BMW 7 Series diagnostic inspection

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What is a diagnostic inspection?

Modern cars have an onboard computer or Engine Control Unit (ECU). This continually assesses performance, with sensors throughout the car letting the ECU know of issues such as raised engine temperature, low fluid levels or problems with emission levels or the windscreen wipers. The ECU triggers an error once a problem has been found, and the relevant dashboard warning light will flash, but there are hundreds of potential error codes, which only specialist diagnostic equipment can read. So when a warning light flashes on the dashboard, a diagnostics check is needed to assess how bad the problem is, and what may have caused it.

We use state of the art diagnostic equipment

Live data shows multiple readings from across the engine to assess whether everything is working as it should. The equipment can also check and rectify braking systems where there’s an electronic handbrake, and adjust headlights where possible. You don’t need to go to a dealership to get diagnostic testing done. Most garages and workshops will carry out diagnostic testing for nearly all models and types of vehicle.

What happens at a Fixter diagnostic inspection

We charge a fixed fee for diagnostic testing that can be done while you wait. This is usually done within an hour, but if further work is required, it will clearly take more time. Our highly-trained and qualified mechanics will give you a no-charge, no-obligation repair quote if testing highlights issues with the engine or anything else, and talk you in detail through what is needed to put things right.

So next time a dashboard warning light flashes on, don’t pay dealership prices for diagnostic testing. Let us manage it all for you, picking up your car for its testing, and ensuring a fair price and a reliable service.

What happens when my dashboard illuminates a warning light?

The warning light is just the beginning—it doesn’t give the whole picture. There are hundreds of parts in your engine, so the exact nature of the fault may not be immediately apparent.

Examining fault codes to identify the problem

A diagnostic check accurately identifies the fault, avoiding more serious problems that could lead to costly repairs, potential safety hazards or worse damage. With these tests, your car is plugged into sophisticated diagnostic equipment which reads the error codes your car’s ECU has generated to explain the issue in full. Diagnostic checking looks for errors across various vehicle systems, including tyres, engine management, lights, emissions and more.

BMW

BMW AG is a German automobile and motorcycle manufacturer that was established over 100 years ago in March 1916. They also own Mini and Rolls Royce, after taking over the two British marques in 2000 and 1998 respectively.

How popular is BMW in the United Kingdom?

BMW makes luxury vehicles and is possibly most famous for its sports saloon models. In 2018, BMW had 1.9m vehicles on the roads in the UK, a number that has been steadily increasing each year for the past decade.

As one of the ‘big 3’ German marques, along with Audi and Mercedes, BMW carries a strong reputation for making high-quality stylish vehicles, and have captured a large section of the UK market.

Luxury family and business models for every driver

Probably most popular for the 3 Series and 5 Series saloon models, BMW has got every possible angle covered for the more discerning drivers.

The full range includes everything from the 1 Series city car to the full-size saloons and sports coupes of the 7 and 8 Series models.

To provide everything you’d ever need for family motoring there’s a seven-seat MPV, their range of X model SUVs, and since 2014, the introduction of their plug-in electric i models. Top it all off with their M model high-performance supercars, the Z4 convertible and the i8 Roadster—and you’ve got the full package.

BMW: High performance on and off the track

BMW has a successful history in a range of motorsports.

They have been significant performers in touring car racing and rally driving, enjoyed success in Formula One with the BMW Sauber team, and BMW cars have been regular competitors and winners at Le Mans since the race’s early years.

BMW’s reliability and reputation

BMW ranked 16th place out of 30 car brands in the What Car? Reliability Survey in 2018. BMW hasn’t always had the best reputation for reliability but to rank alongside marques such as Honda, Volkswagen and Fiat they’re holding their own alongside plenty of the other big names.

Recent BMW recalls and reliability issues

Various recalls have been made on BMW models throughout their motoring history. The following are a list of the most recent in the UK and Europe.

22/03/2019 – BMW X5 (2018)

Incorrect tightening torque of left front seat fixing bolts

22/03/2019 – BMW X5, 5 Series (2000–2003)

Potential rupture of driver front airbag inflator

04/03/2019 – BMW X1 (2018–2019)

Rear lights may be fixed with incorrect securing units

01/03/2019 – BMW X5, X6, 7 Series, 6 Series and 5 Series (2009–2011)

Auxiliary water pump’s electronics could lead to a short circuit

01/02/2019 – BMW X5 and X6 (2007–2010)

The idler pulley bolt could become loosened

21/01/2019 – BMW M3, M4 and M4 convertible (2016)

The flange of the propshaft may become detached

27/12/2018 – BMW X6 (2014–2015)

EGR module cooler could leak

27/12/2018 – BMW 4 Series (2013–2015)

Exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak

All recall information sourced from gov.co.uk data.