Just as humans need to breathe in order to survive, BMWs need to exchange air to run properly and perform at their peak. While our lungs and airways do a pretty good job of filtering out contaminants that could make us sick, a car needs regular maintenance to clear out excessive carbon buildup on its intake valves. This process is called a BMW intake cleaning, and getting it done on a regular basis is crucial to your vehicle’s engine performance and efficiency.

What is a BMW air intake system?

There are three main components that make up a BMW air intake system: the throttle body, the air filter, and the mass flow sensor. Together, these parts regulate the rate at which air travels through your car to the combustion chamber that holds the fuel. In this way, your BMW’s intake system regulates how fuel is burned and the efficiency of your engine (in other words, your gas mileage and horsepower.)

In a nutshell, your BMW’s air intake system is responsible for filtering the air that goes into the engine and properly releasing exhaust. When the intake valves become clogged with carbon buildup, which is an unavoidable reality of owning a car with a gasoline direct injection engine, it restricts your BMW’s ability to breathe. When your car can’t exchange air, it affects its efficiency and power, generally making the driving experience less enjoyable.

What does a BMW intake cleaning involve?

Have you ever heard of walnut blasting? It sounds crazy, but your BMW dealer actually recommends it every 80,000 miles. Walnut blasting is a common way to clear carbon buildup from your car’s intake valves, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. We take crushed up walnut shells and blow them into your car’s engine with an air compressor. It works kind of like a sandblaster, breaking up and blowing away the nasty buildup so your BMW runs like it’s supposed to.

How do I know if I need a BMW intake cleaning?

Cars are pretty good at letting us know when they need some TLC. Obvious signs that you need a BMW intake cleaning include an illuminated check engine light, an extended start time, sluggishness, a rough idle, and hesitation to accelerate. On the other hand, some BMW owners don’t even realize they need an intake cleaning because their engine’s power has gradually dissipated over time.

If you’ve experienced any of the symptoms of carbon build up and/or if your BMW has between 60,000 and 90,000 miles on it, bring it into the BMW experts at B and B Autohaus for an intake cleaning. Once you do, you’ll notice an immediate difference in the way your engine performs.

Schedule your BMW intake cleaning at B and B Autohaus in San Diego

When your BMW’s air intake system is dirty, it’s essentially like your car has asthma. The restricted airflow can drastically affect your BMW’s performance and result in general sluggishness. Regular intake cleanings will prevent premature wear on internal components and extend the life of your engine, which will save you money (and a major headache) in the long run.

At B and B Autohaus, we specialize in BMWs, which means we know exactly what your car needs to perform at its peak. Ask us to take a look at your intake system during your next BMW oil change or call us to schedule an appointment.