Brake components for German cars have changed quite a bit over the past decade but the basic principals are still the same. Back when automobile manufacturers cared less about weight, fuel economy and performance, brake components were built to be heavy and strong. The excessive mass of the rotors allowed room for them to be machined or “cut” down, in order to smooth them out and reuse the rotors when the brake pads need to be replaced.

Brake pads and rotors
These days, rotors are designed to weigh less, increase performance and reduce fuel consumption. Automobile manufacturers have reduced not only the weight, but the overall thickness of the rotor. The reduction in unsprung mass is noticeable on modern cars and has achieved the goal the engineers intended. However, modern brake rotors cannot be machined as they are too thin to remove any high spots or groves [...]

Pothole season has arrived and that means many cars are on the road, right now, with one or more broken coil springs. Often, you will not even notice!

The coil springs allow the wheels and suspension to move vertically, while also holding up the body of the car. The length of the spring determines the car’s ride height, so if a spring brakes, the car will sit lower. The coil springs usually rust at the bottom where they attach to the suspension. They fit into a notch that tends to hold water, causing the bottom coil to rust and brake off. Since only a small portion brakes off, it’s not always obvious or noticeable.

A broken spring will affect the wheel alignment and can cause a rattling noise. It can be a safety issue because when a coil spring is broken, it is possible for it to become dislodged when going over a bump, and [...]

Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves for Audi, Volkswagen, BMW and Mini

How to remove carbon buildup on intake valves on a direct injection engine

Intake Valves Audi Volkswagen BMW

Carbon buildup on intake valves for Audi, Volkswagen, BMW and Mini

Carbon may be the building block of life, but it can wreak havoc on your engine.

Audi, Volkswagen, BMW and Mini engines utilize direct injection of fuel into the cylinder. Direct injection is where the fuel is sprayed at a very high pressure, directly into the cylinder through fuel injectors. The engine control module, or ECU, precisely controls all aspects of fuel injection, including the amount of fuel injected, timing, air to fuel ratio, how long the valves stay open and more. This process achieves better fuel economy and power because the combustion of fuel is more complete and the fuel burns more efficiently.

Air intake valves in all engines are exposed to air mixed with oil residue which can build up on top of the valves. Older, port style [...]

About Autohaus…

Gerald Drouillard is the owner, manager and car salesman. He founded Birmingham Autohaus in 1970, which was a Gulf gas station and VW repair, located on Woodward next to Hunter House in Birmingham, Michigan.

Jerry began his career/passion for German cars while in college. He worked as a mechanic while obtaining a Bachelors Degree in business. Over the years, he became a Bosch Certified Master Technician.

The business thrived from the beginning, as the word of Jerry’s integrity and knowledge spread. Later, the business moved to Maple and Adams, as a Union 76 gas station with German car repair service (and Avis car rental). Then in the 80’s the business moved again to Clawson on 14 mile, right next to the Burger King, as a parts store and German car repair. In 1984, the business moved to its current location.

A great deal of our customers have been around since the beginning and [...]

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