Have the heater and air conditioning system looked over by a qualified technician. Most people think that the air conditioner is not used in the winter but when on defrost in the winter will remove excess moisture.

Have your car’s belts, clamps, and hoses checked by a technician. This only takes a few minutes and is usually inexpensive. Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or four times a year. Replace air and fuel filters as recommended. These are the type of easy and inexpensive services that will prolong the life of the engine.

Get plenty of windshield washer solvent – we have a tendency to use a lot of this in the winter with sloppy road conditions. Nothing is worse than having dirty slush splashed on the windshield and no fluid in the reservoir to clean it. Also a proper mixture of washer fluid aids in removing icy build up on the windshield.

Tires should be rotated every 6000 miles or so leaving the best tires on driving axles. In the front with front wheel drive and in the rear with rear wheel drive for better traction in the snow. Rotating tires gives you the maximum tire life since the front tires tend to wear faster than the rears. This is due to the front tires being subjected to the constant friction of directions turned.
Check the spare tire to make sure it’s inflated properly. Also, make sure you have a jack along with it!

Have your transmission serviced periodically, and prevent big-time repair bills. In fact many manufacturers with 10/100 warranties will insist on this to keep the coverage from becoming void.

If you notice that your brakes are less efficient, get them checked out right away. The life you save may not just be yours but mine as well.

Have your battery checked periodically to see how much life it has left and clean the terminals. Who wants to use jumper cables in the middle of a deep freeze or snow storm. Especially if far away from home. Inspect all lights and bulbs to make sure they’re working. Cheaper than a traffic ticket. Carry a first aid kit, flares, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a cell phone.

Picture the scenario- you are driving along in the lap of luxury, the satellite radio blaring and the heated seats
on. You have become accustomed to the comfort level and great driving experience brought to you by BMW.

You decide to stop at the local convenience store on your way home to grab some ice cream for the kids and a bottle of water for yourself. Upon returning to your car, you start it up, check your rear view mirror, put the shifter in reverse and then the unthinkable happens- the engine just revs as if it is in neutral and the car goes nowhere!

This article deals with the reasons behind an unexpected loss of reverse in certain BMW automatic transmission equipped vehicles, specifically the 3 series and 5 series vehicles that use the ZF5HP19 or steptronic transmission. This includes the popular 323i, 323ci, 325i, 328i, 330i, 525i, 528i, 530i, X3 and X5 models well as some others built in the 1999 to present model years.

To eliminate confusion, this does not apply to vehicles equipped with the GM 5L40 E transmission, just the ones with the sometimes problematic ZF5HP19. The 5L40 E has some issues of its own that are beyond the scope of this article but are certainly going to be the subject of another.

The failure rate for these transmissions seems to be very high and is expected to become much more of a problem as time goes by.

Typically, the vehicle is working perfectly while driving forward but when it is put in reverse there is a complete and permanent loss of movement to back up.

Reverse is typically a major feat for any transmission to accomplish- imagine the demands that are placed on a gearbox as it is asked to reverse the torque of your engine so that you can back up your nearly 4000 pound vehicle.

By far, the most common cause of the reverse problem in BMW’s is the failure of the D-G clutch drum. Specifically, the snap ring that retains the D or reverse clutch breaks out of the clutch drum resulting in an inability for the clutch pack to apply.

The good news is that there is hope in regards to a proper repair. The factory has released an updated part that so far appears to be a permanent fix for this problem.

In our testing and in conjunction with several hundred successful repairs at our facilities, the new part seems to be metallurgically superior in several ways.

We have found that there is an improved radius area as well as slightly thicker casting. In addition to this, the grove that retains the snap ring is also relocated further away from the edge of the drum.

With this issue addressed and attention to detail in several other areas of the ZF5HP19 unit, the transmission can be repaired to “better than new” condition by a competent transmission rebuilder / remanufacturer. In fact, when properly repaired, the ZF gearbox becomes quite robust and can provide an almost indefinite service life.

Here are the top 10 car selling tips that may help you finalize a better deal:

1. First you need to know the market value of the car. This will help you put a reasonable price tag to your used car.

2. Then fix a price range for your car between which you feel that negotiation with the car buyer will be reasonable. You know the condition of your car both in terms of looks and performance and so you can decide the maximum down price below which you cannot afford to sell your car.

3. It is very important to wash and wax your car before displaying it for sale. This is because the exterior look of the car holds the first impression that may appeal the buyer.

4. Fix all small problems in the car including transmission problem, wheel imbalance, misalignment or steering problems. Don’t give any chance of complains to the buyer. At least the basic functions of the car should be well-operating condition.

5. Clean the car interiors well so that the upholstery, car seat covers, and other interiors look fresh and impressive.

6. Keep all the car documents ready. No buyer will show interest in buying your car if you don’t have the registration certificate, insurance papers, and maintenance records in position.

7. Now, when you are all set to sell your car, search for some good medium of advertisement. These days’ online car advertisements are much in favour. You can even add some quality car pictures with a brief description of your car to be sold. This will ease your car selling process.

8. If any buyer show interest in your car, start boasting about your car and make a clear mention of all the new car components that you have installed. Let the buyer know that you taken good care of your car. This will help him take a faster car buying decision.

9. Let the buyer inspect the car from all aspects. Let him take a test drive but before that check whether the buyer has a valid driver’s license. Allow him to be satisfied with the car.

10. Then, once he is satisfied, finalize the deal with him at a valuable price tag. Make sure that you complete all the paper works including the transfer of name formalities before you actually sell off your car.