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

  If you've ever looked at a BMW steering wheel listing and wondered what heated, vibro, shift paddles, Distronic, or heated assistant actually means, this infographic is for you. Modern BMW steering wheels are significantly more complex than they look. Depending on the specification, a single wheel can contain a heating element, vibration motors for lane departure feedback, shift paddles for manual gear selection on automatic gearboxes, full multifunction spoke controls for audio and driver assistance, adaptive cruise Distronic integration, and a capacitive sensor that detects whether your hands are in contact with the rim. This infographic from MT Auto Parts walks through all five levels of BMW steering wheel specification, from a basic heated rim through to the most advanced heated assistant specification found on current G-generation models. For each level we cover what the feature actually does, which BMW models it's most commonly found on, and what a used genuine rep...

  Photo by Jonas Morgner on Unsplash The VIN, Vehicle Identification Number, is on every BMW ever made. It's a 17-character code that encodes information about the car's origin, specification, and production sequence. Most owners never look at it beyond verifying that the number on the car matches the documents. That's a missed opportunity. The VIN tells you things about the car that the badge, the service history, and the seller's description don't always make clear. For BMW owners and buyers specifically, understanding the VIN can prevent wrong-part purchases, verify a car's specifications, and catch discrepancies that warrant further investigation. Where to Find the BMW VIN The VIN appears in several places on a BMW: ●      Dashboard — visible through the windscreen on the driver's side, typically at the base of the screen where it meets the dashboard. This is the most commonly viewed location. ●      Driver's door jamb — on a ...

Photo by Vladyslav Lytvyshchenko on Unsplash The N63 is BMW's twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8. On paper, and in person, if you're honest about it, it's a magnificent thing. Four hundred horsepower in a 5 Series. Five hundred in the right M Sport trim. A sound that makes a grey Tuesday feel like something worth being alive for. It is also, particularly in its early years, a bit of a nightmare. BMW put the turbos in the V-engine valley, between the cylinder banks, tucked right into the hottest part of the engine. The engineering term for this layout is 'hot-V'. It helps reduce turbo lag. It also generates extraordinary heat in places where rubber seals and gaskets were never really designed to live. The early N63s, roughly 2008 to 2013, burned oil, leaked everywhere, ate timing chains, and sometimes failed fuel injectors before the car had done 30,000 miles. BMW eventually acknowledged all of this. More on that shortly. The good news is that if you own a BMW N63 engine...