Washing Your Car This Weekend…

Planning on washing your car this weekend? Here are some things to think about:



- Use products sold specifically for cars/trucks. Household cleaners can contain harsh detergents, abrasives and additives that strip the wax from the paint and damage the finish.



- Clean your wheels with a wheel cleaner that removes brake dust, which can blacken your front tires.



- Be sure to follow the directions on the container of your cleaning products because applications can vary.



- Once your vehicle is clean and dry, check the vehicle for foreign particles on the paint, then apply a wax as directed.

The wax will protect the finish and make subsequent washing easier.

Hope you have a great weekend!

To Maintain My Warranty I can Only Have My Car Serviced at a Dealership

Service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in effect. Maintenance may be done by any qualified service facility or person who is skilled in automotive service. Keep all receipts as proof of completion, and have the service provider fill out the Maintenance Record.

The Maintenance Schedule in your vehicle owner’s manual specifies how often you should have your car serviced and what areas need attention. It is essential that you have your car serviced as scheduled to retain its high level of dependability and safety, to protect the environment, and to enhance and maintain your vehicle’s value.  The Certified Service Technicians at Metric Wrench are qualified to meet your service requirements. Build a long-term relationship with your Certified Service Technicians at Metric Wrench.

Not Sure If That Sound Means Trouble Or Not?

While driving your vehicle, you hear a new sound and you’re not quite sure if it’s trouble or not, don’t panic just yet! Here are a couple of sounds and what may be causing them.

That Knock, Knock Sound is no joke – a distant knocking sound that seems to be coming from your engine. This sound could be caused by any number of issues including: bad or stale gas, low oil or it could mean a more severe engine issue. When you hear this sound, you should take your vehicle to a certified service technician at Metric Wrench Billings to find out where the sound is coming from. Squealing doesn’t come just from girls – a high pitch squeal when accelerating, this loud, indisputable sound is more than likely caused by a worn fan belt. You should have your fan belt replaced. As always, we recommend that you check your owner’s manual or bring it in to your certified service technician at Metric Wrench Billings to ensure that it is replaced with the right size. So what do you need to know? – Anytime you hear a strange sound coming from your BMW, Mercedes, Audi or any vehicle, it is best to bring it in to your certified service technician at Metric Wrench Billings to get that sound checked out. This will give you the added peace of mind that you’ve had your vehicle fixed before any further damage can be done and/or you don’t break down on the side of the road.

Timing Belts

With vehicles engines as with life, timing is critical. One vehicle element often overlooked during routine maintenance is the engine-timing belt. If it snaps, the engine will stop and the car will coast to a stop. The unfortunate driver may be stranded on the side of the road until the timing belt can be replaced. But that may be the least of your worries; this could badly damage your engine as well.



This potential disaster can be completely avoided if you have your timing belt checked regularly and having it replaced. Check your owner’s manual and see how often that they recommend replacing your timing belt.

The timing belt is a toothed belt that is connected from the crankshaft to the camshaft. The camshaft is responsible for operating (opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves). When the timing belt breaks or the rubber teeth shear off there is often a collision between the valves and the piston causing major damage.

Repairing Your Old Car vs. Buying a New or Newer One

As a car owner, there comes that inevitable time in which you will be faced with the dilemma: Repair your current car or buy a new one?

It is at this point in history, coming out of a recession, when we are starting to see more and more used cars on the road. And I have to say that these drivers may be on to something, but you decide…

At Metric Wrench Billings, we think that you should consider the value of your broken car that needs a $4000 repair(s), probably about $0. Add to that the cost of repair $4000 in this case and another $1000 for unexpected failures in the next year. So what would you rather have, your car fixed or the car that you could buy for $5000, or the car you could buy with the $5000, plus monthly payments. And suppose you spend $5000 and the car only goes for another year, that’s about $420 per month, a high price to pay for transportation in an older car. So if you're facing that type of repair do the math first.

But we wanted a few more opinions so we found them for you, all evidence points toward going with a used car, repairing and maintaining it as you go along. The Car Care Council (CCC) and Engine Repower Council (ERC) both highly recommend repairing over buying new. Having a well-maintained used car and a little extra money in your pocket is a great feeling, and a choice that has continued to grow in popularity.

If you have questions about repairing your vehicle, please call Metric Wrench Billings today and talk to a Certified Service Technician.

Is Volkswagen’s “Lifetime” Automatic Transmission System an Urban Legend?

Is Volkswagen’s “Lifetime” Automatic Transmission System an Urban Legend? Truth or Fiction? Lets take a look at it and see. We’ll begin with the definition of “lifetime”, the lifetime of the owner, the lifetime of the vehicle, the lifetime of the transmission or the lifetime of the manufactures warranty.

Urban legend? Perhaps, the truth is that at Metric Wrench it has been our experience that life of these fluids (which are very good) is directly related to how the vehicle is driven. While modern synthetic fluid protects better and lasts longer than competing oils, unfortunately it does not last forever. In researching out the facts we’ve learned that legally, the term 'lifetime fluid' refers only to the duration of the VW Powertrain Warranty. So when the warranty expires, you're out of luck.

Volkswagen, along with many other auto-manufacturers, knows that most owners don't keep their vehicles past 100,000 miles. The so-called 'lifetime' fluid is simply a marketing twist used to help sell cars that require 'minimal maintenance.' But after the 100,000 mile mark (when vehicles need real attention) most Volkswagen repair guarantees are null and void. That's why VW schedules a 105,000 mile timing belt change on 1.8T engines, and why most 'lifetime' guarantees are considered urban legends!

If you intend to keep your car for a while, the cost of never-replaced ATF can give you nightmares. Left untouched for an entire 'lifetime' this fluid can cause serious damage to your transmission. Deposits of metallic shavings will build up on your filter and oil pan, and ultimately damage the transmission. And the repair costs can be enormous! So do yourself a favor, for City driving, the technicians at Metric Wrench recommend transmission service at 75-100k. Constant highway use, it will last a long time. A side note, it's hard to tell the condition of the fluid until it is being drained. You should also know that this type of fluid is also used in Mercedes, Audi and BMW.

Air Mass Sensor on VW 2000 Passat, How to Test

First, different names for the same component, Air mass meter (AMM), Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF). MAF is the accepted name.

The purpose of this device is as its name suggests, measure the amount of air going into the engine. The units used to measure this are Grams(mass) per second (g/sec). This is one of the main inputs the engine computer uses to determine the amount of fuel to inject into the cylinder.

So the check engine light (CEL) is on, on your VW and your car is not running right. VW has a history of problems with MAFs and you check online and everyone suggests cleaning or replacing it. You do that and the car is not fixed...so now what!

Proper diagnostics of a MAF fault involves the use and understanding of a good scan tool. The primary values to look at are: g/sec of the MAF under different engine loads, long term and short term fuel trim values. Using the values you can determine if the problem is the MAF, poor connection to the MAF, a vacuum leak, exhaust leak, injector or fuel pressure problem. The other advantage of using a scan tool is after the repair is done and after a short test drive you can verified the problem is solved.

Throw parts at it for common known failures; makes you look like a genius when you guess right, but can be expensive when you guess is incorrect. At Metric Wrench we are equipped and trained to solve problems and eliminate the guess work.

How To Correctly Install Your Car Stereo

I wanted to share a few tips on installing a new radio or CD player in your car correctly. I don’t know how many cars come into Metric Wrench Billings because someone has incorrectly installed their car stereo and we have to fix the wiring and all of the issues that arise because it was installed wrong. (BANG HEAD HERE)

When you purchase your new stereo, the very first thing that you should do is make sure that it’s going to fit correctly into the slot where your old one is. Make sure that if you purchase a wiring harness that it is the correct one for your car’s make and model as well as for the stereo that you purchased. Purchasing a wiring harness will eliminate a few headaches when you’re installing your new car stereo.

Make sure that you have all of the correct tools and material for installation! Some standard tools and material include: screwdrivers, write strippers, wire cutters and electrical tape.

Before you go any further, check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to remove the dash panel and how to CORRECTLY remove your old radio.


Removing Your Old Car Stereo

After you’ve reviewed your owner’s manual and you’re ready to go, the next thing to do is to disconnect the ground cable or the negative cable from your battery. DO NOT EVER work on the electrical system of any vehicle if this is connected!

Now you’re ready to remove the dash panel that covers your stereo! Unscrew and slide out the old head unit. At this point, you’re going to have one of two choices-a single plug with a ton of wires that connects to the back of your unit or a lot of individual wires. This next tip is KEY! If you see several single wires going into the back of your stereo unit, DO NOT detach them all at once. You’re not going to remember what goes where!

If you purchased a wiring harness, now is the time to plug the connector into your new wiring harness. This will then plug into the back of your new stereo and you can skip the next section, because you don’t need it. If you didn’t purchase a wiring harness, then keep reading!

Connecting the Wiring Manually

If you didn’t purchase a wiring harness, you are going to have to connect each wire yourself in order to install your new car stereo. So connect the positive wire from each speaker to the positive connector on the back of your new stereo. Next you would connect the negative wire. Note: If there is only one wire coming from your speakers, your speakers are grounded at the chassis, which basically means that you need to install new speaker wiring.

Next, you will connect the ground (-/black) wire of the stereo to a screw or bolt close to where the radio is mounted on the dash. The must be attached to metal! NOT fiberglass or plastic!

Whew! You’re almost done! (SMILE) Connect the 12 constant and ignition power wires (both +/red) to the new stereo. Go back and check your stereo’s installation manual to be sure that these get to the correct places.

Putting in the Car Stereo

Last process-you’re almost there! Take a look; you should have a single connector that connects all of the wiring in your car-either from the wiring harness or the one that came with your stereo that you have just finished connecting.

Now it’s time to ease your new stereo in the mounting bracket that came with it. If you didn’t measure correctly, you have to use the bracket from your old car stereo.

Plug the harness connector in the back of your new stereo; make sure that there is only one wire left from your old stereo now. This is the antenna which you can plug directly into your new unit. You may have a power antenna wire as well and you will need to connect that too!

Now it’s time to slide your new stereo into the slot in the dash, but don’t jump the gun here and screw it in, you need to test it out first! So go and reconnect the negative cable of your car to the battery. Turn your car on as well as your new stereo. Is there music coming out? Listen to ALL of your speakers to be sure that they are ALL working properly!

If everything is working properly, you can now tighten the screws so that your new car stereo stays in place and put the dash cover back on.


FYI: The number one reason that most newly installed stereos do not work is because of a bad ground wire. If you are experiencing this issue, look for another piece of metal to attach your ground wire too and try it again. Another suggestion is to get a piece of sandpaper and sand the surface of the metal before screwing the ground wire down to make a better connection.

For Volkswagen’s there is a wire that goes to the existing radio, if this wire goes to ground as it does in some of the aftermarket harness adaptors, it will cause no communication with the diagnostic scan tool. This is the most common problem that we see at Metric Wrench Billings.

And just a friendly reminder, don’t EVER work on the electrical system of your car when the ground wire is still attached to the battery! You can severely damage yourself as well as your car!

Audi Auto Repair Tips - Ways to Reduce the Cost of Audi Repair

In today’s tough economic climate, we are all searching for ways to reduce our cost of repair no matter if you drive an Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes or any vehicle. Like everything in the world today, auto repair does not come cheap. If you are experiencing trouble with your Audi, then these tips could help in reducing the cost of repairs.

Check the Warranty of Your Audi
Before bringing your Audi to Metric Wrench Billings, check if it is still covered by the warranty. If it is, then you need to contact your car dealer immediately and tell about the problems that you’re experiencing with your Audi. You can get free service and parts replacement if the Audi is still within warranty. The car dealer and the manufacturer will be the one responsible for repairs.

The Do-It-Yourself Repair
If you understand cars and knows the basics of car repair and maintenance, then you may be able to repair some things on your Audi by yourself. You will not pay for services which are really expensive now.

If repairing your Audi yourself, take advantage of free auto repair manuals which can be found abundantly on the web. You can find general repair manuals and model-specific car repair manuals.

There are also sites that have repair manuals exclusively for Audi cars. Specific Audi problems are listed on these sites. You only have to choose which manual to use and start repairing your Audi.

Simply download these free repair manuals. They are usually formatted in PDF or Word so you can print them easily. Just follow the steps in the manual and you can surely troubleshoot the problem bugging your Audi.

Finding Car Repair Shops
In case you don't know anything about car repairs, then don’t attempt to fix Audi yourself, you can cause more damage and end up with an even costlier repair bill. You should bring your Audi to Metric Wrench Billings and let the certified technicians repair your car.

Take your Audi in for regular checkups-we recommend that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for these, but this will assist in preventing some Audi repair issues in the future.

For more information about Audi, Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes repair in Billings, Montana, please contact the professionals at Metric Wrench today!

Extend the Life of Your Vehicle With Tips From Metric Wrench

With the economy what it is, motorists have been paying more attention to keeping their current vehicle running properly than purchasing new ones. Vehicle owners are looking for improved dependability, economy, performance, safety and ownership satisfaction.

In 2008, R. L. Polk & Co. reported that the median age of passenger cars in operation has increased to a record high of 9.4 years.

To extend your vehicle's life, make sure to keep up with routine maintenance and regular checks of key areas, such as brakes, engine, undercarriage, battery and engine belts.

Make certain that your brake lines, master cylinder, brakes shoes and/or caliper pads are maintained and not worn. Take care of your engine, the heart of your vehicle, and be on the lookout for all drivability problems.

Have the certified technicians at Metric Wrench Billings check underneath your vehicle, including U-joints, half shafts and CV-joints. Examine battery cables and posts and make sure they're clean to avoid corrosion.

Engine belts are extremely important and can greatly affect engine performance. Make sure belts do not have cracks or missing sections.

Costs are always a concern; in a study by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), vehicle repairs cost an average 34 percent more at new car dealerships than at independent repair shops, resulting in $11.7 billion in excess costs annually to consumers.

Save money by having you’re the suggested manufacturers checkups for your vehicle done at Metric Wrench Billings, which offers value and convenience to your vehicle maintenance plan.

Take good care of your car so that it can take care of you. If you are concerned about the life of your vehicle, visit Metric Wrench Billings today to have a certified technician check it out for you. Visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your vehicle solutions today!

Prevent Avoidable Problems and Play it Safe by Changing Your Brake Fluid

According to recent studies, 5% of all serious vehicle accidents are caused by maintenance neglect. Preventative checks will greatly extend the life of your vehicle.
Specialists should always check: fluids, tire inflation, battery, lighting systems, and belts. Brake fluid, in particular, is important this time of year, with record weather hitting many parts of the country.

For many, topping off the brake fluid seems a no-brainer, but what about changing the fluid?

According to the Car Care Council (carcarecouncil.org), brake fluid can become contaminated in 2 years or less. This is because the fluid absorbs moisture, which makes its way through the vehicle's hydraulic system. With heavy braking, moisture in the overheated fluid vaporizes (boiling point of water is lower than that of brake fluid) and braking efficiency is reduced.

At Metric Wrench Billings, we feel that it is best to follow the manufactures recommendations. However in the thirty + years of business I have seen very few brake failures due to not changing the brake fluid and I have serviced a lot of cars that probably haven't had the brake fluid changed until the brake master cylinder or some other part fail. Would they have lasted longer if the fluid was changed? Maybe.

The greatest concern is the fluid will boil due to the heat of hard braking and the brakes will fail. Then it becomes a liability issue, which is probably the main reason the manufacture recommend it every 2 years. The boiling as you know is due to the moisture adsorbed by the fluid lowering the boiling point.

The brake fluid is basically a closed system with a small vent in the reservoir cap and this is the only place that air with moisture can enter the system. In the state of Montana I would guess the amount of moisture that gets into the brake fluid through that vent hole is pretty slight.

Common errors I've seen in servicing/changing brake fluid: Changing only the fluid in the reservoir and not bleeding/flushing the system. This does nothing to prevent the fluid from boiling in the calipers or wheel cylinder which is where the boiling will occur. Using the incorrect fluid, there are several types of fluid, DOT3, DOT4, DOT5 etc. The main difference is the boiling point of the fluid. Using fluid from a container that has be sitting in the shop open to the air. Not bleeding/flushing the fluid when the brake pads or shoes are replaced.

Because of the liability, we suggest following the manufactures recommendations for changing brake fluid. We are careful to use the correct fluid and always bleed the brake with pad or shoe replacement.

Take good care of your car so that it can take care of you. If you are concerned about your brake fluid, visit Metric Wrench Billings today to have a certified technician check it out for you. Visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your vehicle solutions today!

How to Keep Up with Your Vehicle Maintenance

Median car life has nearly doubled, from 5.5 years in 1970 to more than 9 years in 2000. Engines and drivetrains are superbly refined, as are fuels and lubricants. Equipment developments, and the personnel training to go along with them, have added to this formula for long life.

One thing that has not changed is the importance of regular checkups and change as well; more specifically: oil change. Regular changes of the oil and filter are generally recommended every 5,000 miles, but you should check your owners manual for the specifics on your vehicle. If you just purchased a used car, it’s a good idea to have it serviced so that your certified technician at Metric Wrench Billings can let you know where your car is at for services and if any services need to be completed.

Finally: don't forget about the brakes. Most car owners including BMW, Mercedes and Audi, wait until they hear grinding noises before taking action. Being a bit more proactive - checking to making sure there's adequate material remaining on the brake pads for disc brakes - is a good place to begin. Remember that brakes should be checked every 30,000 - 45,000 miles, and that leaking brake fluid means immediate repairs are required.

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.

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.

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.

Metric Wrench, BMW Repair in Billings MT Shares Some Tips on Taking Care of Your BMW

In the past, working on your own vehicle was no big deal, but today with the advancement of computers, gadgets and gizmo's, you’re better off taking your vehicle to a qualified mechanic like those at Metric Wrench in Billings Montana. And while it’s a good idea to have your own mechanic, there are definitely things that you can do that will assist in keeping your BMW in tip top shape as well as looking nice too, and the things that you can do are easy!

The first thing that you can do is to check your oil. If you check it on the same day each month it’s easier to remember. If you own one of the newer model BMW/s that doesn’t have an oil dipstick, you’ll want your mechanic at Metric Wrench Billings to show you how to check your oil by way of reading your on-board computer or you can read the instructions in your owner’s manual.

It’s a BMW, treat it with respect, clean it when it gets dirty! Get that dirt and the environmental products off your car so that it doesn’t do any unnecessary damage.

Check your tire pressure, remember that having your tires properly inflated can save on gas too! Another thing that you can do is to open and close your windows and sunroof on a regular basis, this will allow for them to lubricate and function properly. Window regulators (the tool that makes them go up and down) needs to be replaced most often on cars that don’t use them very often. So just remember to open and close all of your windows from time to time, even if you don’t use them.

BMW’s are designed to be low in the front and this can prove to be problematic when they come in contact with the bumper strips that are in parking garages. These bumper strips can tear bumpers and fender liners. If you park your car in one of those garages, park your car about a foot shorter into the space so that you don’t connect your bumper to concrete.

Beside the fact that there is freon used in your AC, there is also a fair amount of oil used to keep the compressor as well as a variety of other components running to their full capacity. If they sit for an extended period of time without being used, this can lead to a loud compressor and dry seals. If you live in MT, you should run your AC for a few minutes a couple of times in the winter to keep it moving.

Okay, now this tip is really important, open the hood of your car. Even though you may not understand what is under the hood, most people will notice if something in there that doesn’t belong, like twigs and branches or if there is oil all over the engine or belts are cracked, this can prevent your car from breaking down in the future.

And here’s a tip that you are sure to love, drive that baby! BMWs hate to sit and do nothing, they enjoy being driven. Have fun, enjoy your car, but don’t abuse it.

And finally, know the maintenance of your vehicle, keep a journal. Know what repairs have been done to your BMW, what needs to be done will help to keep your BMW purring like a kitten. If you hear hear an odd noise or your car does something strange, write it down, how fast you were going, all of the details about the circumstance, this will help your Metric Wrench Billings mechanic to get to the root of the problem and solve your issue.

None of these tips are extremely hard. Remember, Metric Wrench Billings mechanics don’t have your car on a daily basis, you do. Staying on top of these effortless things will minimize how much you spend on service per year, avert avoidable damage to your BMW, and keep as much of your car’s value as possible, if you ever decide to sell, you will have a BMW that is in tiptop shape.