Common Tail Light, Turn Signal and Brake Light Failures

One of the most common tail light, turn signal and brake light failures is burned out bulbs. Unfortunately, glass replacement bulbs are a reality for any vehicle owner. Time and the elements take a toll on your bulbs, leading, inevitably, to failure. Having the right bulb on hand to replace that blown light will keep you legal and safe on the road. You can replace your bulbs with colored bulbs to add a custom look to your vehicle.

Another problem commonly found in BMWs, is after you change all of the bulbs, the check light remains on. That could be caused by the wire harness cable that connects to the light housing; one of the pins could be burned and melted. This causes a slight voltage irregularity thrown to the computer telling it there is a fault even though the lights still work. So check all your wire connections very closely and see if you have any abnormalities or burned out pins.

Having problems with your turn signal? If your turn signal stops working or isn’t working all of the time, use hand signals until you can get it fixed to avoid a huge fine! A turn signal is also known as the electrical connection and switching, there are two types of dashboard turn signal telltale indicators, left and right green indicator lights on the vehicle's instrument cluster, and a cyclical "tick-tock" noise generated electromechanically or electronically.

And did you know that International regulations mandates that turn signals are required to blink on and off, or "flash", at a steady rate of between 60 and 120 blinks per minute.

If you’re having problems with your turn signal, it’s best to have a certified technician at Metric Wrench check your vehicle to see what’s causing the problem, to correct it and to reset all lights and warnings.

Take good care of your BMW, Mercedes or any vehicle to help prevent common tail light, turn signal and brake light failures. Visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your car needs!

November - an Important Month for Car Care

Here in Montana, winterizing your car, is not only smart, but essential. November is the perfect time to start getting ready for the big chill; we recommend you visit Metric Wrench Billings to have our specialists check these applications:

• Check coolant (antifreeze) - coolant should be checked every winter, but most manufacturers recommend changing it out completely every five years or 100,000 miles.
• Check tire depth and tire pressure-it’s also time to think about putting your snow tires on your vehicle.
• Change oil – is it time for your oil to be changed? Now’s a good time to schedule that oil change along with your other BMW, Mercedes and car winterizing needs.
• Check your battery and exhaust system
• Ensure your heater and defroster are working properly

Take good care of your BMW, Mercedes or any vehicle to help prevent common breakdowns and an uncomfortable commute. Visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your car needs!

Metric Wrench Billings, MT Provides Tips for Fall Weather

Summer days are gone and we’ve all seen the days grow shorter, kids are back in school and excited teens are getting up at 6 o’clock in the morning to take Driver’s Ed! Therefore we must endure increased morning traffic that leads to longer commutes and more wear on your car. To ensure that your car is in peak condition, visit Metric Wrench in Billings, MT to have our certified technicians check these components:

Brakes—increased cars on the road means more stop-and-go traffic. Research shows that stop-and-go traffic can wear your brakes down at a much more rapid rate. Metric Wrench’s certified technicians can provide expert brake repair service.

Gas Mileage—and needless to say, the more you stop-and-go, the fewer miles per gallon your car gets. While Metric Wrench can’t help you with the flow of traffic, we can help assist you in helping your car to get the maximum gas mileage by checking components, that when in optimal condition can increase your gas mileage. Components like checking oil filters, air filters and tire pressure just to name a few.

Engine Belts—did you know that worn belts can dramatically affect your engine’s performance? It’s true and they can also lead to breakdowns, which if your taking kids to school, it could prevent you from getting there on time. The certified technicians at Metric Wrench can check for cracks and missing sections and help you to arrive at school on time!

If you would like more information about tips for fall weather, you can try asking your favorite certified technician at Metric Wrench Billings for some pointers. You can also try searching the Internet for pointers on auto repair. If you have a BMW or Mercedes that needs repair, please contact Metric Wrench Billings, today.

Auto Repair 101

As a new owner of a vehicle, one of the most important things that you will need to know is where to take your car for auto repairs and what you can do for yourself. Then, in the event that your vehicle breaks down, you will know who your certified technician is and/or if you can fix the problem yourself. BMW, Mercedes and most automobile manufacturers and auto parts dealers provide their customers with tips on how to do basic auto repairs.


Metric Wrench Billings specializes in BMW and Mercedes repairs as well as other vehicles. And if you are planning on doing some of the auto repair work yourself, it’s a good idea to get to know the parts and systems that make up your automobile. Things that you should learn are how the parts and systems work, what their optimal performance levels are, because this will assist you in mastering simple auto repair needs. But more importantly, if you know your car’s functions, you won’t have a difficult time identifying where that strange sound is coming for and what application of your vehicle is being affected.

By understanding the basics, you can assist your certified technician if your car does break down or even before it breaks down to save on time and cost.

If you have a Mercedes or BMW and you are a beginner in auto repair, you need to know ahead of time that there are specific tools for your vehicle and that it may be necessary to take your car to Metric Wrench Billings rather than purchase all of those expensive tools. You can check with your certified technician at Metric Wrench Billings to see if there is a basic service tool kit that he would recommend so that you could do some things at home, yourself.

If you would like more information about auto repairs for beginners, you can try asking your favorite certified technician at Metric Wrench Billings for some pointers. You can also try searching the Internet for pointers on auto repair. If you have a BMW or Mercedes that needs repair, please contact Metric Wrench Billings, today.

Three Car Tips From Metric Wrench Billings to Help Beat the Summer Heat

At Metric Wrench Billings, we know that summer can be tough on cars, especially during high temperatures when heat can destroy batteries and stress the cooling system and tires. Visit Metric Wrench Billings to have these things checked and help avoid breakdowns and car problems. And if you can’t get your car into Metric Wrench Billings, here are three tips to help your car beat the summer heat!

1. Check your Battery-Make sure your battery cables are clean. Keep the top of the battery clean - dirt can become a conductor that can drain your battery’s power.
2. Check your Cooling System-Your cooling system works harder during hot temperatures to prevent overheating of the engine. The coolant should be changed according to your owner’s manual. A pressure test, thermostat test, cooling fan test, and a visual inspection for leaks and corrosion should also be done annually.
3. Check your Tires-Tires also need special care in warmer weather as high temperatures put added stress on them. Summer heat will cause the pressure within a tire to rise, therefore it's important to check the pressure when tires are cold. To maximize tire life, rotate them every 6,000 miles.

Remember to take good care of your car to help prevent common breakdowns brought on by the heat of the summer. Visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your BMW and Mercedes needs today!

Summer Road Trip and Your BMW

So you’re planning your summer vacation and you’re going to drive your BMW. That sounds like a lot of fun and remember that your BMW like any car needs a little TLC before you hit the road. If you begin your road trip with a BMW that is having technical difficulties, it could put a damper on your entire trip. So prepare ahead of time in order to make your summer driving vacation as pleasurable as possible.

Cooling System
Your air conditioning is very important on those summer road trips. Check the air conditioning. Is it cold? If the answer is no, have a technician at Metric Wrench inspect it to find out why not.

Drive Belts / Hoses
Drive Belts and hoses can deteriorate over time and heat can cause damage as well. Inspect all the belts and hoses in your car for cracks or leaking. Be sure to check the tension on those belts as well. If you discover that you have belts and hoses that are damaged, you should have them changed before you start your summer vacation in your Mercedes or whatever car you are driving on your vacation.

Battery
Nothing can ruin a summer vacation quicker then a dead battery. Did you know that a dead battery tops the list for break-downs? Have your battery checked before you leave to be sure that it is in great shape for your trip.

Engine
Check your owner’s manual to see what the manufacture recommends for tune-ups and if its close or time, be sure to have your engine checked BEFORE you leave on your summer driving vacation.


Fluids
It’s also a good idea to check the fluid levels in your car, that includes transmission fluid, engine oil, brake fluid, washer fluid, power steering fluid and lets don’t forget gas. If it’s time for an oil change, make sure to have it done before you leave on your summer vacation.

Tires
Having your tires properly inflated cannot only save you gas, but it can also save on the tread of your tire. And while you’re check to see if your tire is properly inflated, don’t forget about check your spare tire.

Brakes
It’s a good idea to have your brakes checked before you go on that road trip this summer, make sure that there aren’t any problems there.


Exhaust System
Inspect your muffler and pipes; make sure that there aren’t any loose hangers or holes.

Windshield Wipers
Take a few minutes to inspect your windshield wipers and refill your windshield washer fluid. Windshields can get a ton of dead bugs on them, make sure that you clean your windows and that your wipers are good.


Lights
Last, but certainly not least, check your brake lights, turn signals and headlights. Make sure that everything is working properly before you leave for your summer road trip.

If you are planning a summer road trip or vacation and you want your car inspected by a certified BMW/Mercedes technician; then call and schedule your check-up at Metric Wrench today!

Spending Money to Repair Older BMW’s-90 and Newer Up to ’03 vs Buying a Used Later Model

Is it cheaper to buy a used BMW or a new one? Doing some web searching I learned that cars depreciate 20% off the lot in addition to an annual 7-12% depreciation.

It seems that biggest thing to take into consideration here are the repair costs. These costs typically start after the new car warranty expires. So let’s say that your bumper to bumper warranty expires after 3 years, now you have to start paying repair bills.

Let’s begin the repair/maintenance costs at year 4 which would mean that your repair costs would run on average of $324.

Buying this new car every 5 years would result in a total cost of (not accounting for financing charges) $39,395.

Buying this car once it’s 2 years old for around $13,000 (after small dealer markup) and keeping it for 5 years then buying another 2 year old car for another 5 (for a total of 10 years of driving):

• Purchase price - residual value @ year 7 + repair costs (from years 2-7)
• $19,406 - $12,422 + $3,040 = $10,024 x 2 = $20,048

It seems that purchasing a used car every 5 years would be less expensive than purchasing a new car every 10 years. But please take into consideration that these calculations are not absolute.

I think the biggest issue with new cars is the massive depreciation after the first year. If you are a new car person, why not buy an “almost new” car that is one or two years old? At least that way you still get the new car feel, the warranty is still good, AND you don’t have to pay for the 30% depreciation that comes with the first 2 years.

But depreciation isn’t the only thing to look for, one of the things that we keep seeing is people with average means purchasing a '02, '03 745's for 20k to 30k and thinking they got a great deal. The cars sold for 75k and up new. The problem occurs when something goes wrong with these cars. Keep in mind these cars have usually only been serviced at the dealers under the free service while under warranty plan, (oil changes at 15 to 20 k miles etc.) A $5000 repair bill is very common and not just once but year after year. Not a good thing! The lower priced 1,3 and 5's are less complicated, have less depreciation and less to go wrong. So do your homework before purchasing a used BMW and make sure that it truly is the better value.

Dealership vs. Independent for Service and Repair

So you’ve asked yourself the question a million times, “Do I take my care to the dealership or to an independent service and repair shop like Metric Wrench Billings?”

And that is a very good question, so let’s take a look at the two and see what the difference actually is. When you purchased your BMW, Mercedes or any new vehicle, you received an owner’s manual along with it. The purpose of this manual is to assist you in maintaining your car in the best performing condition possible. In maintaining your vehicle, the type of repairs and services that your vehicle requires will determine where you need to take your car.

For example, scheduled maintenance like oil changes, tune-ups, fluid checks, brake checks, etc. you can take your vehicle to an independent auto-repair shop like Metric Wrench Billings. You will discover that it doesn’t cost quite as much taking it to Metric Wrench then it does to the dealership. You should also know that Federal law states that you have the right to service your car anywhere that you choose and it won’t affect your coverage.

At a dealership, the technicians are trained specifically as well as certified for all facets of your model’s service requirements. The dealership will also have the necessary diagnostic equipment that is required to maintain your vehicle. However, the technicians at Metric Wrench are also trained and certified in all aspects of your car’s service requirements and are very capable of maintaining the necessary maintenance and repairs of your vehicles, they also have BMW and Mercedes diagnostic equipment.

You need to be sure that wherever you decide to take your vehicle that the service repair shop stays on top of the latest technical service bulletins (TSBs), these are the detailed requirements on how to repair common issues that pertain to a specific vehicle. If your vehicle falls under a TSB service issue and is still under warranty, then the repairs may be done for free, but then you will be required to take your vehicle to a dealership to have the work completed. If your car is no longer under warranty, then you may be required to pay for all services.

Repairs to your vehicle can be basic repairs like changing a belt or something more complicated like diagnosing problems with your electrical system. If the problem is covered under warranty, then by all means go to the dealership so that the manufacturer can pay to have your car repaired. It is also better to go to a dealership if your vehicle has been recalled or the automaker wants to fix or replace a defect. If you have an extended warranty, read the fine print, see who is required to perform the repairs that are being covered.

If your car is no longer under warranty, then it’s just a matter of what repairs need to be done that will determine if you should take your vehicle to Metric Wrench or another reputable independent dealer. Metric Wrench has certified technicians and they are trained to work on your vehicle and have the appropriate equipment for your vehicle and they also stay on top of the latest information available on your vehicle.

How to Reset the SRS Light on a Mercedes s430

Over the past month we’ve received several requests on how to reset the SRS light on a Mercedes s430. The answer to that question is that SRS lights require the manufactures (or equivalent) scan tool. Even if the fault is corrected, the light still has to be reset.

If you have a Mercedes Benz and need to have your SRS light reset, please stop and see the crew at Metric Wrench Billings. It doesn’t matter if you own a brand new Mercedes-Benz or an old clunker of a car, visiting the mechanic is kind of like visiting the dentist, it’s stressful.

We never know what they are going to find wrong with our car or how much they are going to charge. Fortunately for us, there are a number of things that we can do to eliminate the stress of visiting the mechanic.

Put aside money for auto repairs-it doesn’t matter what the make and model of your car is, eventually you’ll need to see a mechanic. And having a slush fund for auto repairs can alleviate stress; you don’t have to choose between paying other bills to squeeze in the cost of automotive repairs. The amount of money that you maintain in your account of course will be determined by the type of car that you drive. If you have a brand new Mercedes-Benz, for example, your parts will likely cost more than if you have an old clunker.

Follow the manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance guidelines. The guidelines for oil changes, tune ups and other scheduled maintenance procedures were created to assist you in helping your Mercedes-Benz last much, much longer. As well as providing the mechanics at Metric Wrench Billings with the opportunity look for potential problems in the future. They can fix many problems before they go any further to create bigger problems.

So if you need your SRS light reset, you need to have it done with the manufactures (or equivalent) scan tool, start a slush fund for automotive repairs and follow the manufacture’s guidelines for maintenance and you can not only avoid stress, but also potential problems in the future.

Getting Your BMW Ready for Spring

All through winter, people generally tend to care less about the look of their vehicles. It seems like the fierce weather leaves them oblivious to cleaning both the interior and exterior of their cars.

The warmth and charm of the spring sun, however, seems to really motivate us to keep our cars looking spotless. Here are a few simple tips from Metric Wrench Billings that will assist in you keeping your BMW or any vehicle sparkling clean.

Remove Stains
If you have to remove a stain from your BMW, try using Lexol leather cleaner or your favorite leather cleaner. It’s best to remove stains as soon as you notice rather then let them sit for a period of time.

Paint touch ups
If you notice any sign of rust, remove it immediately by smoothly sanding it off, and by making the appropriate touch ups with paint. You'll obviously need to purchase a good-quality paint that matches the color of your car. Also, make sure to paint over any small scratches that tarnish the look of your car, and that may also turn to rust in time.

Keep it tidy
Finally, always keep your car garbage-free and clean both the inside and the outside. Organize your CDs, as well as whatever else is lying around so that your car looks orderly.

As for the outside of your car, you don't have to spend hours waxing it every day. Simply make sure the exterior always looks clean and relatively shiny. Shining your tires with Armor All is a quick and easy way to make your car look like a collectible. Well maybe not, but it will sure help embellish your car's overall appearance. Also, remember that taking care of small details will make the difference between an average and a quality cleaning job.

BMW and Google Join Forces

We all know that BMW has been a leader on the forefront of technology. That’s nothing new, but what is new and what you may not be aware of is that BMW has partnered with Google. True story! They have joined forces, one of the greatest car manufactures and the leading search engine have partnered, turbo meets techie, vroom vroom!

What does that mean exactly, well for starters, you don’t ever have to be without Google! Google is closer to your fingertips then ever before, even if you are in your BMW. It was trialed in Germany in 2008 and starting this year, American BMW owners will now have the luxury of surfing the web, using Google maps or checking their email in the comfort of their BMW.

When I heard that Google was coming to BMW I had to wonder at what cost and was surprisingly happy to hear that it was only $199 per year. Roughly, that’s $16.58 per month, which isn’t bad for Internet services in your car. Just think, when you’re driving down the highway, you don’t have to be without the Internet again! And the added bonus of that fee is that you get the standard BMW Assist functionality, for example, if your car is lost or stolen, it can be located as well as sending an ambulance or a police officer if the need should arise.

And if you are having a difficult time finding the perfect restaurant, you can simply search Google maps for directions. Not only that, if you are up to date on your Google maps, you will know that you can call businesses directly from Google maps. And Google maps is now synced with the BMW in-car navigation system so once you’ve located the business or restaurant that you are going to, your BMW navigation system will take over and guide you to your destination. You don’t have to write down the address and re-key it into the navigation system it’s all down for you, now that’s technology!

Google states that they’ve partnered with BMW because they’re a leading innovator in the automotive space and that BMW shares their vision for a network-connected world.

And with the click of your mouse you can continue to learn more of the latest technologies and updates in the BMW world from Metric Wrench Billings blog. Come back and visit us often and bring your car to Metric Wrench for all of your BMW repair needs!

The Car Market and The Economy 2009

I’m sure that by now you’ve all heard about how the world car market is having serious financial issues. And don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s just the American auto industry that is having problems. After pulling out of Formula 1, Honda, Japan’s second biggest car maker announced recently that they are backing off on spending and minimizing production in preparation for the pending financial nightmare that the global markets are facing. This means everything they had in the works has now come to a complete halt. Like the upcoming Acura NSX successor, the Advanced Sports Car.

But these aren’t the only cars that we won’t be seeing anytime soon, no, here are a few other cars that have been placed on hold for the time being.
Thanks to the current global financial crisis, Honda announced their first unsuccessful quarter in 11 years after posting a $1.5 Billion loss forcing them to cut funding for certain projects.

GM, in an attempt to reclaim its days of glory, they came up with this V16 (yes, 16) powered barge of an auto to compete with the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-Series. But alas, we won’t be seeing it any time soon, it was rumored Cadillac didn’t want to spend the money to go forward with this new design, but they did play with the idea of changing out the V16 with a V12 or V10. But perhaps the reason that they decided not to go forward with this new design is because of the Cadillac logo carved out of solid crystal on the steering wheel and the Bulgarian sourced clock on the dashboard.

And yet another car we won’t be seeing any time soon is from Mercedes. A design study Mercedes conducted to find a better cornering system for their sports cars. The system would allow the wheels to lean in the direction of the corner at a maximum of 20 degrees. The tires used in this system are made up of two types of rubber. One is a soft compound that holds grip and the other is a harder rubber like the type found in motorcycle tires.

While MB claims that they want to integrate this concept into their vehicles, we won’t be seeing it anytime soon.

And let’s don’t forget about Chrysler who bid to build an incredible luxury grand tourer. The concept which first hit the scene in 2005 looked like an Aston Martin mangled with a 300C. Underneath was the Viper chassis, but instead of the Vipers potent V10, they swapped in the 300C’s 6.1L Hemi.

This car hasn’t officially been scrapped, but given the current financial condition of the market, we’ll see what happens.

And finally, but certainly not least, let’s discuss BMW’s attempt to raise the upscale luxury car bar. While BMW is staying afloat in this global economic crisis, they are certainly staying cautious. At this time BMW is holding off on all product decisions. It could be a long 2009 with the automobile industry holding off on making any new models.

And the one thing that you should know during this economic crisis is that you can rely on great service at Metric Wrench Billings. Whatever your automotive needs, be sure to stop in and let the certified mechanics assist you in keeping your car running during this global automotive crisis.