What Happens If You Drive BMW With A Clogged Fuel Injector?

For over one hundred years, BMW has made vehicles renowned for their quality and safety. Having been pioneers first in the field of aircraft design, then spreading to luxury cars, formula one racers, and even motorcycles, the company’s reputation is beyond reproof. Although they are some of the most reliable on the road, there is still routine maintenance that needs to be done, and some issues may arise that require professional attention.

The fuel injection system is what literally keeps your engine firing through hundreds of thousands of rotations. Every piston movement requires a precise and exact ratio of fuel and oxygen to run optimally while avoiding unnecessary damage on the engine. There are many moving parts involved, and few as important as the fuel injector itself.

This is a specialized part that may need attention before your next regularly-scheduled maintenance. This requires extra vigilance on the part of the owner to be able to recognize a problem and know when to bring your BMW to a qualified service center.

Although every car has a fuel injector, it is important to know the signs to look out for to keep your BMW on the road and running as it should be.

Common Signs of a Clogged Fuel Injector

There are some common signs that it is time to bring in your BMW to see if the fuel injector is dirty and clogged and either needs to be cleaned or replaced. Remember, the fuel system has many moving parts, and any issue with one can be a sign that others have sustained damage as a result, causing the entire system to malfunction.

• Gas Mileage is Worsening: Using more gasoline to go the same commute distance could be due to multiple causes. If your BMW’s gas mileage declines steadily, your car should be inspected by a professional as soon as possible. Although this does not mean irreparable damage has already been done, if a part such as the fuel injector is not operating as it should and the problem is ignored, the issue will go from bad to worse. This can cause you to spend more money at the pump, and eventually, you will need to repair each part that has taken damage as a result of the problem.
• Rough Idling/Difficulty Starting: If the vehicle is not starting up or idling as designed, it is a very clear sign of a problem with the fuel injection. This could mean another component, such as a pump or piston, is malfunctioning, but the fuel injector will often be the first point to check because of its proximity to the combustion. Therefore, it has a propensity for getting clogged If spotted early, this is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix in comparison to letting the problem degrade further.
• Check-Engine Light/No-Start Condition: If the vehicle is not starting, chances are your battery, alternator, or fuel pump system is now damaged beyond use. If the check-engine light comes on, be sure to have a professional take a look. If you believe this light is only a nuisance, and not an indicator of a problem, you could find yourself stranded on the side of the road at the most inopportune time. The fuel injector is expected to take beating over time, after pumping through gallons of fuel to support the many piston firings that keep your car moving. It needs to be cleaned or replaced when it becomes dirty in order to save wear and tear on the remainder of the engine. Otherwise, your BMW could fail to start.

European Motor Cars is Here for Your BMW

It’s important to remember that regular maintenance is always cheaper than emergency repairs down the road. Having your BMW regularly serviced by a certified technician will give you peace of mind and save money in the long run.

European Motor Cars specializes in European makes and models. We offer all the amenities you need to keep comfortable while your car is in the shop, including loaner vehicles. We are dedicated to having highly-trained technicians, state of the art technology, and the most up-to-date and manufacturer recommended tools to do the job right.

Call us or stop by if you are in or near Summerlin, Spring Valley, and Las Vegas, NV locations. Let us show you how we can help you today!