Fixing a Faulty Fuel Injector in Your BMW

The fuel injectors of your BMW are quite a simple piece of equipment with a very important job. As their name might suggest, the fuel injectors inject the correct amount of fuel into the engine for optimal starting and running conditions. It is able to adjust the amount accordingly by varying pressure, angle, and spray patterns. This ensures your driving experience feels as great as driving a BMW should.

But what happens when things go wrong? Cracks, leaks, dirt, and clogs of the fuel injectors can all impact the performance of your car. In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the signs and symptoms of fuel injector failure in a BMW, as well as how you should proceed when fixing them.

Symptoms of Fuel Injector Failure

If you begin to notice any of the issues listed below when driving your BMW, then it is likely your vehicle is suffering from fuel injector failure.

• Lean Misfires – Lean misfires are caused when the mixture of air and fuel in your BMW’s engine is off balance. If the fuel injectors are blocked, then it is likely an incorrect amount of fuel will be supplied to the engine, causing it to misfire.
• Turbocharger Failure – A faulty fuel injector will not be able to provide the engine with the fuel it requires to go turbo.
• Heat Soak – Fuel that evaporates in the nozzles of your fuel injectors can leave behind residue, which can result in blockages.
• Trouble Starting the Car – If your engine is misfiring, then it goes without saying that getting your BMW to start will become more difficult.
• Rough Idle – Your car won’t be able to smoothly cycle through the combustion process as you operate the vehicle. You are likely to notice rough idling.

DIY vs. Professional Help

If you are DIY handy, then some common fuel injector issues can be fixed at home. As long as you are confident in basic auto repair, then repairing minor motor problems at home can be cost effective. However, there are issues which are best tackled by a professional due to their difficulty in repair and labor intensity. Below are some of the most common issues with fuel injectors and whether it’s worth making repairs at home or seeking professional help.

Injector Leaks

• O-Ring: If you suspect the leak is happening around the o-ring, this part can be quite easily replaced at home.
• Cracking: If the nozzle, body, or injector’s internal components have cracks, then your only repair option is to replace the faulty injector with a new or refurbished replacement. This job is best suited to a professional.
• Seals and Washers: If the issue seems to be the seals and washers, you can easily and cheaply repair these problems at home.

Problems with Dirt

• Dirty Injector: This job should be left to the professionals. While it is inexpensive to repair, a quality professional will be able to give the injectors a deep clean as well as an inspection for other potential issues, such as cracks or leaks. You should ideally bring your vehicle in for fuel injector cleaning at regular intervals to help maintain the system and prevent future failures.
• Fuel System Cleaner (Maintenance): You can also help prevent a dirty injector at home but using a fuel system cleaner through your engine system about every 6 This will help to ensure any build up of dirt, debris, or contaminants is kept to a minimum.

Clogged Injector

• Complete Clog: If caught quickly, the effects of a completely clogged injector shouldn’t have an impact on other parts of your BMW’s fuel system. A complete clog is typically due to poor maintenance standards and will need to be assessed by a professional mechanic who can judge whether refurbishment or complete replacement is the best option for you.
• Fuel System Cleaner: Like with preventing dirt buildup, you can almost entirely eliminate the risk of fuel injector clogs by running a fuel system cleaner through your BMW’s fuel system every 6 months or so.

Don’t Run the Risk

If you’re not mechanically savvy or are not 100% sure on how to proceed with repairs, then it’s always best to seek professional help. Poor DIY repairs are only likely to fail down the line and often cause more expensive damage to your motor in the process.

If you live in or around Gardena, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Glendale, or Anaheim, CA, and are looking for quality auto repair from experienced hands, then look no further than Pro Car Mechanics. With a friendly team of experts on hand to help, you’re sure to drive away happy!