Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers from BMW specialists who have been working in the Arizona heat since 1992.
Drop off and appointments
If my car breaks down on the weekend, can I drop it off at your shop?
Yes, the car may be left at the shop. Please put the keys through the drop slot on the front door, and give us a call when we open on Monday so we know what is going on.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. We work by appointment. Call us at 480.922.1068 to book.
What are your hours?
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, closed for lunch from 12 to 1. We are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Where are you located?
15650 N Northsight Blvd #3, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, in the Scottsdale Airpark near the 101 freeway, Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd and Hayden Road.
Do you only work on BMWs?
Yes. We are an independent BMW specialist. Our team only works on BMWs, which is how we know them so well.
Oil and maintenance
When my BMW was serviced by the dealer, they recommended a 12,000 to 15,000 mile interval for oil services. Why do you recommend 6,000 miles?
When we first begin to service a car that has been under the BMW service plan, more often than not we see an extreme build up of sludge inside the engine, especially on the valvetrain components. While 12,000 to 15,000 mile intervals may be more acceptable in a cooler climate, higher ambient temperatures in the Phoenix area cause oil to degrade much more quickly. Degraded oil turns into sludge much faster than clean oil. A 6,000 mile oil change interval will keep your BMW’s engine clean and well lubricated for years to come.
Why should my cooling system be replaced between 80,000 and 90,000 miles?
With summer temperatures in the Phoenix area often reaching nearly 120°F for weeks at a time, the rubber and plastic components under the hood of your BMW are under significantly more stress than they would be at temperatures even 20°F lower. This heat stress is especially hard on the cooling system, which is made almost entirely of plastic and rubber. When one part of the cooling system fails from heat stress, which is very common in this climate, the rest of the system is usually not far behind. Because a cooling system failure while driving virtually guarantees being stranded and having your BMW towed in, replacing the cooling system is the best way to avoid coolant loss breakdowns.
How often should my brake pads be inspected?
About every 10,000 miles. Replace them when the lining has worn down far enough to trigger the pad wear sensor, and have the rotors measured at the same time.
How often should I replace my shocks?
About every 50,000 miles, always in pairs, or sooner if the car keeps bouncing after you push down on a corner. Cars that are raced or driven hard on winding roads may need them sooner.
Still have questions?
Call us at 480.922.1068, or visit our shop at 15650 North Northsight Blvd, Suite 3 in the Scottsdale Airpark, near Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd and Hayden Road.
Ready to book your BMW in?
Service is by appointment. Call us and we will find a time that works.