RICHMOND GERMAN AUTO REPAIR

When it comes to purchasing a new car, safety is something every buyer is looking for. We often hear about car safety ratings, but have you ever wondered how these ratings are measured? Understanding how car safety ratings are determined can help you make advised decisions when choosing a vehicle; that's why we have covered this topic in the blog below. The Main Measure - Crash Tests One of the primary methods used to measure car safety ratings is through crash tests. Various organizations, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), conduct rigorous crash tests to evaluate a vehicle's performance in different collision scenarios. These tests simulate real-life accidents and assess factors like occupant protection and structural integrity. You might be familiar with the test dummies used in these tests, which are yellow with black accents What is the test composed of ... read more

BMWs have collected a very big following and are licked all over the world. But just like any other car, they have problems and issues. Below you will find a couple of maintenance tips that will make sure the problems BMWs are known for won't occur. 1. Check The Oil Regularly One of the most widely spread facts related to BMW is that their cars have oil issues. Well, we can say that with proper maintenance and care, this won't happen. If you want to visit the shop less frequently because of engine or transmission problems, make sure to change the oil and oil filter at the given intervals in the owner's manual. 2. Drivetrain Check-Ups Almost all BMWs are rear-wheel drive. This makes them a little bit more complex and prone to drivetrain damage. As a whole, a thorough inspection of the undercarriage, wheels, and transmission is one of the best things you can do for your BMW. This will make sure that there aren't any undetected issues ... read more

While car manufacturers like to give their products confusing models and names, Audi has made it quite simple. When you know the basics, everything will be clear, and the differences between them will be obvious. We have split the models into a couple of categories, so it's even easier to understand. Continue reading if you want to find out more. What Do The Numbers Mean? Let's start with the numbers behind the letters. It might seem like we will go in reverse order, but it will be easier this way. They range from 1 to 8; the higher the number, the greater the performance and luxury. For example, a vehicle with the number 4 will have fewer features than a model number 6. Now that we've covered the basics, let's move on. A Models Models beginning with an A are the most basic/entry-level vehicles. They still have features and comfort to offer, but their higher, more advanced counterparts have the upper hand. For example, the A6 is one ... read more

BMW has long been a symbol of luxury and performance, and the 2023 models are no exception. In this short list, we will give you our picks for the best sedan, SUV, and EV for 2023 so far. BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe The 2023 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is a stunning luxury sedan that combines style, performance, and comfort. It features a powerful turbocharged V8 engine that delivers 523 horsepower and can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. The interior is spacious and luxurious and made with a proper BMW style - excellent materials and craftsmanship. The 8 Series Gran Coupe also comes with a host of safety features, including lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and front and rear parking sensors. Overall, this BMW is a top-of-the-line luxury sedan, offering an exceptional driving and passenger experience. BMW X7 & X5 The 2023 BMW X7 is a three-row luxury SUV that offers comfort, space, and performance. It features a powerful 3.0-liter inline-six engine that deliver ... read more

Just like all good things, auto transmissions don’t last forever. To avoid surprises on your repair bills, it is important to know how your vehicle’s transmission is doing and when it may need repairs. Some transmission problems are easier to catch than others. However, we can perform regular inspections for you at Bimmer Rescue in Richmond, VA.  Here are some of the top symptoms that indicate you need transmission repairs: Challenge Shifting Gears - Gear shifting issues are a huge red flag that your transmission is failing. If your car, SUV, or truck hesitates in between gears or even falls out of gear, please have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic immediately. Grinding Noises - Grinding sounds are usually always your gears. When the gears aren’t lubricated, they can cause your vehicle to shake as well.  Burning Smells - A burning smell coming from your transmission can mean that your car is in jeopardy. When there is excessive friction ... read more

Winter can be tough on your vehicle, but with proper preparation, you can help ensure that your car is ready to handle the colder temperatures and snowy conditions. Here are some critical steps to take to prepare your vehicle for the winter: Check your tires: Good tread is essential for maintaining traction on slippery roads. If your tires are worn or don't have enough tread, consider replacing them before the winter season. Consider using winter tires, specifically designed for cold weather and can provide a better grip on icy roads. Test your exterior lights: It's essential to make sure all of your exterior lights are functioning correctly before the winter season. This includes your headlights, taillights, and turn signals. Not only will this help you see and be seen on the road, but it's also a safety requirement in many states. Replace your windshield wipers: Windshield wipers can become worn out over time, and they can be especially prone to failure in the winter ... read more

Our vehicle’s lights have many functions – some help us see the road ahead while others are used to communicate with other drivers. It is your responsibility to keep your car lights operating at all times. Just like the lights in our homes, they can eventually die out or even break. When that happens, know that you can trust the team at Bimmer Rescue with all your automotive lighting needs. Car Lights & What They Are Used For Low Beam Headlights - These are the basic headlights that should give enough light to show you what is ahead of you on the road at night. They improve visibility and safety when used during the day, through bad weather, and especially at night. High Beam Headlights - These are your high beams that are known for giving intense brightness. You should only have them on when there are no cars around. These are great to use on back roads or dark-lit roads at night. You should avoid using them when it is rainy or foggy.  Fog Lights - Speaking o ... read more

When you notice overheating, spills, and engine issues with your vehicle, it might be time for you to get a radiator flushing. But before you do, what is it, and how often does your vehicle need it? Radiator flush: what is it? A radiator cleanse can assist maintain an effective radiator system and stop a car from overheating. This method involves emptying the radiator's initial coolant and refilling it with fresh coolant or antifreeze that has been diluted with water. The combination is then allowed to flow through the cooling system of the car so that any granular accumulation inside the radiator stream can be dissolved and removed. The coolant or antifreeze solution is then emptied and replenished with the regular mixture of coolant and water when the system has finished circulating. How to Determine When to Flush Your Radiator The car's manual should be your initial stop. This gives a timeline and a description of maintenance duties as advised by the producer. You might ... read more

  With temperatures cooling down in Richmond, VA, we’d like to remind our customers and community to check their vehicle’s tire pressure. This isn’t rocket science – cold weather can cause the air inside your tires to contract. To avoid driving with underinflated tires, please be sure to take some time to monitor and adjust your tire’s air pressure.   Oftentimes, our clients will ask us, “what is the recommended tire pressure for my car”. There is no right or wrong answer for all vehicles because it varies depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Before pulling out the gauge or taking your car to the nearest air pump, ensure you know your automaker’s specifications for tire PSI.    If you operate a light truck, car, or SUV, the recommended usually ranges from 32-36 psi. To be sure, check the following places for accurate details: Driver or passenger inner door jam Sticker or decal inside the fuel door ... read more

While most people are wary about their oil changes, they don’t care much for their vehicle’s timing belt or chain. But did you know just as important of a role for your engine? The timing belt is a part of the motor that rotates the camshaft and crankshaft so that they can move in sync.  This ensures every cylinder fires at the right time without incurring any damage.    The rubbery timing belt typically sits under a timing cover near the front of the engine. Since timing belts are made to last up anywhere between 60,000 to 100,000 miles or more, most drivers neglect to check on them early on. However, frequent inspections of your vehicle’s belts are essential to plan out the replacement service. When timing belts wear down, they are more inclined to break. A broken timing belt can cause extensive engine damage if you’re not careful.   In this blog, we will go over several common symptoms that may indicate your timing belt needs repair ... read more