We know the feeling. We’re driving along, the car seems a bit…off…and suddenly the dashboard in front of us lights up light a fireworks display. It’s telling us that something critical has occurred and perhaps something should be looked at. Quickly.
Computer systems in the modern car are very powerful and they have to be. There is the engine, the transmission, safety systems, the braking and accelerations systems, so if a car is taken past its scheduled service date, there is a great chance that something will have a glitch, or worse, fail.
However, being mechanical and electrical in basis, cars actually can and do have glitches even when serviced as per specification. There is a simple reason for this. As good as quality control can be, sometimes a microscopic something works its way into a brake disc or a conrod in the engine, and because they can’t be seen or serviced as easily, they may eventually fail.
One key factor to look out for is the way the car handles. Find a long, straight, flat, and quiet road with vision all around. Drive at the posted speed limit and let the car do the talking. Is it pulling to one side at a constant speed?
Press the accelerator. Does the car instantly respond? Or does it hesitate, become juddery and jittery, feeling as if not all cylinders are firing as they should? Look in the rear vision mirrors. Is there a smoke cloud behind the car?
Keeping hands on the wheel, press the brakes as you normally would. What kind of “travel”, as in how far down does the pedal go before there is a sensation of the brakes biting? Does the car track straight and true and have no noise, or does it pull to one side, is there a sound that shouldn’t be there?
SouthernBM’s experienced team can help here. The diagnostics are first class and specifically built to work with BMW vehicles. We can look at a BMW from the 1980s to a brand new luxury 7 Series, and work with you to identify those glitches that may creep in between your scheduled services.
SouthernBM is a specialist, independent, BMW service centre. Out technicians are trained to the high standards all BMW service staff are expected to reach. As such, we can look at servicing and maintenance, upgrades and repairs, pre-purchase inspections if you’re looking at buying or changing from one BMW to another, and more.
You can contact us by phone, email, or via our contact form on our website. We’ll discuss with you what you need to, provide advice and feedback, and will treat you and your car with the courtesy you deserve.
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Andrew Brien @ Southern BM has been helping me for years with my BMWs - he is extremely astute and has a refreshingly customer-first mentality. I trust him to do the best work and only the best!
Leo Ng
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I Bought my M Performance Brake Kit here and installed today. I got my oil changed. Love the service as always. I only bring my cars to this place eventhough I live in the north side of Melbourne.
Demmy Sung
Google Review
First time at Southern BM today and it won't be my last. Efficient and quality service as I'd expected at a much more reasonable price than a BMW Dealer. The only downside, you'll drop your car off and will end up drooling over the m3s and m4s out front!
Bobby Turner
Google Review
Soooo awesome. They certainly know their stuff and always look after me and my X5. you guys ROCK!
Susan Saric Adams
Facebook Review
Had the rod bearings on my E92 M3 replaced by SouthernBM, very happy with service and price, highly recommended. Many thanks!
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