How to fix common BMW engine problems

What kinds of engine problems do BMWs suffer from?

Although considered to have a reasonable level of reliability, engine cooling system problems are fairly common in BMWs – particularly in the case of coolant leaks and failed water pumps.

These can all be costly in their own way if left unchecked – but there are ways to diagnose problems before the cost of repairs hits your wallet.

Which BMW models suffer from cooling system problems?

Owners of a 1999-2005 BMW 3-series (E46), 2006-2011 BMW 3-series or 2007-2012 BMW X5 should ensure they pay special attention to their vehicle’s cooling systems. If the cooling system is not functioning properly this can cause the engine to overheat, and require very expensive repairs.

Why do cooling systems fail?

This overheating is usually caused by a coolant leak – which can be quickly identified if the coolant indicator on your dashboard has dropped quickly over a short time. If your BMW’s water pump fails, this can also prevent coolant from flowing freely through your engine, and result in it overheating.

Catch this early, however, and you can apply K-Seal to fix the problem and prevent the engine from overheating. Widely available, you can find your nearest stockist using our handy search tool.

How do I know if my BMW’s head gasket is leaking?

If smoke is coming from your car’s exhaust, it could mean that your BMW’s head gasket is leaking, and needs replacing or fixing. Smoke like this tends to appear if the car has just been started or is idling for a while. If your cooling system constantly needs to be topped up with water, this may be a sign too.

How much does a BMW head gasket replacement cost?

A blown gasket always takes a toll on your bank account – often costing in the thousands. Rather than risking the cost of replacing your BMW’s head gasket altogether, it’s much better to try to fix the leak before it gets to this point.

K-Seal is purpose-made to solve this problem before it gets out of hand, successfully mixing with all kinds of antifreeze and engine coolant to safely repair failures, prevent engine leaks and stop coolant from leaking into the engine cylinder.

Want to fix that problem before it gets out of hand? Find your nearest K-Seal stockist, and save yourself the cost of repairing your BMW’s head gasket.

Could other parts of my engine be affected?

Although we’ve mentioned the most common issues your BMW may encounter or be suffering from, this is not an exhaustive list.

Select an engine part in the interactive diagram below to explore your engine and the important components that keep everything ticking over, or try our 60 second problem solver to quickly identify what your issue is from the symptoms.