TROUBLESHOOTING
SERIES 1
CAMBIARE explores some common issues with the very popular BMW 1 Series
and shares some sales opportunities from the vehicle electronics specialist.
The BMW 1 Series was first launched in 2004 as a five-door hatchback,
followed by the introduction of the 3-door hatchback in 2007. With its
premium feel, teamed with great functionality as a small family hatch, this
has proven to be a popular choice for motorists.
According to Auto Express, the BMW 1 Series is very well built and
safe although it suffers from patchy reliability reports. This opinion
was shared with What Car’s Reliability Survey 2018 where BMW, as a
vehicle manufacturer was rated 17 out of 33. The 1 Series specifically, is
consistently rated as average in terms of reliability, citing problems with
batteries, engines and gears. Electrical faults account for up to a quarter of
the reported problems.
Camshaft Sensor
When this sensor fails, it stops transmitting the necessary data
needed for ignition and other parts of the system. Symptoms
of a failing camshaft sensor include engine idling
erratically, poor starting and flat acceleration. If the
engine is revved up when it has a bad or faulty sensor,
it may cause misfiring, excessive engine vibration
or backfiring.
Coil Pack
A common issue for 1 Series with petrol
engines is the loss of power. This is
often attribute d to a faulty coil
pack. Typical symptoms of a faulty
or failing coil pack include the
illumination of the check
engine light, lack of power,
heavy engine vibration,
rough idling and the
car going into 'limp
BMW 1 Series 118d 2.0
mode'.
SERVE THEM RIGHT:
(2007-2012)
THE SIGNS OF ISSUES
MAF Sensors
Often, a faulty MAF sensor is indicative that there is a problem somewhere
else in the system. Many installers find that clogged sensors are caused by
leaks in the air intake system after the air filter, allowing dirt particles to
enter the system and damage the sensor element. As a clogged or damaged
air filter can also cause problems, it is good practice to replace it at the same
time as the MAF sensor. Vacuum and engine breather circuits will also
trigger MAF fault codes due to unmetered air entering the engine.
About 23% of the reported problems with the
BMW 1 Series have been attributed to electrical faults.
Cambiare’s extensive range of vehicle electronics
and engine management parts helps
motor factors prepare for any
customer requests
of this nature.
VE372159 MAP Sensor
Cambiare also stocks:
VE360246 EGR Valve
VE363588 Camshaft Sensor
VE372159 MAP Sensor
ABS Sensors
VE375157 Engine Management Coolant
The accumulation of dirt, as well as wear and tear over time
Temperature Sensor
can hinder the ABS sensor’s ability to provide a consistent
VE375175 Temperature Sensor
reading. A failing ABS sensor will typically trigger the
VE700348 Air Mass Sensor
ABS light to illuminate. Drivers may also find that the
VE701147 ABS Sensor
vehicle is taking longer to stop under heavy breaking
VE712067 Brake Light Switch
situations whilst experiencing traction loss and
VE724088
Reverse Light Switch
skidding. A corroded or broken ABS reluctor
wheel can also cause mis-readings or damage
to the end of the sensor. This should be
Backed by a 2-year/30,000-mile warranty, Cambiare parts are available from FPS via same/next-day
checked before replacing the sensor to
delivery. The parts are fully catalogued on the Cambiare website (www.cambiare-ve.com), F:Drive and
prevent damage to the new part.
MAM Autocat. For more information, please speak to your local Cambiare or FPS representative.
VITAL NEWS ISSUE 52
TROUBLESHOOTING CASE STUDY: BMW 1 SERIES 7