Get expert answers to the most common BMW repair and maintenance questions. Learn about diagnostics, service intervals, and repair costs from certified mechanics at TP Auto Repair.
How to Fix Error Code P0175: System Too Rich (Bank 2) Error code P0175 means your engine’s computer has detected that the air-fuel mixture on Bank 2 is running too rich (too much fuel, not enough air); you fix it by diagnosing and correcting issues such as a dirty MAF sensor, leaking fuel injectors, high …
What Type of Oil Does a BMW 650i Take? A BMW 650i typically requires high-quality, full synthetic engine oil that meets BMW’s Longlife specifications—most commonly 5W-30 or 0W-30 (for many earlier models) or 0W-30/0W-40 (for some later models)—with the critical requirement that it is approved to a BMW LL specification such as BMW LL-01 or …
What Size Wiper Blades for the BMW 6 Series? Most modern BMW 6 Series models use a longer driver-side and a shorter passenger-side wiper blade, typically around 24–26 inches on the driver side and 18–20 inches on the passenger side, but the exact size depends on the model generation and body style. Checking your specific …
What Transmission Fluid a 2001 BMW 325Ci Uses The 2001 BMW 325Ci (E46) with the GM 5-speed automatic typically uses Dexron III–spec automatic transmission fluid (ATF), while the manual transmission uses a specific BMW MTF (often LT-1/LT-2). However, exact fluid type depends on the transmission variant and what is printed on the transmission ID tag, …
How Much Is a Battery for a 2007 BMW? A replacement battery for a 2007 BMW typically costs between $180 and $450 in the United States, including parts and, in many cases, programming or “registration” to the car’s computer. The final price depends on the exact BMW model, the battery type (AGM vs. flooded lead-acid), …
What Kind of Oil Does a 2008 BMW 750Li Take? A 2008 BMW 750Li typically requires full synthetic engine oil that meets BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specifications, most commonly in a 5W-30 or 5W-40 viscosity. This ensures proper lubrication, protection, and performance for the N62 V8 engine used in that model year. Understanding the 2008 BMW …
How to Check the Coolant Level on a 2005 BMW X5 To check the coolant level on a 2005 BMW X5, you must locate the coolant expansion tank in the engine bay, open it only when the engine is cool, and verify that the coolant reaches the “KALT/COLD” level marker or float indicator. This routine …
What Kind of Battery Does a 2014 BMW X3 Take? A 2014 BMW X3 typically uses an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) 12‑volt battery, group size H7 (also known as 94R), with around 80–105 Ah capacity and at least 720+ CCA, and it must be properly registered (and coded if type changes) in the vehicle’s computer …
What Kind of Oil a 2011 BMW 335i Uses A 2011 BMW 335i requires a full synthetic engine oil that meets BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specifications, typically in viscosity grades like 5W-30 or 0W-40, with 5W-30 being the most common factory-recommended choice in many markets. Below is a detailed breakdown of what that means, why it …
How to Tell If Your BMW’s Fuel Pump Is Failing You usually know your BMW’s fuel pump is going bad if the car struggles to start, hesitates or stumbles under acceleration, loses power at high speeds or under load, or suddenly stalls—especially when the fuel tank isn’t empty. Modern diagnostics (fault codes, fuel pressure tests) …
2018 BMW X5 xDrive35i AWD: Full Specs and Key Details The 2018 BMW X5 xDrive35i AWD is a midsize luxury SUV powered by a 3.0‑liter turbocharged inline‑six engine (300 hp, 300 lb‑ft), paired with an 8‑speed automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all‑wheel‑drive system. It seats five (optional third row to seat seven), delivers an EPA‑rated …
How to Change a BMW 328i Tail Light Bulb To change a BMW 328i tail light bulb, you generally access the light assembly from inside the trunk, remove the bulb holder, swap the faulty bulb with a correct replacement, and reassemble everything carefully; the exact steps vary slightly by model year (E90/E92, F30, etc.), but …
Does BMW Need Special Brake Fluid? BMW does not require a completely unique, proprietary brake fluid, but it does require high-quality DOT 4 fluid that meets specific BMW standards (such as BMW LL-01 “low viscosity” specs on newer models). In practice, that usually means using OEM BMW-branded DOT 4 or an equivalent premium DOT 4 …
Can I Still Drive With a Bad CV Axle? You technically can sometimes drive for a short distance with a bad CV axle, but it is unsafe, can fail without warning, and may cause more expensive damage. In most cases, experts advise minimizing driving and repairing or replacing the axle as soon as possible, especially …
How Much Is a Head Gasket for a 2011 BMW 328i? A replacement head gasket itself for a 2011 BMW 328i typically costs between $80 and $300 for the part, but the total repair bill, including labor and related components, usually ranges from about $1,800 to $3,500+ in the United States, depending on where you …
Is Replacing a CV Axle Expensive? Replacing a CV axle is moderately expensive for most drivers: in 2025, you’ll typically pay around $200–$450 per axle at an independent shop, and $350–$800 or more at a dealership, depending on your vehicle, location, and parts quality. Labor usually makes up about half the bill. What a CV …
Can You Use WD-40 to Clean a MAF Sensor? No, you should not use standard WD-40 to clean a mass airflow (MAF) sensor. It can leave residues, damage delicate components, and cause incorrect readings. Instead, use a dedicated MAF sensor cleaner or an appropriate electronics-specific cleaner that explicitly states it is safe for MAF sensors. …
What Size Battery Is in the 2005 BMW X3? The 2005 BMW X3 typically uses a Group 48 (also known as H6 or L3) 12-volt automotive battery, with cold cranking amps (CCA) generally in the 680–800 CCA range, though exact specifications can vary by engine and climate package. Below is a detailed look at the …
What Size Wiper Blades for a BMW 328i? Most BMW 328i models use a 24-inch driver-side wiper and a 19-inch passenger-side wiper, but exact sizes can vary slightly by generation and body style, so checking your specific model year is essential. Why Wiper Blade Size Matters for the BMW 328i The BMW 328i, across its …
How Much Is a 2007 BMW 750Li Worth Today? A 2007 BMW 750Li in the U.S. is typically worth between $3,500 and $9,000 as of late 2025, with most real-world transactions clustering around $4,500–$7,500 depending on mileage, condition, location, and maintenance history. Values can be lower for neglected examples or higher for exceptionally clean, low-mileage, …
Can You Drive With a Broken Brake Sensor? Yes, you usually can still move the car with a broken brake sensor, but it is not considered safe and should only be done for short, carefully controlled trips (for example, directly to a repair shop). A faulty brake sensor can reduce braking performance, disable safety systems …
What Oil Does a 2004 BMW 330i Take? A 2004 BMW 330i is designed to use high-quality synthetic engine oil that meets BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specifications, typically in 5W-30 or 0W-40 viscosity, with a capacity of about 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) including the filter. This choice is critical for protecting the M54 inline‑six engine, ensuring …
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a BMW Coolant Reservoir? Replacing a BMW coolant reservoir typically costs between $250 and $650 in the United States, depending on the model, year, and whether you choose an independent shop or a BMW dealership. That figure usually includes both parts and labor, though DIY replacement can cut …
Where the Fuel Pump Is Located on a BMW X5 The fuel pump on most modern BMW X5 models is located inside the fuel tank, accessible from under the rear seat via service access panels rather than from underneath the car. This in-tank electric pump design is common across BMW’s X5 lineup, though exact access …
What Kind of Oil Does a BMW 750i Take? The BMW 750i typically requires a full-synthetic engine oil that meets BMW Longlife specifications (most commonly BMW LL-01 or BMW LL-04) in a viscosity such as 0W-30, 0W-40, or 5W-30, depending on model year, engine variant, and local climate. To be precise, owners should always match …
How Many Quarts of Oil Does a 2014 BMW X5 Take? A 2014 BMW X5 typically takes between 6.9 and 7.0 quarts of engine oil (approximately 6.5 liters), but the exact capacity depends on the engine variant. Understanding which engine you have is essential to determine the correct oil volume and specification, ensuring proper lubrication, …
What a 2002 BMW 325i Is Worth Today A 2002 BMW 325i typically sells today for roughly $3,000 to $8,000 in the U.S., with most clean, running examples falling in the $4,000–$6,000 range. That spread depends heavily on mileage, maintenance history, condition, options, and whether the car appeals to BMW enthusiasts in your local market. …
What Kind of Battery Does a 2011 BMW 328i Take? The 2011 BMW 328i typically uses a Group 94R (also called H7) AGM or flooded lead‑acid battery, around 80–90 Ah, with the positive terminal on the right and requires electronic registration in the car after replacement. Below is a detailed breakdown of the specifications, options, …
How Much Oil a 2005 BMW 645Ci Takes — And What Owners Need to Know The 2005 BMW 645Ci typically requires about 8.0 to 8.5 liters (approximately 8.5 to 9.0 US quarts) of engine oil when performing an oil and filter change, depending on how thoroughly the old oil is drained. This large capacity reflects …
How to Tell If a Power Steering Pump Is Bad You can usually tell a power steering pump is going bad if you notice whining or groaning noises when turning the wheel, heavy or inconsistent steering effort, power steering fluid leaks, or a foamy or low fluid level in the reservoir. These symptoms often appear …