What's New?
Jeff Jacobsen purchases Monterey Bay Motor Works
This page is dedicated to both the owners of BMW's, and the technicians who service them. The automotive industry is one of the fastest changing industries in the world. To keep abreast of technological changes within the industry, auto technicians have had to adapt quickly to diagnostic procedures unheard of a decade ago. Short of OBD II diagnostics (engine management system diagnostics primarily for emission controls, required by the EPA), most auto manufacturers have proprietary tooling and information systems they are unwilling to share with independent shops. (See: When Autos Need Repair). Only recently have independent BMW repair shops been able to purchase proprietary tooling that includes the most basic information such as electrical schematics. Independent repair shops surviving within this hostile information environment have turned to the internet to share data and repair solutions within controlled chat groups of auto technicians. This is one of the most powerful tools competent independent technicians have today, insuring that you, the consumer, have a choice of who repairs your vehicle. Fewer auto manufacturers today produce a larger number of marques, influencing what you buy, and how and by whom it is serviced. It is presumed that within fifteen years, there will be fewer than five main auto manufacturers left in the world.
I am privileged to be a member of three internet groups of professional auto technicians: the IATN, dedicated to techs of all makes of vehicles, the BIMR forum, and the bimmer-tech group, founded by Rion Groh. Rion has probably, in some way, had a hand in your BMW being repaired correctly if you service your car outside of the franchise circuit. This page is new and will be updated often. (1/5/2007)
Below are articles and information for technicians:
The New BMW Four Cylinder Engine
The New BMW Six Cylinder Engine
Negotiating The Multiplexing Maze - Paul Weissler
Eye on Electronics, The 42 Volt System - Mike Dale
Problems with Eibach Springs (Updated 2/20/03)
