Joe's Garage Inc. is a BMW repair service shop in Southampton NY on SE Long Island NY.
Our BMW technicians have the training, knowledge, and experience to repair or service all BMW models. Our licensed BMW mechanics perform all repairs and services from A-service, B-service, BMW brake repair, BMW check engine light repair, BMW timing belt replacement, BMW transmission repair, and BMW engine repair.
Trust your BMW repair to the specialists at Joe's Garage Inc. near Southampton, NY. We follow BMW factory scheduled Maintenance Services that protect your BMW warranty.
Our certified technicians know BMW inside and out. We utilize the latest diagnostic tools, service, and repair techniques to keep your BMW performing in peak condition.
Our extensive experience with BMW service and an extensive collection of BMW tools and diagnostic equipment ensure high-quality work and complete customer satisfaction (view our customer feedback at the bottom of this page).
Joe's Garage, Inc. is a BMW Service Center in Southampton, NY
High-quality, affordable BMW maintenance and repairs. Joe's Garage Inc. in Southampton, NY is an expert BMW repair service shop. We are on top of today’s BMW automotive technology and we guarantee optimal BMW maintenance whenever your BMW needs service and repair.
Joe's Garage, Inc
1426 N Sea Rd
Southampton, NY 11968
(631) 283-2098
Common BMW Problems
BMW Cheap Oil Changes
Problem: cheap BMW oil change service can damage your BMW engine. Below is a photo of a poor-quality oil filter that is disintegrating, plugged, and collapsing under the oil pressure. This can cause oil starvation, engine bearing damage, and total engine failure. The small amount you save on discount oil service is not good value when you have to replace the motor!
Solution: There are three steps in getting maximum life from your BMW engine:
- Use quality oil;
- Use quality oil filter;
- Do frequent oil service. BMWs need regular oil changes every 7,000 km or six months.
BMW Air Conditioning Noise or Vibration
Problem: Noise and or vibration due to AC system low refrigerant. A droning noise when the air conditioning system is operating. A vibration may be felt in the steering wheel. If these symptoms are no longer present when the AC system is turned off the problem may be a low refrigerant charge in the AC system.
Repair: An AC system refrigerant leak test should be performed in addition to a refrigerant recharge.
BMW Brake fluid Contamination
Problem: Brake fluid can become contaminated with moisture from high humidity in our coastal climate. Causes problems and failure of brake system components.
Repair: Flush brake fluid every 60,000 miles or 2 years. Note: Some vehicles use synthetic brake fluid and have an extended service life and brake fluid change interval.
BMW Heater/AC Blower Fan Not Working
Problem: Heater AC blower final stage fan speed resistor fails. Heater fan speed varies regardless of setting, the fan will not turn off when the car is switched off, or the fan will not switch on at all.
Repair: Heater AC blower fan resistor replacement.
BMW Transmission Problems
Inspect transmission fluid every 30,000 miles
You may prevent transmission problems by servicing the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. If the fluid is dark or burned then the transmission system should be completely flushed. This is good advice for any BMW model or year.
BMW Transmission Leak
Problem: Rubber Transmission Cooler Line Fluid Leak.
Repair: The rubber section of the automatic transmission cooler line may develop a fluid leak. In some cases, the leaking section of the hose can be replaced. Some models require complete cooler line replacement.
BMW Transmission Torque Converter Clutch Sticking On
Problem: The transmission torque converter clutch can stick "on" after extended freeway driving causing the engine to stall when coming to a stop. The engine usually will restart when the transmission is placed in park and stall again when put into gear. After allowing the engine and transmission to cool for twenty minutes the engine will usually start and the transmission will operate normally.
Cause: defective torque converter clutch solenoid caused by not servicing the transmission or overheating the transmission.
Repair: requires replacement of the torque converter clutch solenoid, transmission filter, and transmission fluid.
BMW Rear Window Regulator Problem
Problem: The side door window regulator may fail causing the window to stop functioning and not being able to open or close the window. In some cases, the window falls inside the door.
Cause: The window regulators have many plastic parts that simply wear from use. Winter weather conditions can contribute to overloading the regulator and breakage.
Repair: requires window regulator replacement.
Tips: never use the window regulator to clear snow and ice from the window. Winter preparation should include lubrication of the window guides with silicon spray to help prevent the window from freezing into its guide channels.
BMW Power Window Motor Failure
Problem: Power Window Motors Fail From Overheating. The door window may move slowly or stop in mid-travel due to a failing power window motor. The affected window may start working again after the motor cools.
Cause: power window motors usually overheat and fail during the winter when the window glass gets frozen with ice. Another cause of power window motors is a failed window power switch which does not turn off the motor when it reaches the end of its travel. Power window motors also have many plastic parts that simply wear from use. Winter weather conditions can contribute to power window overloading and failure.
Repair: requires window motor replacement.
Tips: never use the power window to clear snow and ice from the window. Winter preparation should include lubrication of the window guides with silicon spray to prevent the window from freezing into its guide channels.
BMW Engine Coolant Loss
Problem: Coolant loss due to a leak from the expansion tank which can cause engine overheating and severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat we recommend stopping at the first available safe location and having your vehicle towed to the repair shop.
Cause: Coolant expansion tanks are almost always made from plastic and they eventually fail from the high coolant temperatures and high under-hood temperatures. There is no preventative action that will prevent expansion tank failure. Routine engine coolant replacement does help protect the expansion tank a small amount.
Repair: requires coolant expansion tank replacement. The entire cooling system should also be inspected for other common cooling system problems, failures, and leaks related to age.
BMW Front Suspension Groaning Noise
Problem: Groaning noise from BMW front suspension when driving over speed bumps or potholes.
Cause: This is simply age-related wear. The plastic bushings get old and hard. Some newer BMW vehicles have defective sway bar bushings that wear and harden faster than expected.
Repair: requires BMW sway bar bushing replacement with revised or improved bushings.
BMW Outside Mirror Problem
Problem: Outside mirrors may fold out too far. BMW power folding mirrors may fold out past the standard position.
Repair: Our BMW technician resets the correct mirror home position.
BMW Check Engine Light Problem
Problem: Check Engine Light on and a rattle noise from the Engine. BMW turbocharged engines suffer from turbocharger waste gate problems which become progressively worse. This turbocharger waste gate problem results in a significant decrease in engine power and decreased fuel economy.
Cause: The BMW waste gate rattle or turbo rattle results from excessive movement between the wastegate valve and the wastegate valve seat. This problem gradually worsens with the following symptoms:
- Rattling noise at cold start
- Rattling noise during deceleration
- Check Engine Light Illumination
- Very poor engine performance
- Fuel mileage decrease
- Loss of power
Repair: In some cases, wastegate actuator adjustment can solve the issue, but often the problem will return. If the wastegate actuator adjustment does not correct the issue, the turbocharger wastegate must be rebuilt, or the turbocharger assembly replaced.
BMW Front Outer CV Boots Failure
Problem: Front drive axle outer CV boots may tear and leak. The front outer half-shaft boots tend to tear and leak grease.
Repair: front drive axle CV boot replacement.
Tips: If the CV boot is not replaced soon enough the axle shaft CV joints will get contaminated with water and road grit, damaging the CV joint and requiring complete axle shaft replacement. All years and models of BMW vehicles are affected by this problem, including automatic transmission and manual transmission drivetrains.
BMW Oil Leaks From Engine Area
Problem: Oil drips under the vehicle and burning oil smell from the engine compartment are common signs of a valve cover gasket leak.
Cause: simply age. The gasket or silicone sealer deteriorates with age and needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, engine compartments are very compact and many components must be removed to access the valve cover gaskets. The labor cost on some models can be very high.
Repair: BMW valve cover gasket replacement.
Tip: The only way to get rid of the burnt oil smell is to do a deep cleaning of the engine and chassis under the vehicle. A simple engine shampoo or pressure wash won't do it. A good cleaning will require an industrial-strength degreasing cleaner.
BMW Intake Manifold Gasket leak
Problem: Intake Manifold Gaskets May Leak Coolant or Engine Oil. The intake manifold gasket may develop an external engine oil leak or coolant leak. In some cases, an internal coolant leak may occur causing coolant to mix with the engine oil. Operating the engine with coolant in the engine oil will result in serious engine damage.
Repair: requires BMW intake manifold gasket replacement.
Premature Deterioration Of BMW Extended Life Engine Coolant
Problem: BMW Extended Life coolant may prematurely deteriorate and require cooling system service before the recommended 100,000 miles.
Repair: BMW coolant flush and replacement. A close, detailed cooling system inspection for signs of coolant leaks and premature failure of cooling system components should also be performed.
Tips: This is a case where it is not wise to follow the factory maintenance guide. We recommend engine coolant replacement every two years to prevent premature BMW radiator replacement, BMW water pump replacement, BMW heater core replacement, and BMW coolant hose replacement. In the worst case, the lack of cooling system maintenance can cause BMW head-gasket failure.
BMW Tie Rod End Wear
Problem: wear in outer tie rod ends can cause BMW steering problems. The outer tie rod ends on BMW steering linkage may wear causing excessive free play in the steering and uneven tire wear.
Repair: requires worn BMW tie rod end replacement. BMW wheel alignment should be checked and adjusted as necessary.
BMW Front Control Arm Bracket Bushings Wear
Problem: Clunk noise or jolt felt in the steering when braking. Caused by wear of front control arm bracket bushings, often called Thrust Rod Bushings.
Repair: BMW front control arm thrust rod bracket bushing replacement and BMW wheel alignment.
BMW Premature Strut Wear Problem
BMW Strut Replacement
Problem: BMW front struts may show signs of wear, or be excessively bouncy ride at freeway speeds. This may begin to occur at around 75,000 miles.
Repair: Front strut replacement and wheel alignment.
BMW Steering Rack Failure
Problem: BMW steering is difficult to turn.
Repair: steering system inspection to confirm the problem with the steering rack. BMW steering rack replacement. Flush of power steering hydraulic system. BMW power steering fluid replacement.
BMW Multiple Power Steering Hose Leaks
Problem: Power steering fluid leaks from one or more power steering hoses. When a leak is being repaired multiple hose replacements may be required.
Repair: Power Steering Hose Replacement. Power steering fluid flush. Power steering fluid replacement.
BMW Water Pump Leak
Problem: Low coolant light may illuminate. The engine may overheat as a result of a coolant leak from the water pump.
Note: Engine overheating can cause severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat we strongly recommend stopping as soon as safely possible and having your vehicle towed to a repair shop.
Repair: Leaking coolant pump replacement. The entire cooling system should be inspected for leaks as it is not uncommon to find multiple coolant leaks on high mileage vehicles.
BMW Check Engine Light due to Engine Overheating
Problem: BMW thermostat failure resulting in engine overheating and Check Engine Light on.
Note: Engine overheating can cause severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat we strongly recommend stopping your vehicle as soon as safely possible, turning off the engine, and having your vehicle towed to a repair shop.
Repair: BMW thermostat replacement. Complete cooling system inspection.
BMW Radiator Coolant Leaks
Problem: BMW radiator coolant leak.
Note: Engine overheating can cause severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat we strongly recommend stopping your vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine, and have your vehicle towed to a repair shop.
Repair: Requires leaking radiator replacement. When a leaking radiator is replaced the entire cooling system should be inspected and complete engine coolant replacement.
BMW Ignition Coil Problem
Problem: BMW engine misfire due to corrosion at the BMW ignition coil tower. Corrosion develops at the connection between the ignition coil tower and spark plug wire resulting in an engine misfire.
Repair: requires replacement of Ignition coil and spark plug wire on each affected cylinder.
BMW Oil Leak
Problem: BMW oil pump drive o-ring leaks oil from the rear of the engine. Commonly caused by a failed oil pump drive seal.
Repair: requires BMW oil pump seal o-ring replacement, oil pump drive seal replacement, and possible oil pump replacement.
BMW Check Engine Light On Due To Valvetronic System Fault
Problem: Check Engine Light on due to a Valvetronic system fault code stored in the DME Powertrain control module.
Repair: Software upgrade for the DME Powertrain control module.
Joe's Garage Inc. specializes in BMW repair service in Southampton, NY.
NOTE: This company or website is in no way associated with or represents BMW of North America, LLC.