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

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...

Photo by Avenir Visuals on Unsplash The list price of a BMW tells you almost nothing about what it actually costs to own one. The purchase price is one number; the annual running costs (fuel, insurance, road tax, servicing, tyres, and the parts that wear out or fail) add up to a quite different number that most people do not calculate before they buy the car. This guide sets out the main cost categories for BMW owners, based on 2026 UK prices, so you can build a realistic picture of what your car should cost each year beyond the monthly finance payment. Fuel Fuel is usually one of the highest running costs of any car, and BMW's range covers everything from efficient 1 Series diesels capable of returning more than 50 mpg on longer runs to V8 M cars that can dip below 20 mpg when driven hard. For example, a BMW 320d achieving around 55 mpg on the combined cycle would use approximately 826 litres of diesel over 10,000 miles. At around £1.90 per litre, close to the UK average diesel pr...