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.
What Kind of Coolant a BMW X4 Takes A BMW X4 should use BMW-approved, phosphate- and nitrite-free, HOAT (hybrid organic acid technology) ethylene glycol coolant—specifically BMW Genuine Coolant/Antifreeze (often sold as blue “BMW Antifreeze/Coolant” concentrate) mixed 50/50 with distilled water, or an aftermarket coolant that explicitly states BMW approval such as BMW N 600 69.0 …
Are H7 and H11 the same bulb? No. H7 and H11 are different automotive headlight bulb types with distinct bases, connectors, and mounting systems, so they are not interchangeable. Both are single-beam 12V halogen categories often used for low or high beams (and fog lights in the case of H11), but their physical fit, electrical …
Do BMWs Need Special Windshield Wipers? BMWs do not strictly require “special” windshield wipers in the sense of being unique to the brand, but many models are designed to work best with specific wiper types, sizes, and mounting systems—often OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or high‑quality equivalents that match BMW specifications. Using the wrong type can …
How Much Does It Cost to Fix the EML Light on a BMW? Fixing an EML (Engine Management Light) issue on a BMW can cost anywhere from about $150 to over $2,500 in the U.S., depending on what’s wrong—simple sensor faults sit at the low end, while throttle body, injector, or major engine repairs land …
Is It Cheaper to Replace or Repair a Radiator? In most everyday situations, repairing a radiator is cheaper in the short term, but if the unit is old, badly corroded, or frequently failing, replacing it can be more cost‑effective over the long run. The better choice depends on the age and type of radiator, the …
How Much Oil Does a BMW 7 Series Take? A modern BMW 7 Series typically takes between 6.5 and 9.5 liters (about 6.9–10.0 quarts) of engine oil, depending on the specific model year and engine type. However, exact capacity varies significantly across generations, engines (petrol vs. diesel, six‑cylinder vs. eight‑cylinder), and markets, so owners should …
How Much Oil a BMW 328ix Takes A BMW 328i xDrive (often written as 328ix) typically takes about 5.0–6.9 quarts (4.7–6.5 liters) of engine oil, depending on the model year and engine variant. Most modern 328i xDrive models from the F30 generation (2012–2016) with the 2.0L turbocharged four‑cylinder engine use roughly 5.0–5.3 quarts (about 4.7–5.0 …
How Much Does a BMW X5 Battery Cost in 2025? A replacement battery for a BMW X5 in 2025 typically ranges from about $250 to over $3,000 in the United States, depending on whether you need a standard 12‑volt battery, a high‑capacity AGM unit, or a large hybrid/plug‑in high‑voltage pack, as well as labor, coding, …
What Type of Oil Does a BMW 330i Take? The BMW 330i generally requires a full synthetic engine oil that meets BMW’s Longlife specifications—most commonly BMW LL-01 or LL-17 FE+, with viscosity grades such as 0W-20, 0W-30, or 5W-30 depending on model year and engine. This synthetic oil is essential to protect the turbocharged engine, …
What Size Battery Is in the 2016 BMW X5? The 2016 BMW X5 typically uses an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) 12‑volt battery in a Group 49/H8 size, with a capacity of around 90–105 Ah and a cold cranking amps (CCA) rating usually between 800 and 950 CCA, depending on engine and equipment. However, exact specifications …
What Kind of Oil Does a 2008 BMW Take? A 2008 BMW generally requires fully synthetic, high‑performance engine oil that meets BMW Longlife specifications—most commonly BMW LL‑01—with the correct viscosity for your engine (often 5W‑30 or 0W‑40 in North America, but this can vary by model and climate). The precise oil type depends on the …
What the EML Light Means on a BMW The EML light on a BMW is a warning indicator for the Electronic Motor Load (or Electronic Throttle) control system; when it illuminates, it signals a problem with engine power management or throttle control and should be checked as soon as possible to avoid performance loss or …
How Long It Really Takes to Replace an Alternator in a BMW In most BMW models, replacing an alternator typically takes about 1.5 to 3.5 hours of labor at a professional shop, though some engines are quicker and others—especially turbocharged six‑cylinders and V8s—can take longer due to tighter packaging and extra components that must be …
How to Know What Size Oil Filter to Get You determine the correct oil filter size by matching your vehicle’s make, model, year, and engine to manufacturer specifications, then confirming with a parts catalog, online lookup, or your owner’s manual. In practice, that means you should never guess by appearance alone—different filters can look similar …
Does a BMW X5 Take Special Coolant? Yes. A BMW X5 is designed to use a specific type of coolant—typically a BMW‑approved, phosphate- and nitrite-free HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze—rather than generic green or “universal” coolant. Using the wrong coolant can lead to corrosion, deposits, and potential damage to the cooling system over time, …
What Brand Are BMW Spark Plugs? BMW spark plugs are primarily supplied by NGK and Bosch, with some applications also using Denso. In most modern BMWs, the factory-installed plugs are NGK or Bosch parts produced to BMW’s own specifications and sold under BMW part numbers. Who Actually Makes BMW Spark Plugs? While spark plugs in …
Symptoms of a Bad Ignition Coil A bad ignition coil typically causes engine misfires (especially under load), rough idle, hard starting or no start, loss of power, poor fuel economy, a flashing or steady check-engine light, and sometimes exhaust popping or a raw-fuel smell. In modern vehicles—most with coil-on-plug—failure often affects a single cylinder, while …
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Sensor on a BMW? Replacing a sensor on a BMW typically costs between $150 and $800 per sensor in the United States, depending on the specific sensor, the model and year of the vehicle, and whether you use OEM (original) parts and a dealership or an independent …
What Type of Battery Does a BMW 328i Use? A BMW 328i typically uses a 12‑volt AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery with specific size and performance ratings that vary slightly by model year and engine, but most modern 328i models require an AGM Group 94R/H7 battery, designed to work with BMW’s advanced electronics and start/stop …
What Type of Headlights Does BMW Use? BMW primarily uses LED and laser headlights in its latest models, while older and entry-level vehicles may still feature halogen or xenon (HID) units; today, LED is the dominant standard, with BMW Laserlight reserved for higher-end or performance-oriented cars and adaptive matrix technology increasingly common across the range. …
How Much It Really Costs to Change Brake Pads on a BMW X3 Replacing brake pads on a BMW X3 typically costs between $250 and $650 per axle at most independent shops in the U.S., and often $400 to $900 per axle at BMW dealerships, depending on model year, region, and whether rotors and wear …
What Type of Battery Is in a BMW 335i? The BMW 335i typically uses a 12‑volt Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery sized around Group 94R (also known as H7) with a capacity in the 80–95 Ah range, but the exact specification depends on model year, market, and factory equipment. Below is a detailed breakdown of …
How Much Is a Battery for a BMW 330i? A replacement battery for a BMW 330i typically costs between $250 and $650 in the United States, including parts and labor, depending on the model year, battery type (AGM vs. standard), and where you buy and install it. This article explains the price ranges, what affects …
How Much Oil Does a 2007 BMW Take? A 2007 BMW typically takes between 4.3 and 8.5 quarts (4.1–8.0 liters) of engine oil, depending on the specific model and engine. Smaller 4‑cylinder diesel engines sit at the low end of that range, while larger 6‑cylinder and V8 engines—especially in performance models—require more. The exact capacity …
Does a 2007 BMW Battery Need to Be Programmed? Yes, most 2007 BMW models do require battery registration—and in some cases programming—after a battery replacement, especially if they use BMW’s intelligent charging system. This step ensures the vehicle’s electronics correctly recognize the new battery, charge it properly, and avoid potential electrical issues over time. Why …
How Much Does It Cost to Change Rear Brake Pads on a BMW? Replacing rear brake pads on a BMW typically costs between $250 and $600 in the United States at a professional shop, depending on model, parts quality, and whether rotors and sensors are replaced at the same time; do-it-yourself owners can often cut …
How Much Does It Cost to Replace the Battery in a BMW 325i? Replacing the 12‑volt battery in a BMW 325i typically costs between $250 and $600 at a shop in the U.S., depending on the model year, battery type (AGM vs. flooded), labor rates, and whether battery registration and coding are included. Doing it …
Can I Replace the ABS Sensor Myself? Yes, many drivers with basic mechanical skills and the right tools can replace an ABS sensor themselves, but it depends on the vehicle design, the level of corrosion, and your comfort working around brakes and electrical connectors. Understanding the role of the ABS sensor, typical symptoms of failure, …
How Much Is a 2006 BMW 750Li Worth in Today’s Market? A 2006 BMW 750Li typically sells in the United States for about $3,000 to $8,000 as of late 2025, depending heavily on mileage, condition, maintenance history, location, and whether it’s a private sale or dealer purchase. Well-kept, low‑mileage examples with strong service records can …
How Long Do BMW Starters Last? Most BMW starters last between 80,000 and 150,000 miles, or roughly 8 to 12 years, but real-world lifespan varies widely based on driving habits, climate, maintenance history, and the specific BMW model. Understanding what affects starter longevity can help owners anticipate problems, budget for replacement, and avoid being stranded …