BMW is a name that has become known for producing stylish, powerful, and dependable luxury vehicles over the years. However, it is also important to realize that even top-of-the-line cars are only human-made. That means they can break down just like other vehicles. BMW vehicle problems can be even more inconvenient because replacement parts tend to be more expensive.

However, this doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to consistently keep your car in good shape. You can start by doing research about extended car warranties and reading resources like over CarShield reviews. Reading reviews of warranty providers can help you find the extended warranty with the specific coverage you need.

Another way to take care of your BMW is to learn all you can about what parts fail the most in these vehicles. This way, you can regularly check these parts and get ahead of potential damage. Below are the most important car parts you should keep an eye on.

1. An Illuminated SRS Light

One common complaint of BMW owners is that the SRS or airbag lights illuminate on their iDrive displays. They get annoyed because there isn’t necessarily anything wrong with the safety device. Rather, the problem usually resides with the seat weight sensor or clock spring.

The repairs will need to be made, but that’s not all. You or a mechanic must also connect a diagnostic scan tool to the BMW’s computer to clear the code. The SRS light is a common part that fails in these luxury cars and one you won’t want to ignore. If you do, the display will read “Fault in passenger-restraint system” continuously, which may get pretty annoying.

2. Cooling System Components

Cooling system component failures are something else that BMW owners often experience. There are different reasons why these issues develop, but plastic pieces are all too often to blame. Once the parts age and are in use for a while, they become brittle and break. When such dilemmas arise, antifreeze leaks develop, and people’s vehicles overheat. You’ll want to resolve these matters promptly, as trying to drive with low coolant can cause significant engine damage.

3. Window Regulators

Ask anyone who has ever owned a BMW what parts fail, and you’re likely to hear about window regulators on more than one occasion. These parts are notorious for early damage, and when that happens, the windows will not roll up or down. With no air circulating in the cab, it’s sure to get hot inside the car. Then, you’ll probably be sweating through your clothes each time you go for a drive.

At BMW dealerships, consumers pay $400 or more to get their window regulators fixed. However, those looking to save some money may want to tackle DIY auto repairs. With a little help from videos online, you should be able to tackle the project with ease and spend less than $100.

4. Automatic Headlights

Automatic headlights are somewhat new inventions. Thus, as with any new product, people should expect some hiccups here and there. In BMW vehicles, the problem with these devices is that they often stay on, even when they aren’t necessary. The car’s battery can become drained in a hurry when that happens. Not to mention, it can put a strain on other electrical components, causing them to malfunction. As such, it’s not a good idea to ignore the problem for too long.

5. Fuel Pump Malfunction

It isn’t uncommon for the fuel pumps of BMW vehicles to malfunction or get weak and go out on occasion. When the gas stream isn’t strong enough, the engine will begin to spit and sputter at high speeds. It can also start to miss while idling. When this stuttering begins, the fuel pump will probably need to be replaced.

You may be able to do the task yourself, but fuel pumps are also located inside gas tanks these days, so you might want to leave the job up to a professional. Regardless, you just need to get it fixed or stalling could enter the picture, increasing the risk of a crash.

How an Extended Warranty Can Help with Repairs

In many cases, BMW car parts don’t break down until after manufacturer warranties expire, and vehicle owners are stuck paying for expensive repairs themselves. For example, research shows that consumers typically spend around $3,000 to $4,000 on engine replacements at local shops. Those prices can also increase all the way to $10,000 or more, depending on various factors. That’s a lot of money to come up with in a hurry, and many people cannot do it.

With an extended car warranty, you get some financial assistance when faced with expensive vehicle repairs. The cost of an extended warranty typically depends on the coverage you get. Once your vehicle needs repair, you’ll only have to pay your deductible, and the warranty provider will take care of the rest of the bill. With an extended warranty in place, you can rest assured that your car will always get the repair it needs.

Some Last Words

If your BMW breaks down, there’s an excellent chance that one of these failing parts will be to blame. Now that you know about them, hopefully, you’ll be able to diagnose issues as they arise. That will make them easier for you to fix. Also, people can tell their mechanics what they believe is going on, pointing them in the right direction. This makes the repair process faster and more affordable.