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

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...

Image: BMW X6M Series Alternator with just 26K miles for sale at MT Auto Parts for £237.74 The alternator is one of those BMW parts that works quietly in the background until something goes wrong. While the engine is running, it generates the electrical power needed to operate the car's systems, from the lights and climate control to the infotainment, heated seats, sensors and control modules. It also keeps the battery charged so there is enough power available for the next start. If the alternator stops charging, the BMW will continue running on battery power for a limited period, but how long it lasts depends heavily on the battery's condition and how much electrical equipment is being used. A modern BMW has a significant electrical load, so it is not safe to assume that a car will continue running for a fixed 20 or 30 minutes. Once the battery voltage drops too far, the engine can stop, and the car may no longer restart. The battery warning light appearing while driving is o...

Photo by Manish Mishra on Unsplash It is one of the most common questions when buying used BMW parts: can a part from an F-generation BMW fit a G-generation car with the same model name? Can you use F30 parts on a G20, or F10 parts on a G30? The simple answer is: sometimes, but it depends on the part. Some mechanical parts and engine families were carried over between generations, while body parts, suspension components, lights and most electronic modules are designed specifically for one generation. Knowing the difference before you buy can save you the cost and hassle of ordering the wrong part. Why F and G Generation BMWs Are Different Cars BMW uses internal generation codes to distinguish different versions of its models. The F30, F31 and F34 belong to the sixth-generation 3 Series, produced from 2012 to 2019, while the G20 and G21 represent the seventh generation of the 3 Series family, introduced in 2019. Despite sharing the 3 Series name, the F30 and G20 are very different cars...