Case Studies

How would you like to save, oh, say a $1,000 or so from what the dealer and other shops charge to repair your BMW’s X Drive system?

The BMW X Drive system is technological marvel, but the simple fact is when a problem does occur it takes training and skills to properly service, so most shops throw out your old unit, and replace it with a new one, to the tune of $2,000 -$ 2,900.

The AMC team has devised a excellent system to diagnose and properly repair the BMW X Drive, be it in the sedans, coupes, AAV or SUV. And we warranty all work for 2 years, nationwide! Even better new, most repairs can be done the same day, while you use one of our complimentary loaner cars. Not right next door, take advantage of our Complementary Valet Service, we’ll pickup your car right at your home or office, from Falmouth to Camden.

That’s what we do, repair rather than replace, or if possible, prevent problems from even happening by correct and proper maintenance. That’s our commitment to you, as an AMC customer. Which is why we’ve become Maine’s largest and highest rated independent BMW Service Center…very simply, we care.

The electrical system in late-model Minis and BMWs is quite sophisticated, in that it tailors charging as closely as possible to both the type and age of the battery. The Engine Management computer also controls the alternator output. When replacing a battery, this computer needs to be informed if you’ve replaced the battery or updated the vehicle from a conventional Lead Acid battery to an Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) type; it charges the AGM differently than a traditional battery.

This process of updating the alternator-control computer is called Battery Registration. Ignoring the registration process after replacing a battery won’t necessarily trigger a Diagnostic Trouble Code or Malfunction Indicator Lamp (‘Check Engine’ or ‘Service Engine Soon’ light). However, be advised that skipping the battery registration process can dramatically shorten the life of a battery in these vehicles and- worse yet- damage components within the entire electrical system.

We have diagnosed some BMWs with failing batteries, some installed less than a year, simply due to failing to have the battery registered! The charging system often shortens the life of an unregistered battery by charging it too aggressively, especially when it is cold, and sometimes damaging other control units. At times, we have replaced an alternator that failed prematurely because battery registration was not performed when the vehicle’s battery was replaced.

Battery Registration informs the vehicle that the battery has been replaced. It completes the following operations:
· Battery capacity is set to 80%
· Current Odometer reading are stored
· Stored battery statistics (current, voltage, battery charge level) are deleted
· Stored temperature statistics are deleted

The following late-model vehicles require battery registration:
· 2002 and newer 7-Series E65/E66 chassis
· 2003 and newer 6-Series E54/E63 chassis
· 2004 and newer 5-Series E60/E61 chassis
· 2006 and newer 3-Series E90/E91/E92/E93 chassis
· 2005 and newer X5 E53 chassis with N62 engine
· 2007 and newer X5 E70 chassis
· 2008 and newer X6 E71 chassis
· 2007 and newer Mini Coopers (R56)

Don’t take the chance, always have a new battery registered after installation at a BMW-qualified shop- it’s not expensive and will ensure a properly operating electrical system. At Atlantic Motorcar, we have the equipment and the training to properly register your vehicle’s battery to factory specs, ensuring that manufacturer warranty requirements have been met.

On a final note, you can expect your original or quality replacement BMW battery to last 4-8 years in a properly operating BMW, and 5-10 years with an AGM battery.

Peace of Mind, that’s what we do.
Atlantic Motorcar Center Service (207) 882-9969

Tech Tip – Rain Sensing Wipers – Be Careful On Windshield Replacements

Just spent the better part of a day with a BMW having an issue with the automatic rain sensing wipers. Problem, the incorrect windshield glass had been installed by the insurance company.

Should your auto require a windshield replacement, it is very important the correct glass be installed. When in doubt, check with us, or the new car dealer to be sure, here’s why.

How They Work
Many newer vehicles are equipped with rain sensing wipers. The wiper-switch may be left in the automatic position on these models. When rain hits the windshield, the wipers come on automatically. This may seem very high-tech, but the principle is quite simple.

More Tech
A small electronic module near the top of the windshield is the brain of the rain-sensing system. Multiple light-emitting diodes (LED) transmit infrared beams. The dry surface of the windshield reflects this light. Other chips within the module receive the reflection. The amount of light reflected varies the voltage that flows through this device.

Here’s The Problem
If the incorrect glass is installed, your automatic wipers may not work, or not work correctly. Removing and reinstalling the correct glass is a major and invasive process, something that you want to make certain is done right, the first time.

Solution
Should your auto require a windshield replacement, it is very important the correct glass be installed. When in doubt, check with us, or the new car dealer to be sure.

Questions, or if we can be of further assistance, please just call (207) 882-9969.

Thank you!

Question
It’s a question we hear often, “Why does my lighter/power outlet fuse blow when I plug in my cell phone adaptor?”To answer that, let’s spend a few minutes reviewing the history of the ubiquitous lighter socket, now known as the “power outlet” in newer cars.History
In the United States cigar lighters started appearing as standard equipment in automobiles in 1925/26. In newer cars, the socket often ships with a plastic dummy plug, without the lighter heating element due to declining popularity of smoking. However, the socket continues to exist to power consumer electronics in cars as the primary purpose.Why The Fuse Blows
Now that you know more than you ever wanted about lighter sockets, let’s talk about the fuse problem. The simple answer is that most power adaptors are designed for US size lighter sockets. The European standard is close, but slightly different, both in diameter, 20.93 mm compared to 21.51mm, and in electrical layout.

While the physical dimensions are different, it is the electrical layout that is really the root of the problem.

Domestic/American Cars – See Photo
The only battery positive contact is at the bottom of the socket well – see photo, that’s why your lighter adaptor has a small spring loaded “button” on the end, to make contact with the positive post in the socket.

European Autos  – See Photo
Use a different layout – see photo, they also have the positive contact at the bottom, but in addition they have two small “U shaped arms” which are also positive contacts, that run the side of the lighter socket.

The Secret
Here’s where the problem happens, if you look at your average power adaptor – see photo, you’ll note two small spring contacts on the side, these are for the negative power connection. Normally this works fine, it holds the adaptor in place, and makes a nice electrical contact. The problem arises when these two spring contacts touch the positive “arms” of the European lighter socket, pop goes the fuse.

Puzzled, the owner replaces the fuse, plugs the adaptor back, in, and all is good in the world until the contacts touch again, which may be days, weeks or months. Hence the mystery why the lighter fuse seems to randomly fail.

The Fix
A quick tip I suggest is to make a small “index” mark on the opening of the lighter socket with a Sharpie marker, this helps you align the plug, to miss the contacts, when inserting.

Now, you know the rest of the story!

This very nice BMW 530 Sport Wagon came in today with a new customer. the car presented with the Airbag or SRS warning light on. After diagnosis, our tech found a Battery Safety Terminal module fault.
 
Problem
Running through the BMW Test Plan, we identified the problem, the battery was under water! In fact, the rear of the car was full of water, and clearly had been for some time. Clogged sunroof drains were identified as the culprit, something which should be checked and cleared at least annually, or during the BMW scheduled maintenance services.
Object Lesson
The car was just at another service facility, be sure that when your car is serviced, that every step on the Factory Service Schedule is done, even something simple, like cleaning drains, can lead to major complications if neglected. Which is why we’re believers in “preventing” rather than “repairing” problems. That whole “ounce of prevention” thing we talk about so often.
Good News
Fortunately we caught the problem before major damage occurred, there are a number of other electronics located in that area, and will have everything back in ship shape condition shortly.

Smile
Not quite as bad as the Porsche in the river scene from the 1980s classic, “Risky Business”. Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bodVVtqmbZE

Questions, just call, we’re always here to help! (207) 882-9969.

With our sales business, and referrals from other shops and dealers, we seem to be doing a fair number of these BMW factory kit installs.

The results are great, we also install the lighting control module and wiring as as well, and we have the BMW computer to reprogram the electronics for the trailer connection lighting.

These hitches are quite versatile, and can be used to tow a boat or trailer, install a bike carrier, or for any number of reasons.

We thought folks might like to see the process of installation.

Gotta keep cool – BMW A/C blower motor replacement, courtesy of the highly skilled, versatile and always smiling Nick. Looks like a chore, but handled with a aplomb and a smile with the AMC team.

See that nice round disc in the first two photos? That’s a engine flywheel for a Porsche 911. The flywheel is what connects your engine to the clutch, and the clutch is what connects your engine to the transmission to drive the car.

If you take a close look at the flywheel photos, you’ll note that it it looks blued and heat checked, that’s the result of the clutch slipping, not good. Think of the clutch system to be much like your auto’s brake system, with the clutch disc being similar to the brake pads, and the flywheel like the rotors. Clutches wear out over time and miles, the friction material gets thinner and thinner, until it can no longer properly transfer the power from the engine to the transmission, and it slips.

As the flywheel is much like the brake rotors on your auto, the surface should be clean and somewhat shiny, when the clutch slips, as it does when it is near the end of it’s service life, then excessive heat is generated, and the flywheel can be quickly damaged. Some wear can be machined out, but once the heat checking and blueing has occurred, it’s unfortunately too late.

You’ll note on the clutch friction disc there is very little material left before it hits retaining rivets. Ideally this clutch should have been replaced soon, and likely the flywheel could have been saved. You’ll note additional heat marking and wear on the clutch pressure plate, which is routinely replaced during a clutch service.

Prevention, rather than repair, often saves both time and expense. At Atlantic Motorcar Center we believe in preventive maintenance, correcting small problems before they become bigger ones, that’s the Atlantic Motorcar way.

Porsche 911 Engine removal for reseal. Ever wonder what a 911 engine looks like, yes, it all fits in back of the car. Shaun and Nick at their finest.

Tech Tip – Burned Engine Valves
You’ve likely heard the term “burned valve” or the car needs a “valve job” at one time or another. While this was a common problem in days gone by, these types of major engine malfunctions are pretty rare now with the superior engineering and materials in newer cars. However, we did just finish up an exhaust valve replacement on a vehicle, and I thought it might make an interesting object lesson to show what a burned valve looks like.

Most valve failures, at least the “burned” type, are on the exhaust valve side of the engine, for it deals with the hot exhaust gases. You can see here how those gases have actually cut into the face of the valve, creating a small channel which allows leakage, and prevents the car from developing proper compression. So here for historical purposes is a “burned valve”.