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Author: Matthew Dunbar

Something Feeling A Little Weird With Your Clutch?

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Something feeling weird with your clutch? It’s time you chat to a mechanic about it! Check out these signs that your clutch needs help:⁣

1️⃣ Your car’s acceleration seems weak

The revs are there, but your car isn’t accelerating as usual. This is a clear tell that your clutch has a problem. ⁣

2️⃣ The clutch pedal feels very weak and loose, dropping to the floor very quickly when you step on it.

This is a telling indication that your clutch plate is worn and needs replacing.⁣

3️⃣ Your clutch pedal is sticky and difficult to press down could be an indication that you need to chat to a mechanic.⁣
4️⃣ When your car won’t shift into gear

Or stay in gear/ slips out of gear regularly it could be clutch or other problems which needs to be inspected by a mechanic. This is also incredibly unsafe, so you would want to have this checked out ASAP.⁣

5️⃣ Do you smell something burning?

This could be an indication that your gears are grinding as this metal-on-metal gives off a burning smell. With any strange smells, we always recommend having your car inspected ASAP. The same counts for any strange sounds. Better safe than sorry!⁣

🚗 We do 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘷𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴’ mechanical repairs, services, troubleshooting, and electrical repairs in our workshop in Bellville, Cape Town. Contact us to book your service/ repair today! www.3servicecentre.co.za/contact-us 🚙

Why Servicing Your Car Is Incredibly Important

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Servicing your car is incredibly important, and you can easily budget for it! Costs can end up being so much higher if you neglect your car, so make sure to schedule that service ASAP

1️⃣ Your Safety Comes First!

A mechanic needs to check all the components of your vehicle to make sure that everything is in good condition. This enables your mechanic to spot any potential safety concerns such as brake-, suspension-, and exhaust problems. ⁣

2️⃣ Maintain Your Warranty!

In order not to breach your warranty you need all services done before or at the correct time. If you service outside of your manufacturer’s guidelines then you may invalidate your warranty, and we don’t want that! ⁣

3️⃣ Keep Your Engine Healthy!

An engine problem can potentially become one of the most wallet-breaking problems for you and your car. Engines are designed to require regular service to keep them working well. ⁣

4️⃣ Make Sure Your Tyres Are Good To Go!

At your service your mechanic will always take a look at your tyres to make sure that they are still in good condition and that the tread is not too worn yet. ⁣

5️⃣ Protect Your Car’s Value!

Having a full service history may affect how your insurance pays out in the unfortunate effect that your car is written off.⁣

🚗 We do 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘷𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴’ mechanical repairs, services, troubleshooting, and electrical repairs in our workshop in Bellville, Cape Town. Contact us to book your service/ repair today! www.3servicecentre.co.za/contact-us 🚙

Make Sure That You’re Treating Your Tyres Right

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Make sure you’re treating your tyres right! Have a look at these simple tyre care tips to make sure your tyres are performing at their best!⁣

1️⃣ Make sure to check your tyres’ tread regularly

Like way more regularly than you might think – once every two months, and before taking long road trips.

2️⃣ Don’t wait until your tyres’ tread is completely worn before changing it

Rather start looking for new tyres when the tread depth is around 3mm.⁣

3️⃣ Check for cuts, tears and swellings on your tyres often!

If anything looks off and you’re concerned have them checked out by and expert as soon as possible. Rather safe than sorry!⁣

4️⃣ Before going on any long drives, make sure to check your tyre pressure at a garage

Tyre pressure can be found in your owner’s manual, the driver’s door or inside the fuel flap. Remember that recommended tyre pressure differs depending on the amount of weight your car is carrying.⁣

5️⃣ Don’t forget to keep an eye on your spare tyre as well

It’s often overlooked until you suddenly need it, so always make sure it’s in tip top shape.⁣
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If you are concerned about your tyres maybe it’s about time you chat to an expert. 💨

🚗 We do 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘷𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴’ mechanical repairs, services, troubleshooting, and electrical repairs in our workshop in Bellville, Cape Town. Contact us to book your service/ repair today! www.3servicecentre.co.za/contact-us 🚙

When Was Your Last Service?

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When last did you have your car serviced?

As a general rule you should be having your car professionally serviced every 6 months or every 10 000 km, whichever comes first! 🏆 Some newer model cars can go up to 12 months/ 15 000 km before needing a service, however newer models’ engines are more complex and really don’t appreciate any neglect, so don’t try to push your car too far!⁣
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So, if it’s been a minute since your car has seen a professional, it might be time to book your service! We don’t want you standing next to the road waiting for a towtruck/ mechanic to pitch up when you’ve got places to be! Rather safe than sorry! 🤷

🚗 We do 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘷𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴’ mechanical repairs, services, troubleshooting, and electrical repairs in our workshop in Bellville, Cape Town. Contact us to book your service/ repair today! www.3servicecentre.co.za/contact-us 🚙

These are the BMWs you should be excited about in 2021

These are the BMW's you should be excited about in 2021

BMW has an exciting year ahead.  There are several exciting new models in line to launch this year. Here is a list of BMWs that will keep you on your toes:

  • BMW M3 and M4
  • 4 Series Convertible and Gran Coupe
  • BMW 128ti

BMW M3 and M4

The most exciting news for BMW is the release of the new M3 and the M4. Here are the exciting features that this model offers:

  • 3.0-liter-six-cylinder petrol engine.
  • 375kW and 600Nm to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

4 Series Convertible and Gran Coupe

  • Three engines will make up the power plants: two petrol and one diesel
  • The 2.0 diesel engine will offer 140kW and 400Nm

BMW 128ti

  • The BMW 128ti will be powered by a Turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine.
  • The engine will offer 180kW and 380Nm.

Electric cars to look forward to

BMW iX

The BMW will only go into production in 2021.  BMW has reported that the iX is comparable to the X5 in length and width, and is almost the same as the X6 in height.

BMW has stated that the high-voltage battery will offer more than 480 kilometers of range.  The iX is expected to consume less than 21kWh per 100 kilometres.

BMW iX3

The iX3 will go on sale in 2021.  You can recharge your BMW iX3 with 150 kW up to a level of 80% in only 34 minutes. The  recharging process for the BMW iX3 is said to be simpler, faster and more efficient than ever.

BMW i4

The BMW Concept i4 is the first purely electric BMW Gran Coupé. The BMW i4 will only enter into production in 2021. BMW has started that with an expected range of 600 km,  drivers and passengers can look forward to a tremendous sporty driving sensation.

Author: Omega Fumba

Get to know your BMW

Date Published: January 31, 2021

Get to know your BMW

Are you a BMW owner or a hardcore fan? BMWs have some of the most advanced features in the world.  Here is a list with some of the best technological BMW features:

  • Adaptive LED lights
  • BMW Brake Dust
  • BMW Key FOB operation
  • Working your Wipers
  • BMW Service Indicator 
  • BMW Climate Controls
  • BMW Apps
  • Connecting your iPhone and your BMW
  • Connecting your Android and your BMW
  • How to program your BMW key: BMW Cartridge Key (BMWs with a keyhole in the dash)
  • Remote Key Re-Initialize
  • BMW Garage Door Opener Instructions

Adaptive LED lights

The adaptive LED lights were first introduced on the BMW 7 Series in 2012.  This feature is now also available with Xenon headlights on the all new BMW 3 Series.

BMW Brake Dust

BMW brakes offer superior stopping power. However, brake dust can accumulate on the wheels over time.  Even though you may have to make a few more visits to the carwash, the brake dust is a worthy consequence for better safety.

BMW Key FOB operation

The newly redesigned BMW X5 key fob includes person profile settings such as;

  • Locking preferences
  • Mirror positions
  • Memory buttons
  • Seat positions
  • Climate control
  • Navigation views
  • Multimedia settings 

For more instructions on the BMW Key FOB, click here.

Working your Wipers

Learn how to work your BMW wipers.  This video illustrates how to activate the wiper function, set different wiper speeds, activate the rain sensor and turn on the wiper jets.

BMW Service Indicator

iDrive allows you to track your next BMW service date and understand what kind of service is required.  

Here is how this feature works, each time the ignition is turned on, the driving distance or time till the next service visit is displayed in your instrument cluster.  

BMW Climate Controls

Learn more about your BMW Climate Controls feature.  This video illustrates how to activate the different settings of the Parked Car Ventilation feature.

BMW Apps

BMW has an app that you can use to connect to Facebook, Twitter, or web radio into your iDrive display. Click here for instructions.

Connecting your iPhone and your BMW

Modern BMWs allow you to connect your iPhone with your BMW. 

Connecting your Android and your BMW

Modern BMWs have a feature that allows you to pair your Android via bluetooth to your BMW.

How to Programme your BMW key

BMW Cartridge Key (BMWs with no keyhole in the dash)

Simply take the new BMW key fob and hold it against the marked spot on the right side of the steering column. Hold in the start button until it starts the car. 

The start button needs to be pressed the whole time; it could take between 5-20 seconds for the car to start.

Remote key initialize

If a key fails to operate remotely, it will have to be re-initialized (all keys in sequence at the same time)

These are the instructions: 

  1. Get in and “close all doors”
  2. Turn ignition on & off quickly (no more than 5 seconds) to start the process. Next action must take place within 30 seconds
  3. First key – hold down button #2 (unlock) while striking button #1 (lock) three times. Release button #2. Confirmed by door lock operation.
  4. Repeat for second key within 30 seconds of first.
  5. After the last key then cycle the ignition on/off to finalize the process (not necessary to start the engine.

BMW Garage Door Opener Instructions

Did you know that you can program your BMW to act as a garage door opener? Click here for step by step instructions.

Author: Omega Fumba

The new rules of car servicing

Date Published: January 22, 2021

The new rules of car servicing

The Competition Commission has released the final guidelines for competition in the South African automotive aftermarket.

Competition Commission releases final automotive guidelines

The new guidelines set by the Competition Commission will take effect on the 1st of July 2021.

The guidelines set by the Competition Commission will create an opportunity for development amongst small, independent and historically disadvantaged service providers. 

The service providers will conduct service, maintenance and repair work while vehicles are in-warranty.  Consumers now have the opportunity to use cheaper, private parts without affecting their car warranty. 

Independent workshops can be between 30% and 50% cheaper than the vehicle manufacturer’s approved dealer without using weaker or pirate parts.

The final guidelines were published in December after the commission has been consulting with the different role players in the business since 2017.  

The release of the guidelines came about after there were many complaints from independent role players and the public.  These complaints were over alleged anti-competitive behavior of the independent role players from the aftersales market.

What are the aims of the new guidelines?

  • Role-players should insure the fair allocation of repair work by insurers.
  • Promote the rights of consumers to use original or non-original spare parts during the lifespan of their vehicle.
  • Remove original-equipment manufacturer(OEM) restrictions in the sale and distribution of original parts.
  • Promote consumer choice in the purchase of maintenance and service plans.
  • Enable access to OEM training and technical information by independent service providers.

Services offered at 3 Service Centre

3 Service Centre is an independent specialist workshop that uses original parts to repair cars. These are the services offered at 3 service centre;

Click here to contact us or ask for a quote.

Author: Omega Fumba

Did you know you can open your garage door with your BMW?

Date Published: January 11, 2020

Here we provide a guide of how you can use your BMW to open your garage door. 

To do this, BMW owners have to use the Homelink platform. The HomeLink platform is part of the most recent BMW models. 

Using this feature means there is no longer the need for a garage door remote and allows an easy way to access your garage or gate.

Here is a step by step guide of what you need to do :

  • Get your garage door remote. Move your BMW outside of the garage. 
  • Be within range of the garage or gate but do not be in the path of the door opening or closing.
  • Get a ladder, open the garage door opener control panel, locate the LEARN Button.
  • Get in your BMW, turn BMW accessories on but do not start the car. Tip: Press the start/stop button but do not put your foot on the brake.
  • On your rear view mirror, press and hold Homelink buttons 1 and 3 at the same time for about ten seconds.  The light will be solid yellow until you see the light flashing green. – now all old code settings are wiped out.
  • Press button 1 until you see the yellow light flashing slowly
  • Now hold your garage door opener/remote 3 inches from the mirror and push the button you want your BMW to use.
  • When the little light on the mirror flashes green rapidly let go of your remote button and push the button to be programmed once.
  • Now go up to control panel on the Garage door opener and press LEARN button
  • You now have about 30 seconds to get down the ladder and push Homelink button 1 on your mirror.
  • If you have another door to program, press Homelink button 2 until a slow blinking yellow light appears.  Repeat steps 7-9.

If you would like to see this on video, click here.

Author: Omega Fumba

Where to take my BMW for repairs?

Date Published: December 22, 2020

Is there something wrong with your BMW?

Let us take care of it!

Over the lifespan of your vehicle, it will need to go through mechanical repairs. Due to the wearing and tearing of your car, there are parts that will need to be fixed or replaced.

Offering decades of experience, at 3 Service Centre we can give you peace of mind, knowing that your vehicle is in good hands. 

Services offered at 3 Service centre

Click here to contact us or ask for a quote.

Author: Omega Fumba

2020 Mini Cooper Hardtop 2 door vs 2020 Mini Cooper Hardtop 4 door

Date published: December 22, 2020

The Mini Cooper Hardtop is easily one of the most desirable Coopers. If you are planning on purchasing your next Mini, you might be wondering which model you will be taking home with you.

In this article, we compare the Mini Cooper Hardtop 2 door vs the Mini Cooper Hardtop 4 door.

Appearance

The most obvious difference between the Mini Hardtop 2 Door and the Hardtop 4 Door is found in the exterior body. The two-door vehicle is smaller in it’s structure than the 4 Door. 

These models have a similar grille, comparable headlights, and almost identical hoods, roofs, and side panels. At the back of the car, the Hardtop 4 Door has more definition.

Performance

The Hardtop 2 Door and the Hardtop 4 Door are both available in Cooper and Cooper S trims. The Cooper trim for both MINI versions comes with an I-3, Twin Power Turbo 1.5-liter engine that generates 134 horsepower. 

In addition, the Cooper S also has the same powertrain between the two models, and this is a Twin Power Turbo I-4, a 2.0-liter engine that produces 189 horsepower. 

The Hardtop 2 Door is also available with a top-level John Cooper Works trim. This trim level draws 228 horsepower from its TwinPower Turbo I-4 engine.

Car features

The Mini Hardtop 2 door and the Hardtop 4 door share many similar features in interior design and style. This includes the circular port that holds the touch display screen. 

The two models share additional shared features that include Bluetooth connectivity, a heated steering wheel, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an auto climate control system, and other gear.

The model of your choice might be influenced purely by your preference in car size. Given that these two models share many similar characteristics except the appearance of the exterior body.

Author: Omega Fumba