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BMW’s are renowned for their innovation and iconic design. For years, the German car manufacturer has led the automotive industry in performance, interior comfort, and safety. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your Bimmer in top condition, preventing problems that can arise as engine heat and regular wear and tear can damage key components.
Vacuum hose leaks are one of the most common car issues and one of the trickiest to diagnose. Vacuum hoses help the automobile run by sucking air out of the engine. When even the tiniest bit of air gets in, they can cause major problems.
Over time, the vacuum hose can crack with long-term use. Whether you’re on the Autobahn or on Route 1, BMW problems can be a pain, and vacuum hose leaks are no exception. In fact, they can be among the toughest to detect and repair. Here are some car warning signs that might point to a vacuum hose leak in your BMW.
Hissing Sound While the Vehicle is Running
You may enjoy the silence of the cabin in your BMW, so if you hear a loud hiss, it is a telltale sign something is wrong. It could be a vacuum hose leak.
Check Engine Light
BMWs have incredibly-sensitive computer systems that are constantly aware of what’s going on with your engine and your vehicle. Before you notice any of the signs on this list, your car will probably figure it out for you and alert you to a problem. If nothing seems amiss, it’s best to take it to an expert just to be sure.
Reduced Fuel Economy
Vacuuming the air out of the engine reduces the need to burn fuel, because the fuel can do more within the engine. If your Bimmer has suddenly started burning gasoline more than usual, do yourself a favor and bring it to a mechanic to check if a vacuum hose leak could be your problem.
Remember, this leak might not be visible with the naked eye. Sometimes, sophisticated equipment is needed to detect and inspect the problem.
Accelerator Problems
The vacuum does a lot of the work for you so you don’t have to press so hard on the gas pedal. That sensitive accelerator is what has made the BMW one of the most popular luxury car brands for a century. When you notice that you have to press down farther on the gas pedal to get the vehicle moving, you probably have a vacuum hose problem.
Random Stalling
It can become a scary moment if you are in stop and go traffic and it’s time for your BMW to accelerate, except that you can’t. It could be because your engine is full of air if the vacuum isn’t working. Take a deep breath, put on your hazard lights, and have your car towed a professional mechanic. You don’t want to put yourself into a dangerous situation on the road. A vacuum hose leak is not something that will improve with time.
Fast Idling Speed
If you notice your car is running at a high RPM when you’re pulled over or stopped at a red light, it is a big warning sign that your engine is running way too fast. This happens because there is too much air in the engine. It’s likely that a vacuum hose leak is the culprit.
How Hayes European Will Help
Vacuum hose leaks can be difficult to fix for the amateur auto hobbyist because a barely-visible leak can 
cause major issues for your car.
Our European auto experts will check for these problems during regular maintenance, but sometimes a leak can arise between servicings. When your Bimmer is showing some of the symptoms above, you know it’s time to call in someone from Hayes European.
Even the tiniest, most invisible leak can cause major problems for your BMW. Vacuum hose leaks are notoriously tricky for even mechanics to diagnose, so don’t worry if you aren’t sure. Our state-of-the-art equipment that our BMW pros use at Hayes European Auto can easily detect what the eye can’t see.
Trust your gut when you suspect car trouble. If you’re in Southern California, trust Hayes European Auto with your BMW. Contact us today.