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Experience driving luxury in Thousand Oaks with our Audi suspension services. Our mastery includes tailored inspections, OEM components, and expert attention to shock absorbers, struts, and sway bars. From precise wheel alignments to air suspension expertise, we ensure optimal comfort and peak performance. Trust us for transparent pricing and a smooth, sportier Audi ride.

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Thousand Oaks Porsche Owners: Are You Aware Of IMS Bearing Failure Symptoms?

Porsche is known for its powerful performance and this high-end car is one of the most sought-after high-end cars. Your Porsche comes equipped with very advanced parts that are generally not found in other cars. One such part is the IMS bearing or Intermediate Shaft Bearing that helps the engine in its efficient functioning.

The IMS bearing failure in your Porsche can land you in serious trouble and needs to be addressed as a priority. Here in this article, we will discuss about IMS bearing & symptoms associated with its failure.

What Is IMS Bearing?

Now, most modern drivers of Porsche are not aware of the role played by IMS bearing in the smooth running of their high-end cars. The IMS bearing is found in Porsche 996 and 986 manufactured between 1997 and 2004 and the problems are associated with these models.

The IMS bearing is responsible for supporting the intermediate shaft located at the back of the engine where you will also find the flywheel. The IMS bearing controls the functioning of the camshafts when it works in conjunction with the crankshaft of your car.

The previous models of Porsche come equipped with Boxer engines and the IMS bearing helps these engines function efficiently by powering the timing chains under the hood of the car. There are also sprockets located under the hood of your car that also help the camshaft & crankshaft function properly.

Among the various models produced by Porsche over the years, the 996 and 986 produced during the period of 1997 and 2004 are particularly prone to IMS bearing failure. Now, let us look at the symptoms associated with IMS bearing failure in Porsche.

Oil Leaks

One of the symptoms associated with malfunctioning IMS bearing is related to engine oil leaks. The engine oil is one of the most important fluids in your high-end car that is responsible for lubricating the moving parts of the engine which prevents them from overheating due to continuous friction between them.

Whenever there is an issue with the functioning of the IMS bearing, you will observe a puddle of oil forming around the front of the engine close to the driver which signifies that the IMS bearing has failed. However, engine oil leaks can also be caused due to a host of other factors like a faulty rear main seal can also lead to oil leaks.

There are ample seals under the hood of the car that prevent the engine oil from leaking out. However, when the IMS bearing fails it also affects the seals nearby and this is the area from where the engine oil leaks. Whenever you observe the puddling of fluid under the vehicle, you must get in touch with a certified mechanic to help you diagnose & tackle IMS bearing failure.

Debris & Contaminants in Oil

The new engine oil of your vehicle is very clean when you put it in your car when replacing the old engine oil. However, the presence of sparkling debris in the engine oil signifies that the IMS bearing has failed and needs to be replaced with a new one.

Many ASE-certified mechanics emphasize carrying out the analysis of your engine oil to determine whether there is the presence of any sparkling debris in the oil. This is because the presence of any kind of metal in the engine oil is proof that something has broken in your car & if the metal resembles a bearing part, then the IMS bearing is the primary suspect.

Unusual Noise

Another symptom of IMS bearing failure in Porsche is associated with unusual sounds coming from under the hood of your high-end car. Generally, when driving your Porsche, you will never get to hear anything unusual apart from the roar of the engine.

Nevertheless, when the IMS bearing fails, you will observe that slowly you get to hear unusual sounds coming from under the hood of your car when you rev the engine. The metallic noise you get to hear indicates that the IMS bearing has suffered considerable damage & needs to be replaced.

Finally

The above-discussed factors are some of the symptoms associated with IMS bearing failure in your Porsche. Whenever you encounter any of these symptoms then don’t hesitate to get in touch with a Porsche specialist immediately as prolonging the fixing can affect the functioning of the other parts in your vehicle.

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Experience reliable BMW AC repairs in Thousand Oaks. Our certified technicians offer precise diagnosis and skilled repairs using cutting-edge technology. With genuine parts and tailored solutions, trust us for transparent consultations and efficient cooling solutions, ensuring your BMW's AC operates at peak performance for a comfortable drive.

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If your BMW engine temperature is creeping up at idle, don’t take it for granted. Get to the bottom of the problem before things take a turn for the worse. For more info, please go through the above discussion.

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Expert Solutions for BMW Overheating At Idle: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you think that getting stuck in traffic is the worst thing that can happen to a person, then you are mistaken… Being stuck in traffic with an overheated engine would be the worst case situation. So, what should you do if you find yourself stuck in such a situation? That’s what we will discuss in this blog post… Hence it is suggested that you read this blog post in its entirety.

BMW Overheating At Idle: Known Reasons

If you notice an increase in engine temperature while idling your BMW in traffic, it's a clue that something isn't quite right with your car. Many factors could be at play if your BMW overheats while you leave it at idle. Some of the most obvious ones are listed below, please take a look;

Likely culprit #1- Faulty radiator fan

More often than not... radiator fan failure is to blame if your BMW engine overheats at idle. The radiator fan, after all, is what kicks into action when the car is idling and blows away the heat that the coolant has absorbed from the engine. So, obviously… if the fan malfunctions, your car engine temperature will skyrocket; especially when idling or in stop-and-go traffic. So, if your BMW engine temperature is rising at an alarming rate at idle, the first component you should check is the radiator fan.

Likely culprit #2- Radiator is clogged

A clogged radiator is another reason why your BMW engine temperature could soar at idling. The radiator essentially serves as a conduit via which coolant flows to release the heat it has absorbed from the engine onto the atmosphere. If it gets clogged up, coolant circulation will get disturbed. As a result, the engine will overheat; especially when the vehicle is at idle. To fix the issue, you’ll need to unclog the radiator. If that’s not possible, you will need to replace the entire radiator unit.

Likely culprit #3- Defective thermostat

The thermostat plays an important role in keeping your vehicle's engine temperature under control. You can think of it as a valve that essentially regulates coolant circulation between the engine and the radiator. If for some reason it starts acting up, coolant circulation between the engine and the radiator will be adversely impacted. This may contribute to a rise in engine temperature when you are driving in a stop-and-go traffic or idling. That's why it's important that you calibrate your BMW's thermostat from time to time.

Likely culprit #4- Declined coolant level

This is yet another reason why your BMW engine temperature gauge may begin to turn red. The coolant is the thing around which your vehicle’s entire engine cooling system revolves. It passes through the designated passageways to collect heat produced by the engine, then it flows to the radiator to dissipate that heat into the surrounding air. If coolant level declined because of an internal or external leak or it gets contaminated with dust, debris, and other foreign elements, the cooling system will lose its efficiency. 

Likely culprit #5- Water pump failure

Coolant must be continuously pumped in order to maintain the engine temperature within acceptable limits. There exists a specially designed part to do exactly that: the water pump. In essence, the water pump is a centrifugal pump built for pumping coolant between the engine and radiator using the mechanical energy of the engine. If the pump malfunctions, coolant stagnation will occur. This will lead to a wide range of issues, the most common of which is a sharp upsurge in engine temperature at idle.

BMW Overheating At Idle: The Right Course of Action

Turn off your BMW as soon as you realize its engine temperature is rising sharply at idle. Then follow the below steps;

Try to find out where the problem exactly is.

Start by checking the coolant level and the radiator fan.

In the event that you fail to get to the bottom of the problem, drive slowly to the nearest car service center.

Make sure your heating and cooling system is turned off.

To Put In A Nutshell…

If your BMW engine temperature is spiking up when at idle, don’t take it for granted. You must act quickly to find out what went wrong with your vehicle and why its engine temperature is skyrocketing at idle.

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Brake fluid is at the center of a vehicle’s braking system. If it gets contaminated, the functionality of the braking system will be negatively impacted. So, check your BMW’s brake fluid from time to time and if necessary replace it.

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If your car engine behaves in an unusual way and generates a popping noise, you could be dealing with a backfiring issue. Reach out to a reliable car mechanic to diagnose and fix the reason behind this unusual engine behavior.

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If your Mercedes is displaying a "PRE-SAFE Functions Limited See Operator's Manual" message, call a mechanic right away. Because it is a sign that something is not quite so right with the PRE-SAFE system.

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Spotting (and Fixing) Common Causes of Engine Backfire In Audi

In a vehicle, a backfire occurs when the air-fuel mixture is ignited somewhere outside the cylinder, causing a loud popping noise. Problems of this nature can be very frustrating and dangerous, as they can damage the engine and crucial parts of the exhaust system.

Don’t worry though. As you read on, you'll discover some common causes of engine backfire and things that can be done to prevent something like this from happening. So, let’s get started.

Understanding the Common Causes of an Engine Backfire

An engine is arguably the most important part of a vehicle. After all, this is what moves the vehicle. Which is why an issue involving such an important part can be highly divisive. Well, enough chit-chat. Let's discuss some of the common causes of engine backfire.

While engine backfires in vehicles are often attributed to worn spark plugs, the cause of this type of problem can be one of many different things going on with the engine. Some of them are listed below. Please take a look.

Reason No.1- Spark plugs are not firing as they should

Located at the top of the cylinder head, spark plugs play a crucial role in how your car engine operates. The engine control module or ECM, based on inputs received from numerous sensors such as oxygen sensor, knock sensor, throttle body sensor, coolant temperature sensor, etc., determines spark plug firing timing.

It is possible for the engine to run rough and backfire if that timing is slightly off. You can avoid many engine problems, including backfires, by cleaning and servicing your spark plugs periodically.

Reason No.2- Engine running lean

Strange though it may seem, a lean air-to-fuel ratio can contribute to engine backfire in a vehicle. For those who don't know, a car engine can run lean if there is not enough fuel being injected into the combustion chamber, relative to the amount of air.

A car engine usually runs lean due to a vacuum leak or an issue with the fuel injection system. Also, issues with the air intake system such as a clogged air filter and damaged throttle body can cause a car engine to run lean and backfire.

Reason No.3- Engine running rich

A rich air/fuel mixture can also make a car engine vulnerable to engine backfire. A running-rich condition in an engine occurs when there is an excessive amount of fuel being injected into the engine in comparison to the amount of air.

In addition to backfire, rich air/fuel mixture can contribute to misfire, stalling, sputtering and numerous other complications related to the engine. That’s why if you suspect that your engine is running rich, have someone check on the air and fuel delivery systems.

Reason No.4- Valve train system is at fault

A problem with the valve train system is another common reason for a car engine to backfire. The valve train system, as most of you probably know, is a mechanism designed to control the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves.

Some of the major components of a car engine's valve train system are valve seats, springs, push rods, valve guides, spring retainers, collets, rocker arms and shafts. If one of these components goes bad, the performance of the valve train system will be negatively impacted. As a result, the engine will run rough and may even backfire.  

Reason No.5- Lack of maintenance

When was the last time you changed your engine oil? A car engine needs to be serviced regularly to operate smoothly and efficiently. Regular servicing can also help you get the most out of your car's engine. If you do not take care of your car engine, you will face many engine problems including engine backfire and stalling.

So it is important that you get your car serviced regularly if you want to get the most out of your car engine.

Bottom Line

Engine backfire can be caused by several factors including incorrect ignition timing, lean or rich air/fuel mixture, vacuum leaks, exhaust leaks, incorrectly operating valve train system, etc. You should know that engine backfire can also be a sign of a serious engine problem. That's why if your car is backfiring, reach out to a certified mechanic so that the culprit can be diagnosed and repaired in time.

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If your BMW engine is shaking, there is no need to panic. It could be due to a faulty spark plug. But, you should not ignore it either. As soon as tremors are felt, take your car to the nearest auto service center.

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The battery and alternator are two major parts of your car's electrical system. One is responsible for generating the electric current; while the other is responsible for storing that energy in the form of chemical energy. If any of these two components goes bad, you will experience a wide range of electrical drama while driving your BMW X5.

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BMW X5 Electrical Problems? How Do You Know If It's Battery Or Alternator?

Well, it's a little difficult to figure out which one between the battery and the alternator is the culprit and causing electrical issues in your BMW X5.

But, don't worry… In this article, we will have a detailed conversation about the signs and causes of battery and alternator failure, so that you can figure out which one of them is faulty. To begin with, let's have a brief chat about the basics of the automotive electrical system.

Car electrical system- How does it work?

Your car's electrical system has two functions- the generation and storage of electric current. For electricity generation, all vehicles come fitted with an alternator- which is an electro-mechanical device designed to produce electricity from changing magnetic field. And, for the storage of electricity produced by the alternator, all automobiles come equipped with a rechargeable battery- which is also known as an SLI battery. Here SLI stands for starting, lighting, and ignition.

As you can see, the battery and alternator are two main components of a car's electrical system. And, if anything goes wrong with any of these two parts, your car will battle a host of electrical drama. The below discussion will help you to determine if you are dealing with a faulty alternator of a dying battery.

Signs your BMW X5 battery is faulty

Engine slow to crank

Is your car engine slow to crank? Because, if so, the first and foremost thing you should do is to check its battery. The battery powers your car's ignition system, fuel processing unit, and other crucial components. If it wears out due to some reason, the electricity supply to those parts will get interrupted; causing the engine to crank too long before starting.

Misshaped battery

Another sign that your BMW X5 battery is faulty is if it is not in its normal size. A swollen battery is usually a sign of overcharging. Besides, extreme environmental temperatures can result in a wrapped battery in a car. It is not safe to drive a car with a swollen battery- as it may explode and cause damage to the engine and other drivetrain components. So, check the condition of your car battery regularly and if it is swollen, just replace it.

Flickering dash and headlights

The battery powers the headlights, taillights, and instrument panel lights of your car. If it goes bad, those lights will flicker due to power fluctuations. Also, if there is something wrong with the battery, your car's radio and other electrical accessories will not work properly.

Signs your BMW X5 alternator is faulty

Persistent whining noise

If a high-pitched whining or grinding noise is coming from your car’s engine bay region, there is a good chance that your alternator is defective and needs to be replaced. This usually happens due to worn bearings and bushes. Also, a cracked or loose accessory belt can result in the emergence of a strange whining or squealing noise.

Burning odor

In addition to a strange whining noise, you may notice the emergence of a distinctive rubber-burning odor when you have alternator problems. As you would have read earlier, the alternator is an electro-mechanical device that is tasked with the job of electric power generation from changing magnetic fields. And, to do so, it is indirectly connected with the engine's crankshaft pulley via a drive belt. If the drive belt is not properly aligned with the alternator pulley, the increased friction will result in a burning smell of rubber.

The battery keeps dying

If your car battery keeps dying, most of the time, it signifies an alternator problem. As discussed earlier, the job of an alternator is to charge the car battery. However, a faulty alternator won't be able to keep up with the electricity demand of your battery, as a result of which you will battle different types of electrical drama while driving. That is why if your car battery is dying frequently, have someone check on the alternator.

Wrapping up

You can think of the battery as the heart and alternator as the soul of your car’s electrical system. Issues with either of them can result in all sorts of electrical problems in your car. That’s why if you have a feeling that your BMW X5 has an electrical problem, get your alternator and battery checked out by a certified professional.

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If you’re detecting any of the aforementioned signs, it would be wise for you to rush your BMW E46 to a local car service center so that the failing idle air control valve can be replaced.

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The most important concern among car owners is maintaining it properly in winter. In general, the winter season brings a lot of troubles and complications in your car that will increase the maintenance charges. Due to these reasons, you have to take proper care of the car during winter. Go through the infographics to know about the common winter maintenance tips for your Volkswagen.

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Nowadays, there is a huge craze for SUVs and one of the most popular SUV is the Volkswagen Taigun which is known for its performance and advanced features. However, of late, VW Taigun drivers are complaining about a faulty ignition switch in their car that makes it really frustrating for them to drive their car smoothly. Have a look at the infographics to know the ways to deal with a bad ignition switch in your Volkswagen Taigun.

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The main function of the anti-lock braking system in your Porsche is to adjust the braking pressure and ensure that they are not hydroplaning in wet conditions. As it is a central brain of the entire ABS module and is defined as an important electronic device. When the ABS is failed in your Porsche, you will notice the signs defined in the following infographics.

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In general, the brake rotors are metal discs that are working together with the brake pads and calipers for slowing down the car. Moreover, it is bolted to the wheel hub and spin in direct relation to the wheel speed. If the brake rotor of the Mercedes-Benz is damaged or worn out for any reason, then you will notice the signs defined in the following infographics.

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