FAQS – This is a work in progress. We will edit and add as the need arises and divide them into sub categories for easy reference. This is intended to be a quick read as opposed to an exhaustive reference on any given question. Your help is actively solicited both in the questions and any answers you believe may need editing. Just click on the “contact Keith Cox Autobahn” link to get us your comments.
1. How often should I have my oil changed in my German Car?
Because the lubricants, filters and engines have been so dramatically improved over the past several years the intervals are longer than the old standard of 3000 miles. All of the manufacturers have specific recommendations which are in each owner’s manual but the new “rule of thumb” is 5000 miles. We use good OEM filters and 100% synthetic oil which are critical factors in protecting your engine. Remember to check your oil each time you fill your car with fuel. BMW's have internal monitoring systems which will notify the driver when services are due. The intervals are longer for BMW, often in the 8-13000 mile range.
2. My owner’s manual calls for using premium grade fuel in my car. Do I really have to follow this advice?
The control units on all of the recent cars will automatically adjust to the octane level of the fuel you put in the car. Performance and mpg may be diminished by using a lower grade. A couple of “test tanks” of the various grades my help you determine what will work the best. Our recommendation is to follow the advice of the Manufacture in this regard.
3. How often should I have my tires rotated?
Tire life can be extended by regular tire rotation by up to 25%. All wheel drive cars should have a rotation every time the car is serviced, i.e.; 5000 miles, and front wheel drive cars every other time at 10,000 miles.
4. There used to be a concern about the reliability and longevity of turbo charged engines. Is this still the case today?
There have been so many advances in “turbo technology” that this concern is really a thing of the past. Most turbochargers are cooled and lubricated in such efficient ways that they are no longer prone to overheating. Turbo charging an engine has become an economical way to achieve more horsepower from a relatively small engine while maintaining excellent mpg.
5. I've heard that German cars are expensive to maintain. Is this true?
Both of the VW and Audi companies went through a quality revolution in the 90's. The outcomes have been very good. Volkswagen has once again established itself as the number 2 volume leader in the world and Audi consistantly out performs many other European and domestic cars in areas related to quality, drivability and value. BMW has won the hearts of the driving public by consistantly producing a high quality and inovative family of vehicles. The parts network and importation of VW started decades before the Asian makes and they maintain excellent distribution to this day. Rick Strotz who managed our service and repair team for many years came from 30 years experiance in domestic and Asian brands. He said that he has been pleasantly surprised to find relatively minor differences in the cost of parts and maintenance of BMW, MINI Cooper, Mercedes, VW and Audi when compared to other brands.
6. Does the brand of gas I buy have any effect on performance?
In a word; "Yes". The large discount stations tend to use gas which meets the standards in several markets eliminating the need to blend to the local market. The brands such as Costco and Safeway have a higher content of alcohol which can create some poor performance issues in the injection systems of many cars. It is often discovered that the drivers experiencing poor run issues and returning "check engine" lights have been using the discount brands and often the wrong grade. Sometimes simply switching to a better brand and the correct octane will solve the problem. Other times it will require having the injectors cleaned at a service facility to restore performance. This service should cost less than $100.
German Auto FAQ's