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SELECT A TIP: | - We, as do most experts, strongly recommend oil & filter changes every 3 months or 3,000 miles, which ever comes first. Short trips (less than 20 miles) don't allow the engine to fully warm up, which leads to a build up of moisture. This moisture reacts with the oil, forming damaging acids. Short trips are also hard on exhaust systems for the same moisture related reasons, as they never evaporate completely.
- We, as do all experts, recommend flushing your Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz brake fluid annually. This is an important maintenance service do to the fact brake fluid is hygroscopic which means your brake fluid absorbs water ( moisture ) from the air. Yes, your reservoir is tightly capped but the laws of physics require it be vented to atmosphere. There in lies the problem. This moisture not only lowers the fluids boiling point, leading to a spongy brake pedal on frequent or long hard stops, but if unchecked will lead to expensive corrosion damage to all the systems metal parts! Note!! We DO NOT recommend replacement with silicone based brake fluid! Unless you are driving your car extensively at the track and have completely disassembled the system and purged all lines, valves and ABS hydraulic unit, some mineral fluid will remain in pockets. The two fluids do not mix! Besides the corrosion problem, these pockets have a much lower boiling point, usually in the calipers where heat is most concentrated ! i.e., unexpected lose in brake pedal feel and dangerous increase in stopping distance!
- One of the most important maintenance services to have performed every 50,000 miles is the replacement of the timing belt, if your BMW is so equipped. Every BMW model with the M20 engine will bend the valves, possible breaking the cylinder head if the timing belt breaks. That can cost more than $2,000!
- A note for BMW owners with M20 engines in 325, 525 & 528e models: Have your cylinder head bolts inspected! You can do this by opening your oil cap. If you see 17mm hexagonal head bolts, have them replaced with the later style torx head bolts. The heads on these bolts are breaking off, they will get under the camshaft and punch a hole in the cylinder head, fill the crankcase with coolant and ruin the motor!
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