BMW – Mercedes – Mini – Porsche, Service & Repair
BMW, Mercedes, Mini Cooper, Porsche, service & repair center Mississauga, Ontario. European import car specialist, servicing Mississauga, Toronto & the surrounding area since 1997.
Welcome to a 1997 BMW 328i which amassed the nearly Six-hundred thousand kilometres under the hood.
Our preventative maintenance on a no nonsense regular maintenance approach, and here is the results.
BMW 328i year 1997 odometer with almost half million km in
This BMW run more than half a million kilometres, without any engine repair what so ever, and its ran perfectly. You can draw your own conclusions.
Happy motoring from Techmax.ca.
The Importance of Computerized Four Wheel Alignments
The most important factors to ensure a long life for your tires is to perform a four wheel alignment under standard maintenance intervals. The vehicle which is properly aligned will ride smoother more comfortably than a misaligned vehicle and will last longer and corner predictably under any road conditions.
Practically it doesn’t matter if your vehicle is front, rear or all wheel driven since there are specifications provided by the vehicles manufacturer. It’s essential to perform a proper alignment on a late model computerized alignment system to achieve maximum accuracy at all times.
Work in progress on Hoffmann (German) 3 D Computerized Alignment Machine in our alignment shop. Click on the thumbnail to view bigger photo.
Alignments should be performed every second year at latest to compensate for suspension component changes over time and counter the effects of road damage to the suspension components.
A precision tuned aligned suspension not just safer but saves fuel and suspension and tire wear as tires are intended to last a very long time by their respective manufacturers.
An out of alignment vehicle may pull or drift and corner poorly due to the drive train reacting to the vehicles misaligned tires. It’s literally becomes a tug of war between components which in turn may cause additional problems, for example in foul weather may cause a loss of control, if not corrected properly.
Please do yourself, your family and your car a favour by maintaining your vehicle properly. We are here to help to get you there safely. We wish you all the best from your BMW, Mercedes, Porsche technicians at Techmax.
We aim to set your alignment to be the best and most precise possible with our state of the art brand new precision built Hoffmann wheel alignment system. Please feel free to call (1) 905.795.0419 to make an appointment
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Hoffmann alignment computer machine, with high tech (3D) imaging technology to provide you the most accurate precision guided alignment for your money. Continue Reading…
The real BMW -Mercedes-Benz and Porsche specialist. How can you tell, really? The number one thing is a real specialist will have only their specialty cars on their lot and in the shop (not a mix and match of vans and trucks and or domestic makes and models) are waiting to be looked after or repaired.
Furthermore any specialist will have relevant vehicle specific software, preferably from the manufacturer of the vehicle to be able to code program the myriad of on board computers and control modules on a modern late model German high tech automobile.
We are BMW, Mercedes-Benz & Porsche Specialist – Located in Mississauga
The specialist also should have most of their employees training clearly visible to the clients as part of their credentials to prove their qualifications to work on those particular automobiles. Any specialty shop should have their senior techs with decades of experience on the field which is invaluable as to know the common issues of the many different models on the specific makes of their cars.
Last but not least any real specialist shop will have no more than 3 makes as their specialty, as the demand on software and specialty tools increased in the last decade or so, so did the amount of money invested in the relevant tools and training to keep up wit the ever increasing technological advances in today’s modern but rather complex sophisticated automobiles.
As most specialty shops will tell you to have access to factory and or manufacturer endorsed training and access to the manufacturers own websites is an out most importance second to only to a real seasoned specialty shop technician which should be familiar to use the manufacturers own model designations and short forms as they should have the model and make specific subscription available at all times to their advantage for a proper diagnosis on today’s highly automated computerized automobiles.
We hope this helps you to choose the right shop for your fine German automobile. We at Techmax wish you safe driving and trouble free motoring at all times. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask. Thank you for reading.
Contact us for more at: (1) 905.795.0419
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Our preventative service program for BMW, Mercedes-Benz & Porsche
In our automobiles the battery is the one which provides the electricity to start the engine. Long time ago we could just jump start our car if the battery went weak or dead. All was well after, since the alternator kept all going just fine beyond the jump start. Today that is no longer the case.
Jump starting your modern car may have unexpected and costly consequences, some expensive electronics may become permanently damaged, costing serious downtime and money.
A modern, today’s hight tech automobile starting and charging system is as sophisticated as is the modern automobile itself. You may heard the phrase the “efficient dynamics” (BMW) and you may wonder what it means? Let us help you to understand a small part of it. The current management system as intended by BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
In the case of BMW it’s a combination of electronics working together commanded by the engine computer to optimize the charging and maintaining of the electronics in your BMW. The alternator will be turned on only when it’s required by the combination of battery voltage and the demand by the driver driving habits.
This has been developed to manage the starting capability of the engine and the optimization of the on board electronics at the least amount of drag generated by the alternator, while driven or if the vehicle is stationary. No demand has been registered by the ECU and the battery has been charged full, the alternator will freewheel until the demand goes up or the battery charge has been depleted far enough to have the alternator being turned on again.
The engine ECU will also disconnect the alternator at full throttle to be able to exert maximum power from the engine as its demanded by the driver. This is all managed by a microchip embedded in the negative battery cable and reporting in real time to the engine computer (ECU), in the event of low state of charge in battery while stationery the, intelligent battery sensor, (IBS, BMW speak) will shut down all the power to try to preserve engine restart when needed. Clear sign is the clock showing blank information as there is no time registered.
Please note the IBS sensor is an essential part of the vehicle’s electrical system which reporting at all times when data can be recalled by the appropriate diagnostic software for evaluation if required. The data will be available including the amount of trips and the length of trips taken also being logged for future evaluation by the technician as long as the battery has not been disconnected when all the data will be erased in the ECU.
It’s very important NOT TO disconnect the battery even if the battery is depleted, because all the data will be lost if the battery cable has been removed. The battery must be registered in the engine ECU after replacement with the type and the capacity for the ECU to be able to use the right algorithm for the current management (battery charging protocol) which has to be programmed with the BMW software.
We hope this helps to understand the concept of the modern automobile charging and current electrical management system.
Happy motoring from your European auto technicians at Techmax.
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To prevent breakdown and keep you on the road safely, we use Midtronincs GR8-1200 Electrical System Tester – Analyzer to check, test your automobile electrical system. Read more…
Brake replacement on BMW, Mercedes and most European automobiles is a special procedure. Unlike most ordinary cars Europeans leads in designing and making high performance braking systems. Germany has such a high speed limits, it’s absolutely essential to have an effective braking system to haul your 2 ton car to a stop in a hurry, if needed and do so without brake fade, or you may have a serious problem.
This is the very reason you should never compromise your braking system with some cheap third party imitations. The industry leaders are in order as Brembo is known as being the best there is which has been honed on the Formula one cars just for instance. Brembo is the leading supplier to most Motor Sport events around the world.
Than there are some serious brake manufacturers in Germany as well like Textar, Pagid of TMD friction and TRW as well which ones are the leading original brake component manufacturers to the leading German auto makers.
There is also well known around the world is Ferrodo, Jurid and Akebono as well. You’re safe to choose any of the above brands since they pay particular attention to the friction coefficient of the brake pads of the modern high performance automobiles.
We recognize the fact that lots of clients hate to clean their designer wheels from the black brake dust. This the reason, why we offer state of the art Brembo ceramic (with enhanced friction coefficient) or Akebono ceramic brake pads which produces 80 percent less brake dust in all European applications. Please inquire within availability is subject to individual applications.
Worth to note Akebono is also a leading brake component supplier, you may never heard of them but they are the second supplier to the F1 circuit cars in particular Mclaren F1 and street cars are outfitted with as a sole supplier by Akebono braking systems.
Clients sometimes think brakes are brakes, not a big deal, we think otherwise, nothing is more important to function at peak performance than your brakes not your engine or anything else.
Suffice to say your brakes can save lives which includes yours as well remember that when you get behind the wheels enjoy the ride.
Wish you all the best from your brake experts at Techmax Auto R. Inc.
Contact us for more at: (1) 905.795.0419
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The great tire debate about winter tires or all weather tires. May be all season tires? How should you choose? They all black and round what’s the difference?
I get this questions quiet often from my clients. What do you think of the Nokian all weather tires? Most people would like to avoid to install winter tires if they could. The Nokian could do the job on my BMW, Mercedes and or Porsche? Theoretically it could (Than it begs the question why did you invest in a high tech high performance car?) practically it will not suffice, your car’s manufacturer of the above brands spend hundreds of millions of dollars (Euros) to make your car handle behave like intended a performance oriented finely honed machine.
Yokohama iceGuard Winter Tire
Winter Traction: Interlocking and adaptive 3D sipes work in tandem to enhance stability and grip on icy surfaces.
Wet Traction: Dual-action shoulder grooves are straight at the bottom to evacuate water.
Resistance to Wear: A high-density reinforced compound allows for a more stable tread block, providing longer more even wear.
What could be the difference between all weather and winter tires?
The easy way to make a comparison, like your seasonal shoes, you definitely don’t want to wonder outside in flip flops in the snow and ice. How about running shoes? They would be your all weather tire equivalent so this is why we wear winter boots to keep you on your feet securely in any inclement weather.
Your winter tires, like your winter boots are purpose built for the cold slippery road and severe conditions.
We hope this helps to make your tire decision somewhat easier in the coming winter.
Drive safely, think before you drive and have a safe and secure driving winter season from all of us at Techmax, your tire experts.
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More Yokohama Winter Tires related info
Do you really need winter tires? Read More…
Contact us for more at: (1) 905.795.0419
The season is upon us again to have our cars in order before the snow flies. The question is what should we do as the mornings are getting colder? How can we keep our cars in great shape as we heading towards to the winter?
How should you prepare a European import car for driving under Canadian winter conditions?
First and foremost have your car checked by a professional?
We can advise you what work your car will need in the near future as you can carry on with your daily business without interruptions.
Try to build a relationship with your chosen technician, it should be just as important as is your doctor or dentist and the others whom there to make sure you can carry on with your daily life.
The most important is to check your tires and if you do have winters (need less to say everyone should have them in Ontario) have them inspected, pressures checked and brakes suspension and the heating /cooling system perform at their best.
Remember your car is like a fine orchestra, when all is well and every system performs great the whole thing is a pleasure to live with. It’s a cliche to say, all works like a well oiled machinery when you turn the key comes alive and it’s ready for your command.
We are here to help you, stay on the road, it’s our sole business.
Please keep it safe, drive well, stay in touch with your automobile, know your car.
We at Techmax wish you all the best thru the seasons.
Contact us for more at: (1) 905.795.0419
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Do you like BMW cars? Are you aspiring to buy a new or a used one? May be you know someone whom owns a BMW, the question is what makes them so special, why are they so popular you may ask?
Well, I may be able to answer some of your questions since I own some and working on them for decades and really like some of them (I own 4 BMW’s).
To explain it in a few words and describe the myth surrounds the BMW cars is, their way of design and build their cars, which is nearly the perfect blend of luxury and dynamics. They are the trade mark of the brands popularity over the years.
BMW cars have one thing in common, they have amazing handling characteristics due to deliberate designs which makes them one of the most dynamic handling German cars. You can use a BMW as a family car or as a sport car, the choice is yours and it can depend on your driving style or even on your mood.
Whenever you have a chance and can see all the German autobahn burners in one place at one time, I can show you what makes them so special.
BMW i8
For instance, stand back and look at any BMW of today or from yesterday and you will see the suspension is pushed all the way forward front and rear. The engine is pushed back far as could have been to give your car a mid engine configuration, this brings amazing handling characteristics.
Naturally all BMW’s have wickedly well sorted suspension geometry, to enhance the dynamics even further, a precision tuned suspension with proper damping and spring rates that makes a very dynamic package. This suspension can be further enhanced with the M sport package to take dynamics to the near extreme ?level of street legal dynamic performance.
It’s safe to say BMW engineers created most BMW cars with near perfect balance of performance ?and precise handling with excellent feedback from the chassis dynamics as being their ultimate goal ?all along. The weight distribution between the front and rear axles makes BMW superbly agile.
You might ask, why other car manufacturers not use the same or similar design?
I do have answers for you, there are several reasons… But there is not just the suspension and weight distribution makes a BMW a popular car. There are many other things.
If you’re interested to discuss this subject in more elaborate details ?I’m happy to oblige at your convenience in person.
Contact us fro more at: (1) 905.795.0419
Have fun and happy motoring.
Related: Read more about BMW i8 and BMW i3 electric car.
The important things to know if you’re curious about the Diesel scandal of the decade.
First thing first, what is Diesel and how does it work?
Diesel engine was discovered by? Rudolph Diesel hence the name of the engine type. Diesel engine works like compressing the air to a very small space by the piston which super heats the air and injecting the fuel at a very fine mist at the right moment which creates a bang (explosion) and drives the piston downwards.Because of the way it works, it is on average 30 percent more efficient than a gasoline piston engine, which means it produces way less CO2, on the other hand it produces way more NOX (nitrogen oxides) than a gasoline engine.
The Diesel engine is a work horse, due to its efficiency and high torque and robust design, it’s the favorite of frugal drivers and 18 wheelers, trains and ocean liners.
Most people don’t realize the air which is used to create combustion in a piston engine is 78 percent nitrogen 20.8 percent oxygen the remaining gases are irrelevant in the combustion process. Nitrogen is a inert gas which only converts to nitrous oxides if put under high heat and pressure.
The question is; What went wrong with the NOX treatment on the Diesel engines which threw the entire car industry into a nosedive around the world?
Today on modern Diesel engines we have selective catalyst systems which reduces the allowable limit of NOX to 0.07 gram/kilometers on average, and from 2017 it ned to be maximum 0.03 gram /kilometer.
The problem was with the tested cars, the manufacturer had manipulated the engine software to have a dual operating system and those cars had no SCR system yet.
Keep in mind the regulations in North America way more stringent than Europe where NOX reduction and treatment way more lenient towards the Diesel engines. All modern diesels have from 2015 on an SCR system which uses a particulate filter to a ammonia based (urea) liquid injection into the exhaust stream to reduce NOX to a very low level at the tailpipe emission.
This is quiet an elaborate system with various sensors to detect unburned oxygen to NOX sensor and temperature and pressure sensors to all work together, to cut and reduce tail pipe emissions to a very very low level.
The scandal broke out when a small independent firm tried to prove the fact that small diesel engines are clean from a well known German car manufacturer. Their diesel cars being sold in America had a program in its computer, that could detect when they were being tested, changing the performance accordingly to improve results.
During normal driving condition, the vehicles dual operating system enhanced the engine performance, which raised the emissions to a high level of NOX content. NOX reacting with sunlight could create an irritant, especially critical in a hot climate like California for instance.
Most manufacturers Diesel equipped cars meets or exceeds the government mandated stringent emission standards. In this case the whole dual system was a deliberate act on behalf of the largest German car manufacturer whom build their reputation on the fiction of having build clean Diesels.
Their deception hurt the entire car industry which will have to prove it to the world they can be trusted when it comes to building efficient clean Diesel powered automobiles.
There are some lessons to be learned from this fiasco. Draw your own conclusions and enjoy the ride.
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Contact us for more info at: (1) 905.795.0419
Hoffmann (German) Computerized 3D Alignment Machine
You can’t do a proper alignment on a state of the art automobile without a state of the art alignment machine. Our choice in equipment is the Hoffman 3D imaging alignment machine.
We have just invested in a new German ( Hoffmann) top of the line scissor lift and the best alignment machine with the dual auto tracking camera system equipped wheel aligner.
Worth to note: As you can see on the photos the Hoffman 3D imaging alignment machine clamps on the tire not on the rim, preventing any rim or paint damage on the rim.
Also we balance our customer’s wheels on a Hoffman laser wheel balancer. This German made wheel balancer measures the wheel and tire with a laser beam, and calculates the weights needed for a smooth ride.
Our Hoffman laser wheel balancer also detects any rim and tire damage, if there is any.
More info on Hoffmann 3D computerized alignment machine & German import cars alignment diagnostic, repairs, adjustment. Continue reading…
