Let’s talk shop. If you own a BMW Z3 Coupe, you already know it’s more than just transportation, it’s a modern classic built to be driven and enjoyed. But as these cars age, one of the most overlooked issues we see in the chop is a cracked PCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system, which can quickly lead to oil leaks and drivability concerns if ignored. Diagnosis This particular Z3 Coupe came into the shop with an oil leak. After a thorough inspection, we found coolant and power steering leaks as well as the crankcase ventilation (PCV) system had become brittle and cracked. Possibly from years of heat cycling. Now, when the PCV system fails, the crankcase pressure builds forcing oil past gaskets and seals. Left unchecked, it can create multiple leaks, excessive oil consumption, rough idle, and even damage other engine components. What Needs to Be Done Replace the cracked PCV/crankcase ventilation components Inspect and replace any damaged vacuum hoses Clean oil residue from the engine bay Replace coolant reservoir, ac compressor belt, and coolant Repair affected oil leaks, inspect surrounding seals, and perform oil change Replace power steering reservoir and fluid Verify proper crankcase vacuum and engine performance after repairs Pro Tip: If you notice oil spots in your driveway, a burning oil smell, or increased oil consumption, don’t assume it’s “just a BMW thing.” Catching a failing PCV system early can save you from expensive gasket repairs and keep your engine running the way BMW engineered it. Result: This particular Z3 left our shop with some, but not all necessary work done. Customer got the oil change, coolant reservoir, oil filter housing, AC compressor belt, power steering reservoir, and pressure washing done. But said no to the oil pan and the crankcase ventilation work. We recommended the work, but if the customer denied. Eventually, the repairs that were done will be undone. It’s just a matter of time. Catch us every Friday for more shop talk. And remember: Good work ain’t cheap. Cheap work ain’t good. Euro Auto Tech & Smog | European Specialist | 7633 El Cajon Blvd #217, La Mesa, CA 91942
Let’s talk shop. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 isn’t just another luxury SUV, it’s an icon. Powered by a hand-built 4.0L Bi-Turbo V8 and engineered for both rugged adventures and daily driving, the G-Wagon demands consistent preventative maintenance to perform the way Mercedes intended. Whether you’re cruising through the city or heading off the beaten path, staying ahead of maintenance can save you thousands in future repairs and help preserve the vehicle’s reliability and value. Preventative Maintenance Many G-Wagon owners focus on fixing problems when they appear, but the real secret to long-term ownership is preventing those problems in the first place. Regular inspections allow technicians to catch small issues before they become expensive failures. On a 2017 G550, neglected maintenance can lead to oil leaks, suspension wear, cooling system issues, battery failures, and drivetrain concerns that could have been avoided. What Needs to Be Done Engine oil and filter service every 5k Air and cabin filter inspection Brake pad, rotors, and fluid inspection Cooling system hoses, radiator and coolant levels Checking battery health * Inspecting differential and transmission fluid Check suspension components, bushings, and steering Inspecting tires for uneven wear and proper inflation Scan vehicle for fault codes before warning lights pop up Pro Tip: Don’t wait for the dash to light up. Routine inspections and diagnostic scans can identify developing issues early, saving you money while keeping your G-Wagon performing at its best. Result: A properly maintained G550 delivers smoother performance, improved reliability, longer component life, better fuel efficiency, and higher resale value. More importantly, you’ll spend less time dealing with unexpected repairs and more time enjoying one of the most capable luxury SUVs ever built. Catch us every Friday for more shop talk. And remember: Good work ain’t cheap. Cheap work ain’t good. Euro Auto Tech & Smog | European Specialist | 7633 El Cajon Blvd #217, La Mesa, CA 91942
The 2020 Range Rover Velar came in with a scary situation. The owner said it was driving perfectly fine when, without any warning lights or symptoms, the engine suddenly shut off. After that, it wouldn’t restart and had to be towed into the shop. These are the kinds of problems that remind us why proper diagnostics always come before throwing parts at the vehicle. Diagnosis The Velar arrived with a completely dead battery. We attempted to charge it, but the battery failed to hold a charge, making replacement necessary before we could continue diagnostics. Once power was restored, we found multiple issues. The engine was leaking oil from the timing cam plug, the belt tensioner was producing a loud whining noise, and diagnostic testing revealed a fault code for the cooling oil control piston/solenoid. We also found additional concerns that needed attention to restore reliability and prevent future failures. What Needs to Be Done Replaced the battery to continue diagnostics Performed complete diagnostic testing Replace the belt tensioner Replace the valve body assembly Perform required programming Install a new transmission oil pan kit Replace the coolant thermostat housing gasket Replace the oil cooling valve/solenoid Refill coolant and bled the cooling system Perform a fresh oil service using Liqui Moly premium engine oil Pro Tip: If you notice even a small oil leak, don’t wait. Oil can travel farther than you think, damaging sensors, wiring, belts, and other components. Catching the problem early can save you thousands and keep your Velar performing like a Land Rover should. Result: After completing the repairs, programming, and final testing, this Velar was back on the road running smoothly. No more oil leak, no more whining tensioner, proper transmission operation, and the cooling oil control system is functioning as it should. Sometimes a vehicle that just “shuts off” is actually dealing with several underlying issues that only a thorough diagnostic process can uncover. Catch us every Friday for more shop talk. And remember: Good work ain’t cheap. Cheap work ain’t good. Euro Auto Tech & Smog | European Specialist | 7633 El Cajon Blvd #217, La Mesa, CA 91942