet Ramp

Pet ramps come in all shapes, sizes and designs. Free-standing ramps are an excellent choice for large dogs because they don’t need to be attached to a vehicle and can securely support the extra weight.

Carpeted ramps are best for dogs with long nails, gentle on the paws and easy to grip.

8. Trunk Organizer

If you plan to take any road trips with your best friend, a BMW trunk organizer is a must. You don’t have to worry about fumbling around in a mess, searching for the right item.

Instead, pack all of the essentials — including treats — in a neat, organized system. Most trunk organizers are customizable, with movable dividers to fit your needs.

9. Car Vacuum

We all love our dogs, but let’s face it — they’re hairy. When taking Spot on your next adventure, bring along a compact vacuum to keep your BMW’s interior clean.

A cordless, handheld model is handy for cleaning pet fur from car seats and carpet quickly. Look for a model with a car adapter to recharge while on the road.

10. Pet First Aid Kit

Keep your pooch safe while on-the-go with a pet first aid kit. Look for a kit that’s approved by the FDA and equipped with care essentials like gauze, antiseptic wipes, latex gloves and adhesive bandages. Supplies are easy to carry, best kept in your BMW trunk organizer or center console.

The skies are blue and the weather is warm. Why not hop in your BMW, put the windows down and hit the open road?

If you plan to bring your furry friend along, consider packing some car accessories like a travel carrier or a trunk organizer. Plus, don’t forget the portable vacuum to keep your car’s interior pristine.