10 problems every BMW and Audi owner should know about

With the perfect combination of reliability and stylish design, most Audi and BMW models are among the top-selling vehicles in both Europe and the United States. The two German companies have excellent reputations, but that doesn't mean their cars don't have technical problems. The strange thing is that some of them even repeat themselves in different models.

Therefore, every future buyer of BMW or Audi should know what he may face after buying a car from one of the two brands. With the Hotcars edition, we present you the most common defects in the models of the two German brands.

10 common problems with BMW and Audi models:

BMW - faulty cooling systems

The cooling system is one of the most important in any car as it keeps the engine at optimum temperature and prevents overheating. However, in BMW cars this often causes defects and if their owners are not prepared and careful they can get stuck somewhere on the road.

The BMW coolant system consists of several parts, each of which can fail after 150 km. Regular maintenance is the best preventative measure that will save BMW owners a lot of money on repairs.

BMW - windows won't close

This problem is less common, but it is still present in some models and should not be ignored. This affects not only ride comfort, but also safety. After all, if you can't close your car window, what's stopping someone else from breaking into it? Moreover, BMW models are among the most stolen in many parts of the world, so such a defect will surely exacerbate the headache of the brand's car owners.

BMW - interior cooling and heating systems

Power windows are not the only drawback that can affect the comfort of BMW drivers and their passengers. The cooling system of the car and the interior heating system are closely related, so the problems affect both.

This often results in either overheating or lack of heat in cold weather. Sometimes this is supplemented by another problem - the penetration of a sweet smell emanating from the heating system. This is due to a leak in the cooling system.

BMW - bad oil filter seal

The gasket that connects the oil filter to the BMW engine is another weak point of the car. It connects the filter to moving parts that need oil and wears out fairly quickly. If wear is not detected in time, it causes serious mechanical problems (everyone knows what happens when there is not enough oil in the engine).

BMW - door handle wear

Owners of several different BMW models, especially the luxury SUV BMW X5, have reported problems with door handles. When you try to open the car, you raise the handles as usual, but nothing happens. Unfortunately, this part cannot be repaired and the entire door opening and closing mechanism must be replaced. To make matters worse, repairs require specialized equipment that is only available in repair shops.

BMW - faulty electronics

Problems with faulty power windows are not the only such malfunction of BMW models. Usually the problem with the electrical system lies in the fuses, and it often happens that the car's electronics fail. There was even a service action in the UK, affecting more than 300 cars of the brand.

BMW - fuel pump problems

Owners of some of the most popular BMW models are reporting fuel pump problems resulting in poor acceleration, engine shutdown at high speeds and even breakdown. All engines have two fuel pumps - low and high pressure. If the high pressure pump that pumps fuel into the chamber is not working properly, repair is the only way out. However, it is not cheap at all if the machine is out of warranty.

BMW - rust on alloy wheels

The alloys that BMW uses for their vehicles make their vehicles stand out from the crowd. However, on some models it turns out that they just look great, but are not protected from rust, which appears after a while. Corrosion not only affects their appearance, but also affects the performance of the car itself, as it can affect the wheels and tires. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a simpler but more reliable set of wheels.

BMW - fast battery drain

Along with the other electronics issues already on this list, BMW vehicles often suffer from their batteries. The first sign of this is the failure of the central lock and the need to use a standard key. Of course, if necessary, you can supply electricity from another machine, but this is quite annoying.

BMW - malfunctions with automatic headlights

Automatic headlights are a relatively new automotive innovation that helps the driver in the dark. The problem with BMWs is that the headlights stay on even when they're not needed. And so the battery was discharged, which has already been said that it is not the most reliable.

Audi - oil leaks

BMW owners aren't the only ones who have come up with a list of recurring faults and problems. Those who are Audi must also come to terms with some of the defects in their cars, such as oil leaks. The A4 model is most commonly affected by poor camshaft seals, valve cover or crankshaft. If you are going to buy an old Audi A4, take it to the service and check this data.

Audi - problems with electronics

Electronics also causes several problems with Audi vehicles, which can lead to serious damage and repairs. Fortunately, they are not as expensive as they affect headlights and headlights. If replacing the light bulb does not help, the electrical system should be carefully inspected. Then repairing the damage will be more expensive.

Audi - timing belt

It is one of the engine parts that, if damaged, can lead to serious damage. In the Audi A4 model, the belt can often give defects, which first leads to a deterioration in the performance of the engine itself, and then to its failure. If this happens, it could be fatal to the vehicle.

Audi - poor CV joint lubrication

Some Audi models face a similar problem, which increases friction, wear, and as a result, reduces the efficiency of the entire vehicle's power plant. This also leads to decreased performance. Sometimes the damage is repaired by repairing the CV joint itself, which must provide an even transmission of force, regardless of the angle at which the shafts are connected. In case of more serious damage, the entire part is replaced.

Audi - spark plug failure

Replacing engine spark plugs is one of the easiest repairs to do, which is good news for Audi owners as they wear out faster than usual. If you notice that your car is starting to lose power and won't accelerate properly, it's a good idea to check your spark plugs. Their resource is about 140 km.

Audi - exhaust system

Some Audi vehicles tend to emit more exhaust fumes, which not only reduces the vehicle's efficiency but also leads to more costly repairs. One of the clear signs of an exhaust leak is a loud hum coming from the muffler. Vibration of the accelerator pedal and increased fuel consumption may also occur.

Audi turn signal won't turn off

Quite an annoying flaw that Audi drivers definitely hate. During normal operation, the turn signal is simply deactivated during the signal thanks to the multifunction switch inside the steering wheel. It controls all functions including brake lights, headlights, wipers and turn signals. The problem is small, but rather unpleasant, as it can deceive another road user and even lead to an accident.

Audi - catalyst blocking

A catalytic converter is a device that reduces the toxicity of harmful vehicle emissions. Control over them is becoming increasingly tight, so the system is especially important. Catalyst problems also reduce engine efficiency and are common on some Audi models. The bad thing is that the repair of this system is quite expensive.

Audi - loose tank cap

Compared to other issues, this is quite small but very annoying for Audi car owners. Over time, the tank cap loosens and cannot be tightened as tightly as before. It gets confused in the owner's pocket, as some of the fuel evaporates. In addition, the car pollutes the environment more.

Audi - the smell of the heating system

Many vehicles have problems with heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Among them is Audi, where over time the system fills with mold and bacteria can even appear. This causes an unpleasant odor to enter the passenger compartment. Therefore, frequent switching between clean and recirculated air is recommended, as well as regular spraying of disinfectant into the openings, which will reduce the effect.