BMW REPLACEMENT PARTS
How to Identify Common Worn-Out BMW Replacement Parts Before They Break
Driving a BMW is an enjoyable experience, but like any high-performance car, upkeep plays a crucial role to keep it running smoothly. South African BMW owners can avoid pricey fixes and sudden breakdowns by knowing when to swap out parts that often wear out. This guide covers eight BMW replacement parts that need changing, how to spot signs of wear and the right time to replace them.
Brake Pads and Discs
BMWs excel at precise braking, but even top-notch brakes wear out. Squeaks grinding sounds, or a soft brake pedal signal that your brake pads and discs need replacing. Check them every 20,000 km and replace when necessary to ensure safe journeys.
Tips when replacing:
• Pick high-quality, OEM-equivalent brake pads from a reputable BMW replacement parts dealer.
• Always change brake pads in sets (both front or both rear) for balanced braking.
• Check the edge of the disc for a ridge, this may require BMW replacement parts.
Engine Mounts
A shaking engine or odd sounds when you speed up often point to engine mounts going bad. These parts soak up engine movement and, if they’re worn out, can lead to too much shaking. Fixing them stops damage to parts around them.
Tips when replacing:
• Prop up the engine with a jack before you take out old mounts.
• Pick rubber or polyurethane mounts from your trusted BMW replacement parts dealer, they will last longer and cut down shaking more efficiently.
• Look at bolts and brackets nearby to see if they’re worn before you put in new mounts.
Engine Mounts
A shaking engine or odd sounds when you speed up often point to engine mounts going bad. These parts soak up engine movement and, if they’re worn out, can lead to too much shaking. Fixing them stops damage to parts around them.
Tips when replacing:
• Prop up the engine with a jack before you take out old mounts.
• Pick rubber or polyurethane mounts from your trusted BMW replacement parts dealer, they will last longer and cut down shaking more efficiently.
• Look at bolts and brackets nearby to see if they’re worn before you put in new mounts.
Control Arm Bushings
BMW suspensions give you a smooth drive, but when control arm bushings wear out, you’ll hear clunks and feel the car’s handling deteriorate. If your BMW feels loose on the road when you hit bumps, take a look at these bushings and replace them with quality BMW replacement parts before other suspension components get damaged.
Tips when replacing:
• Consider using better polyurethane bushings to make them last longer.
• Get your wheels aligned after you put in new control arm bushings.
• Use a press tool to make it easier to put in new bushings.
Battery
BMWs have complex electronics that need a good battery to work correctly. When your car starts and the dashboard lights flicker or you need jump-starts often, your battery might be dying. BMW batteries last 3-5 years, but South Africa’s weather can make them die sooner. To predict when a battery might fail, you should check its voltage.
Tips when replacing:
• Use a device to save electronic settings.
• Add the new battery to the car’s system with a special tool.
• Pick an AGM battery if your BMW has tech that stops and starts the engine.
At Beeline Spares, we stock a wide range of BMW replacement parts to make your life easier. Browse our selection to find the right part for you.
Water Pump and Thermostat
Engine overheating can cause major damage to your BMW’s engine. Your water pump or thermostat might be breaking if you see changing temperatures, coolant leaks or warnings on your dashboard. You should swap these out with new BMW replacement parts before they cause considerable damage to your engine.
Tips when replacing:
• Take out the old coolant and put in new coolant that BMW recommends.
• Look at the hoses and replace them if they have cracks or feel brittle.
• Get all the air out of the cooling system to avoid problems.
Fuel Pump
If your BMW’s fuel pump starts failing, you will notice a combination of loss in power, delayed throttle response and difficulty starting the engine. In order for your BMW’s engine to perform optimally and deliver peak power, the fuel pump needs to supply consistent pressure in the fuel lines.
Replacement Tips:
• Before removing the damaged fuel pump, first release all the pressure in your fuel lines by disconnecting power to the pump and then starting your engine.
• While replacing your fuel pump, it is advisable to replace the fuel filter as well.
Timing Chain and Tensioner
A worn or failing timing belt will usually cause noticeable rattling noises in the engine, this will require your immediate attention as a failed timing chain can cause major damage to mechanical components in your BMW’s engine. A timing chain should be replaced every 100 000km to 150 000km (depending on vehicle model), this will help avoid a costly engine rebuild.
Replacement Tips:
• Only use OEM or OEM-equivalent timing chain kits to ensure reliability.
• Timing chain tensioners and guides should be replaced along with the timing chain. Your BMW replacement parts dealer will advise on the complete kit for your vehicle model.
• Do not start your vehicle’s engine before checking the valve timing is correct. Incorrect alignment may also cause severe engine damage, even from a single rotation.
Timing Chain and Tensioner
A worn or failing timing belt will usually cause noticeable rattling noises in the engine, this will require your immediate attention as a failed timing chain can cause major damage to mechanical components in your BMW’s engine. A timing chain should be replaced every 100 000km to 150 000km (depending on vehicle model), this will help avoid a costly engine rebuild.
Replacement Tips:
• Only use OEM or OEM-equivalent timing chain kits to ensure reliability.
• Timing chain tensioners and guides should be replaced along with the timing chain. Your BMW replacement parts dealer will advise on the complete kit for your vehicle model.
• Do not start your vehicle’s engine before checking the valve timing is correct. Incorrect alignment may also cause severe engine damage, even from a single rotation.
Final Thoughts
Prevention is better than the cure, especially when it comes to maintaining your high-performance vehicle and fitting BMW replacement parts before they fail. In the long run, proactive maintenance of your BMW will save you from costly repairs and breakdowns. If you have any questions regarding BMW replacement parts, get in touch with our experienced sales team today.
Disclaimer: The content provided on the Beeline Spares blog is for informational purposes only. While we aim to offer helpful tips and guidance, Beeline Spares will not be held liable for any damage, injury, or loss resulting from individuals working on their own vehicles. Always consult a qualified mechanic when in doubt.
