MT Auto Parts Blog | Expert Tips for BMW enthusiasts on BMW Parts, Accessories, Engines and More

Image: BMW X3 Series Engine ECU Control Unit Set for B57D30B engine, G01 model for £569.99, at mtautoparts.com   A question that comes up regularly from BMW owners considering used parts: will fitting a used genuine BMW part affect the MOT? It is a reasonable thing to wonder, particularly for owners unfamiliar with how the test actually works. The short answer is no, but understanding why helps clarify what the MOT actually checks, which parts do carry specific legal requirements, and why genuine original parts are relevant to the question even if the test does not directly ask where they came from. What the MOT Actually Tests The MOT test assesses whether a vehicle meets minimum road safety and environmental standards at the moment of testing. An MOT tester checks whether components function correctly and are in a condition that meets the standard. They do not check, and are not required to check, whether parts are new, used, dealer-supplied, or sourced from a specialist used car...

Image: BMW 3 Series Multifunction Steering Wheel for F20 and F30 models for £379.99, at mtautoparts.com    The BMW 3 Series has been through seven generations since the E21 arrived in 1975. The cars have changed considerably along the way, but one thing has stayed the same: owners like making them their own. Some want a better interior, others want to bring an older car up to a higher specification, and plenty simply need to replace a worn or damaged original part. BMW confirms that the 3 Series has now covered seven generations, with the F30 representing the sixth and the G20 the seventh. That makes choosing BMW 3 Series accessories slightly more complicated than it first appears. A steering wheel for an F30 isn't automatically suitable for a G20, while an accessory for an F31 Touring can be completely different from the equivalent part for an F30 Saloon. The same applies to interior trim, infotainment equipment and many of the smaller details that changed during a model's p...

Image: BMW 2 Series B38A15F Turbocharger for F44, F40 models with just 23K miles, for £227.99 at mtautoparts.com BMW turbochargers don't normally give drivers much to worry about. They are designed to work hard, spinning at very high speeds while dealing with considerable heat, and they have become an important part of how BMW gets strong performance from smaller petrol and diesel engines. When the system is healthy, you simply press the accelerator and don’t think about anything else. It becomes a different story when the turbocharger starts developing problems. The BMW might feel slower than it used to, a new whistling noise could appear under acceleration, or you may notice smoke coming from the exhaust. Some drivers first notice that the engine is using more oil, while others are faced with an engine warning light or reduced power. These symptoms don't necessarily mean the turbocharger itself has failed. A leaking boost pipe, restricted air intake, exhaust problem or faul...