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 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 …
Can I Replace a PCV Valve Myself? Yes, most drivers with basic tools and a bit of patience can safely replace a PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve themselves, as long as the part is accessible and they follow their vehicle’s service information. Below is a detailed look at what the PCV valve does, how to …
What Kind of Oil a 2003 BMW Takes A 2003 BMW generally requires high-quality, fully synthetic engine oil that meets BMW Longlife specifications—most commonly a 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil that is approved under BMW LL-01 (or LL-01 FE where applicable), though the exact grade can vary slightly by engine and climate. Understanding which specific …
Symptoms of a Failing Torque Converter A failing torque converter typically causes shuddering during acceleration, slipping at certain speeds, delayed or harsh gear engagement, overheating transmission fluid, unusual noises (like whining or clunking), and in severe cases, stalling when coming to a stop. These symptoms often appear gradually and may be mistaken for general transmission …
How Serious Is a P0341 Code in Your Car? A P0341 code is moderately serious: it usually won’t cause an immediate breakdown, but it can lead to hard starting, misfires, poor performance, higher emissions – and, if ignored, possible engine damage or a no‑start situation. It should be diagnosed and repaired soon rather than driven …
Can You Replace a Fuel Pump Without Dropping the Tank? Yes, in some vehicles you can replace a fuel pump without dropping the tank, but in many others you cannot; it depends entirely on whether the vehicle has an access panel to the fuel pump under the rear seat, trunk, or cargo floor, and on …
Where to Find the Oil Filter on a 2016 BMW 330i The oil filter on a 2016 BMW 330i is located in the engine bay on top of the engine, towards the front-right (passenger) side, housed in a black plastic canister-style filter housing that is accessed from above rather than from underneath the car. This …
Are Brake Sensors Expensive to Replace? Brake sensors are generally not very expensive to replace, especially compared with major brake components, but costs can vary widely from around $30 to over $250 per axle depending on the vehicle, sensor type, labor rates, and where the work is done. Understanding what affects the price helps drivers …
Is H11 or 9005 a Low Beam Headlight Bulb? Both H11 and 9005 bulbs can be used for low beams, but they are not the same type: H11 is typically designed as a dedicated low beam (or fog light) bulb, while 9005 is primarily a high beam bulb that some vehicles may use for low …
What Size Oil Filter Wrench Is Needed for a 2013 BMW 328i? The oil filter cap on a 2013 BMW 328i (F30, 2.0L N20 engine) typically requires a 86mm, 16-flute (16-point) oil filter cap wrench. This size fits the plastic oil filter housing used on most 2013 328i models, allowing safe removal and installation during …
Is It Worth Fixing a Blown Head Gasket? Fixing a blown head gasket is sometimes worth it—especially on newer, well-maintained vehicles—but can be a poor investment on older cars with high mileage or additional engine damage. Whether it makes sense depends on repair cost versus the car’s value, the overall condition of the engine, and …
What Happens If the Crankshaft Sensor Goes Bad? When a crankshaft position sensor goes bad, the engine can misfire, run roughly, become hard or impossible to start, and may stall unexpectedly—often triggering a check-engine light and storing diagnostic trouble codes. In severe cases, the vehicle will crank but never actually start because the engine computer …
How to Tell If Your BMW’s MAF Sensor Is Failing You can suspect a bad BMW mass airflow (MAF) sensor when you notice rough idle, poor acceleration, unexpected stalling, reduced fuel economy, or a check-engine light—then confirm it with scan-tool data and basic diagnostic checks before replacing anything. What the MAF Sensor Does in a …
What Kind of Coolant a 2013 BMW X5 Takes A 2013 BMW X5 is designed to use BMW-approved engine coolant: specifically a phosphate- and nitrite-free, ethylene-glycol–based HOAT coolant, commonly known as BMW blue coolant (such as BMW Antifreeze/Coolant part number 82-14-2-209-769 or its current superseding equivalent), mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Using generic “universal” coolant …
What Coolant Is Best for a BMW 4 Series? The correct coolant for a BMW 4 Series is a BMW-approved, phosphate- and nitrite-free HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically the blue BMW OEM coolant concentrate mixed 50:50 with distilled water; using the wrong coolant can damage the engine, cooling system, and void warranty coverage. …
How Long Is a 2018 BMW X5? The 2018 BMW X5 is approximately 192.4 inches (4,886 mm) long, a size that places it squarely within the midsize luxury SUV segment and helps define its road presence, interior space, and parking practicality. That single figure, however, sits within a broader context of vehicle design, model variations, …
What Kind of Oil a 2014 BMW 650i Takes The 2014 BMW 650i requires full synthetic engine oil that meets BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specifications, typically in 5W-30 or 0W-40 viscosity, with a capacity of around 8.5–9 quarts (about 8–8.5 liters) depending on coupe, convertible, or Gran Coupe configuration. Using a high-quality LL-01-approved synthetic oil is …
What Year to Stay Away From BMW X5 The BMW X5 model years most widely regarded as “avoid if possible” are 2011–2013 (especially diesel), 2014 (early F15), and several first‑gen years (2001–2003), due to higher-than-average rates of costly engine, transmission, and electronics problems compared with other years. Newer G05 models (2019–2020) also had some notable …
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Spark Plugs in a BMW X3? Expect to pay roughly $250–$600 for a BMW X3 spark plug replacement at a shop in the U.S., depending mainly on model year, engine type, labor rates, and where you have the work done; DIY owners can often cut that cost roughly …
Where to Find the Battery in a 2015 BMW X1 The main battery in a 2015 BMW X1 is located in the rear of the vehicle, underneath the floor panel in the cargo area on the right-hand (passenger) side. In most trims and configurations, you will access it by lifting the trunk floor and removing …
How Much It Costs to Replace a Crankshaft Position Sensor on a BMW Replacing a crankshaft position sensor on most BMW models typically costs between $250 and $600 at a repair shop in the United States, depending on the model, engine, labor rates, and where you source the part; do-it-yourself owners can often complete the …
Where to Find the Battery on a 2015 BMW 435i The battery on a 2015 BMW 435i is located in the trunk, on the right-hand (passenger) side, beneath a trim panel and often under a plastic cover. Unlike many older cars with batteries under the hood, BMW’s 4 Series of this generation mounts the main …
What Size Wiper Blades for a 2013 BMW 328i? The 2013 BMW 328i typically uses a 24-inch wiper blade on the driver’s side and a 19-inch blade on the passenger side, with a separate smaller rear wiper on wagon (Touring) models. However, exact sizes can vary slightly by body style and region, so checking fitment …
Can I Drive My BMW If the Coolant Is Low? You generally should not drive your BMW with low coolant; doing so risks overheating, serious engine damage, and costly repairs. In limited emergencies, you may be able to drive a very short distance after topping up with the correct coolant or water, but only if …
What Brand Does BMW Use for Spark Plugs? BMW primarily uses spark plugs from NGK and Bosch as its original equipment (OE) suppliers, with NGK being the most common in modern BMW engines and Bosch also widely used, especially in older and some specific engine families. In practice, this means that if you buy genuine …
What Battery Goes in a 2007 BMW 328i? The 2007 BMW 328i typically uses a Group 94R (H7) battery, absorbed glass mat (AGM) or flooded lead-acid, with around 80–90 Ah capacity and 720–900 CCA, but the exact choice depends on options (e.g., iDrive, cold-weather package) and you must register the new battery in the car’s …
How Often Should a BMW Cabin Filter Be Changed? Most BMW cabin air filters should be changed about every 15,000–20,000 miles (24,000–32,000 km) or every 1–2 years, but drivers in cities, dusty areas, or with allergies may need replacement closer to every 10,000–15,000 miles. The exact interval depends on your model, driving conditions, and BMW’s …
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Brake Pads on a BMW 328i? Replacing brake pads on a BMW 328i typically costs between $250 and $600 per axle at most shops in the U.S., depending on whether you use OEM or aftermarket parts, and whether you also replace rotors and wear sensors. That range can …
Will AutoZone Replace My Headlight for Free? AutoZone will often install a replacement headlight bulb for free when you buy the bulb from them, but it is not guaranteed and does not cover every vehicle or every type of headlight-related work. The service is a courtesy, varies by store and vehicle design, and does not …