BMW 3 Series Common Problems

BMW 3 Series

The BMW is one of the most iconic cars on the British roads. With many variations and affiliations over the years the 3 series is without question one of the best known models. With a history reaching back to 1975, this is the German manufacturer’s best-selling vehicle accounting for 30% of their annual turnover.

Winning various awards over its lifetime the 3 series has seen a number of incarnations including 2 door sports coupes and 5 door station wagons. There is a supercharged version of the vehicle available known as the M3. With this many cars rolling off the production line, there are always going to be a few faults reported in various models. So if you have a 3 series, what should you be on the lookout for?

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Common Problems with the Mercedes C-Class

Mercedes-benz C-class

Drive a Mercedes C-Class and you’ll certainly get noticed. These sophisticated German cars are definitely one of the nicest cars in which to travel with well decorated interiors, which let you sink into comfort on those long journeys. And when you’re embarking on those big trips you’ll also enjoy the well weighted suspension.

They are also surprisingly cost effective runners too, especially when compared with BMWs and other high end motors, but there are a number of common faults that appear across the range. Fortunately, genuine Mercedes spares are easy to source, which helps keep maintenance costs manageable even for older C-Class models.

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Commonly Reported Problems: Ford Fiesta

Ford Fiesta

Do you own a Ford Fiesta, or perhaps you’re thinking of buying one? Make sure you’re aware of these common faults in some of the recently produced ranges of cars that could give you a few problems on the roads. Whilst most major faults always lead to a recall, you could save money and trouble identifying issues with this guide.

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Replacing an indicator stalk

Indicator stalk

The indicator stalk is the part of the car’s control systems that is used to control your vehicles indication lights. It is usually mounted on the steering column, giving you easy access without having to remove your hands from the steering wheel. Most indicators have a mechanism in them that turns them off when the steering wheel is rotated in a contrary direction to the indicator light.

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How to Replace a Car’s Instrument Cluster

Instrument Cluster

Your instrument cluster is the part of the dashboard that tells you what’s going on with your vehicle’s internal systems. It contains the speedometer, the rev counter and all the lights and status displays that warn you of problems such as low fuel and battery charge issues.

Every instrument cluster has a lifespan and will eventually wear out. It’s quite a simple problem to spot as the speedometer and other dials and gauges will stop moving and lights will not function, such as the full beam warning or the hazard indicator. Do of course bear in mind that if it’s only a bulb that’s blown, you may be able to replace certain bulbs in certain positions and then you won’t need to replace the whole cluster.

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Replacing the Window Wiper Linkage

Windscreen wipers

What is the window wiper linkage? This part connects both arms to the wiper motor and makes the arms move in synchronisation. As with all moving parts they can simply wear out or seize up over time. This will require the complete replacement of the window wiper linkage, rather than fixing an individual part. 

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Replacing a Power Window Switch

Power window switch

Everyone knows how an electric window switch works. You simply press the button and the window is either lowered or raised depending on which side you pressed. It’s therefore pretty easy to tell when this part is broken, as the mechanism will no longer function, locking the window in one position.

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