Engine Problems

Our Engine Problems category is a place where you’ll find in-depth articles on specific troubles of engines from various car brands.

Scroll down for all the engine problem related articles!

Each article follows a simple structure, the purpose of which is to deliver you all the information in an easily understandable manner.

What Engine Problems We Cover

When covering problems of specific engines, our focus is first and foremost on problems that can cause catastrophic engine failures.

This includes:

  • Timing chain failure
  • Overheating
  • Turbocharger failures
  • Fuel injector issues
  • Major oil leaks
  • Cylinder scoring
  • Vacuum leaks
  • Electronic component issues
  • Specific diesel engine problems

At the same time, we also point out the presence of common issues like carbon deposits, spark plug failures, high-mileage problems and more.

Why We Cover These Problems

Buying a used car, especially a luxury car like BMW or Mercedes-Benz can be a daunting task. Engine problems can bring a long hefty repair bills so it’s crucial that you know what you are getting yourself into when choosing a used car with a specific engine.

There are no perfect engines out there, that’s why I believe it’s truly in your best interest to be prepared for common engine problems and better yet, keep those issues in mind when you’re inspecting the car you plan on buying.

The goal behind our articles is to:

  • Save you time.
  • Prevent costly repairs.
  • Avoid breakdowns with preventive maintenance.
  • Prevent you from buying a car that you cannot afford to maintain.
  • Save your from future headache.

DIY Tips for Initial Diagnosis

One of the things that I like to teach my readers is also the skill of recognizing common issues.

For example; a light knocking sound that last 3–5 seconds on a cold startup may indicate problems with the engine’s timing chain.

A rising engine oil level may signal problems with leaky fuel injectors and oil fuel dilution, which needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

These little crumbs of knowledge can save you money and ultimately your engine.

Conclusion — How I Do My Research

The majority of my research is conducted online. Before I start writing I go over all possible owner’s forum threads, NHTSA reports, class action lawsuits and other valuable sources like the manufacturers service bulletins or recall action documents.

Through this research I uncover common problems which I then sum up in my articles.

Whenever I cannot base my findings on reliable sources from the manufacturers’ documentation, I contact my local service centers to consult them on my findings and confirm the data.