Servicing & Repairs: 020 8543 4799

24 Hour Recovery: 020 8540 0121

Waterfall Garage
The Recovery and Garage Specialists – Est. 1986
Same day servicing on most popular makes of private car and light commercial vehicle

BMW servicing banner

Looking for an indepenedent BMW specialist in Wimbledon?

Waterfall is a family run, independent garage in SW19 specialising in BMW and VAG group vehicles. Our fully trained auto technicians use dealer level diagnostic equipment, allowing us to take care of all your BMW service, maintenance and BMW repair needs.

How to save money on BMW servicing

Before legislation that came into force some time ago, it was nearly impossible to have a new car serviced outside a franchised dealer without it affecting your warranty. You weren’t able to shop around to get the best price for your BMW service.

But you are now no longer tied to the high prices charged by some local BMW service dealers. Independent BMW garages like Waterfall in Wimbledon can service and maintain your BMW from brand new, using genuine BMW parts, without it affecting your car’s warranty.

BMW closeup
BMW service reception in Wimbledon at Waterfall Garage
Wimbledon car servicing mechanic

Waterfall Garage: Family run, independent, value for money.
Bring your car to us for your BMW service, MOT or repairs and we’ll do the rest.

As well as regular BMW servicing and MOT, we can also take care of any other issues including:

BMW safety analysis, fuel system, cooling system, car computer diagnostics, steering, brakes, wheels and tyres, suspension, exhaust system, battery and electrical system, drivability problems, and engine & gearbox problems.

And Waterfall in South-West London can also offer the following:

  • MOT
  • Engine tuning for optimum performance and fuel efficiency
  • Coding and programming of control units
  • Setting of car/ key memory options
  • Full component activation
  • Reading and resetting of vehicle fault codes
  • Accessory fitting
  • Engine and immobiliser alignment
  • For BMW bodywork we recommend a trusted local supplier who we’ve worked withe for many years.

As an independent BMW garage, Waterfall are big enough to compete with the main dealers, yet small enough to give you a personal service

Waterfall is a family owned independent garage that’s been in Wimbledon since 1986. What’s more, we are just five minutes walk from major public transport links in Wimbledon town centre (overground, underground, bus and tram), so letting us take care of your BMW service or MOT while you are at work couldn’t be more convenient. We also offer a FREE valet with each full service, as well as a local pick-up and drop-off service too.

We are rated

Good Garage Scheme

97.0%

Google Reviews

4.6 out of 5

 What one customer said about their BMW repair in Wimbledon

“When we had some issues with our car, we searched for a car repair specialised in BMW close to our home. We found Waterfall Garage via Google. They received many good reviews, so we made an appointment. We could come by on a short notice and were very satisfied. Communication is really good and service is really quick and reliable. Will go back here again without a doubt.”

Google Review 2020

So to find out how much an independent BMW specialist like Waterfall can save you on your next service, or for your MOT or any BMW repairs, call us today on:

020 8543 4799

We’re often busy, so if we don’t pick up please leave a message and we’ll get back to you.
Or you can email us:

We are open Monday to Friday 8.30 to 5.30

BMW closeup
BMW M4 closeup
BMW closeup
Waterfall Garage: Family run, independent, value for money.
Bring your BMW to us and we’ll do the rest.

We are highly rated

Good Garage Scheme

97.0%

Google Reviews

4.6 out of 5

 What people have said

“These guys are great. Had a bit of a panic when I discovered my brake lights were out as I need the car to move house, they had it all sorted within three hours of calling them and charged exactly what they’d estimated.”

Google Review 2022

Where to find us

Map to Waterfall Garage in Wimbledon

We are just 5 minute's walk from Wimbledon mainline & underground station

Ask Waterfall about the following BMW servicing in SW19

BMW 1 Series 3-door service
BMW 1 Series Five-door service
BMW 1 Series Coupé service
BMW 1 Series Convertible service
BMW 3 Series service
BMW 3 Series Sedan service
BMW 3 Series Touring service
BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo service
BMW 3 Series Coupé service
BMW 3 Series Convertible service

BMW 5 Series Sedan service
BMW 5 Series Active Hybrid 5 service
BMW 5 Series Touring service
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo service
BMW 6 Series service
BMW 6 Series Coupé service
BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé service
BMW 6 Series Convertible service
BMW 7 Series Sedan service

BMW X1 service
BMW X3 service
BMW X5 service
BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupé service
BMW Z4 Roadster service
BMW M3 Coupé service
BMW M3 Convertible service
BMW M5 Sedan service
BMW M6 Coupé service
BMW M6 Gran Coupé service
BMW M6 Convertible service

More about BMW cars

After World War II, BMW started manufacturing luxury sedans and coupes, which eventually became legendary models such as the 507 and 3.0CS. In the 1970s, the company launched the 5 Series and 6 Series, solidifying its standing in the luxury / sport car market. The 3 Series, introduced in 1975, has since become BMW’s best-selling model.

BMW cars are known for high spec and quality, but like all car manufacturers, there are some issues which occasionally crop up more frequently than others. This is a brief overview of some of those issues, with the aim of helping BMW owners and prospective buyers understand and address the weaknesses of these otherwise excellent cars. And rest assured, Waterfall garage can sort out any of these issues as part of their BMW Servicing and Repair.

Frequently Encountered Challenges in Specific BMW Series Models

The BMW Series 1, known for its compact size and affordability, faces several common issues, including:

  • Engine overheating, often triggered by malfunctioning electric water pumps or thermostat failures.
  • Oil seepage from various areas such as gasket seals, valve covers, and oil filter housings.
  • Electrical concerns like malfunctioning blower motor resistors or defective battery cables.
  • Decreased power performance attributed to carbon accumulation in direct injection engines.
  • Suspension and steering issues arising from worn-out bushings, ball joints, and tie rods.

The BMW Series 3, renowned for its popularity, exhibits recurring problems across different iterations, which include:

  • Engine oil leakage and gasket malfunctions in N52, N55, B46, and B48 engine models.
  • Instances of overheating due to thermostat and water pump failures.
  • Carbon buildup in direct injection engines like N54, N55, and B58.
  • Electrical malfunctions such as faulty blower motor resistors and wiring harness issues.
  • Costly transmission failures, particularly in models equipped with ZF or GM automatic transmissions.

Click to read more about common problems with BMW 5 Series, BMW 7 Series & BMW X Series…

Common difficulties encountered with BMW Series 5 luxury sedans and wagons encompass:

  • Failures within the cooling system leading to overheating incidents.
  • Oil leaks stemming from various engine components including valve covers, oil pans, and gaskets.
  • Electrical glitches affecting alternators, regulators, and battery cables.
  • Suspension and steering challenges arising from deteriorated bushings and ball joints.
  • Transmission malfunctions in models equipped with ZF or GM automatic transmissions.

The flagship BMW Series 7 luxury sedan has its share of model-specific concerns, including:

  • Reliability issues associated with V8 and V12 engines.
  • Electrical malfunctions affecting the iDrive system.
  • Failures in the air suspension system.
  • Costly transmission issues, particularly in models equipped with ZF automatic transmissions.
  • Problems with fuel pumps and fuel injectors.

Concerning BMW X Series luxury SUV models like the X3, X5, and X6, commonly encountered issues comprise:

  • Failures in the transfer case and differential.
  • Oil seepage from various engine components such as oil pans, valve covers, and oil filter housings.
  • Electrical malfunctions involving battery cables, fuse boxes, and wiring harnesses.
  • Suspension complications due to worn control arm bushings.
  • Costly transmission failures, notably in models equipped with ZF automatic transmissions.

Common Problems Associated with Specific BMW Engine Types

N52 Engine issues

The naturally aspirated N52, employed from 2004 to 2015 across various BMW models, can present several common issues:

  • Instances of engine oil seepage from the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket.
  • Prone to premature failure, defective electric water pumps are a notable issue.
  • Rattling noise often stems from worn timing chain guides.
  • Carbon accumulation in intake valves is a consequence of the absence of direct injection.
  • Failures of VANOS solenoid valves are not uncommon.

N54 Engine issues

The turbocharged N54, utilised from 2006 to 2013, is frequently known for several issues:

  • Weak spring design leading to wastegate rattle.
  • Frequent occurrences of fuel injector and fuel pump failures.
  • Carbon buildup on intake valves and turbocharger components.
  • Oil leaks and gasket failures are prevalent.
  • Early failures of turbochargers and associated wastegate issues are notable.

Click to read more about common problems with N55 Engines, N63 Engines & S63 Engines…

N55 Engine issues

Replacing the N54 from 2009 to 2015, the N55 shares some overlapping issues:

  • Carbon accumulation on intake valves and turbocharger components.
  • Instances of charge pipe leaks and detachments.
  • Failures of water pumps and thermostats are reported.
  • Oil seepage from gaskets and oil filter housing is observed.
  • Occasional fuel injector failures are reported.

N63 Engine issues

The twin-turbo N63 and N63TU V8 engines face some reliability challenges, including:

  • Stretching of timing chains and failures of tensioners.
  • Carbon buildup in intake ports and valves is a recurring issue.
  • Valve stem seals are prone to leakage.
  • Oil leaks and gasket failures are prevalent.
  • Fuel injector and fuel pump issues are frequently encountered.

S63 Engine issues

The high-performance S63 V8 found in M models exhibits problematic areas, including:

  • Premature failures of rod bearings.
  • Oil leaks from gaskets and housing components are common.
  • Fuel injector and fuel pump failures are observed.
  • Carbon accumulation on intake valves and throttle bodies occurs.
  • Defective electric water pumps pose a risk of failure.

Frequently Encountered BMW Problems Across Specific Model Years

Issues in BMW Models from 2000-2005

During these years, common problems include:

  • Cooling system failures leading to overheating.
  • Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket.
  • Transmission failures, particularly with ZF and GM automatics.
  • M52 and M54 engines experiencing VANOS system issues.
  • Electrical faults involving blower motor resistors and wiring.

Issues in BMW Models from 2006-2010

Typical problems observed in these model years encompass:

  • Widespread occurrences of fuel pump and fuel injector failures.
  • Carbon buildup in direct injection engines such as the N54 and N55.
  • Problems with high-pressure fuel pumps in turbo engines.
  • Failures of water pumps and thermostats.
  • Defective turbochargers notably found in N54 engines.

Click to read more about issues with BMW Models from 2011-2015 and from 2016-2020…

Issues in BMW Models from 2011-2015

During this period, common issues include:

  • Failures of timing chain guides in N20 turbo engines.
  • Leaks from transfer case seals in xDrive models.
  • Oil leaks from the oil filter housing and valve cover.
  • Failures of blower motor and blower regulator components.
  • Defective electric water pumps.

Issues in BMW Models from 2016-2020

BMW models from these years frequently experience the following problems:

  • Carbon buildup in direct injection turbo engines.
  • Leaks and detachments in charge pipes.
  • Occurrences of steering rack leaks.
  • Electrical issues related to wiring harnesses.
  • Failures of iDrive displays.

Conclusion

As an independent BMW specialist we can help you with any of these BMW issues and get your car driving the way it was designed to.

To find out how much we can save you on your next service, or for your MOT or other BMW repairs in Wimbledon, call us today on:

020 8543 4799

We’re often busy, so if we don’t pick up please leave a message and we’ll get back to you.
Or you can email us:

We are open Monday to Friday 8.30 to 5.30