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Why April? In April, as winter comes to an end, it is time to get your car ready for spring driving and summer road trips! National Car Care Month reminds you to take care of any issues that may have occurred or been ignored during winter. Spring driving brings its own hazard such as slick, wet roads. It is important to make sure your tires, brakes and windshield wiper are ready for the rain. National Car Care Month in April is the time of year to give your car some extra attention. Basic maintenance can go a long way toward improving the safety and dependability of your vehicle, plus it helps avoid costly repairs down the road. “Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Chances are if you own a car, it needs some work. National Car Care Month in April is the perfect time to focus on your vehicle’s maintenance needs.” Competition BMW’s Service Department is here for all your Spring service needs! Call us at (888) 874-2022. The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best: Check the oil, filters, and fluids. Oil should be checked at every fill-up and changed per the owner’s manual recommended intervals. Brake, transmission, power steering, coolant and windshield washer fluids should also be checked regularly. Your car’s filters, including those for the transmission, fuel system and interior ventilation, need regular inspection and replacement. Inspect hoses at each oil change and have them replaced when leaking, brittle, cracked, rusted, swollen or restricted. Check V-belts and serpentine belts for looseness and condition, and have them replaced when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear. Check the engine brake system every year and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change. Check that the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. The battery should be securely mounted. If it is three years old or more, the battery should be tested and replaced if necessary. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay. Schedule a tune-up that will help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions. Check the car’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons, such as defrosting. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually, including shock absorbers and struts, and chassis parts, such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components. Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, at least once a month. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and cuts and bruises along the sidewalls. Have your car’s alignment checked at least annually to reduce tire wear and improve fuel economy and handling. Test exterior and interior lights and have bulbs that are not working checked immediately. Replace windshield wiper blades every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering for optimum wiping performance and safety. Click here to view our Competiton BMW of Smithtown Service Specials for the month of April! Visit us at Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown 599 Middle Country Rd. St James NY 11780 or call us at (888) 874-2022, click here to schedule your next service appointment.

At Competition BMW of Smithtown, a new season to explore endless adventures begins now. Be ready with special spring savings on key services and Original BMW Parts. Choose one offer or combine them all for savings up to $150, available from 3/10/2019 - 4/30/2019. All services are performed by BMW trained technicians using BMW-approved tools and equipment, and 100% Original BMW Parts, backed by a two-year unlimited mileage limited warranty. Be prepared, the road is calling. $25 back - Oil Service Rebate Offer Receive $25 back via rebate with the purchase of an oil service using Original BMW Engine Oil. $25 back - Battery Rebate Offer Receive $25 back via rebate with the purchase of an original BMW Battery $75 back - Brake Service Rebate Offer Receive $75 back via rebate with the purchase of any brake service. $25 back - Wiper Blade Set Rebate Offer Receive $25 back via rebate when you purchase an Original BMW Wiper Blade Set in combination with a service visit of $250 or more. These offers are available only at participating BMW Centers. Offers may be combined. 1 All work is carried out by BMW Trained Technicians using Original BMW Parts, which come with a two-year unlimited mileage limited warranty. Warranty repairs do not constitute an extension of the original limited warranty period for the vehicle or a part thereof. 2 Services and oil services covered under a BMW Maintenance Program are not eligible. 3 PURCHASE: Any of the 4 services outlined above at a participating BMW Center between 3/10/19 and 4/30/19. CLAIM: Go to bmwaftersalesoffer.com, sign up and complete the online Claim Form. All submissions must include the VIN, BMW Center name, Repair Order number and Rebate requested. Submit all Claims by 5/15/19. TO RECEIVE YOUR REBATE: Once your Claim is validated, within approximately 2-3 weeks, you will be sent an email to register for your Virtual Visa® Prepaid Card. Register at the website provided in the email to immediately access your Virtual Visa® Prepaid Card. Upon registration, you may alternatively request a Physical Visa® Prepaid Card be mailed to you. You should receive your Physical Visa® Prepaid Card, if requested, within 4-6 weeks of your request. VALIDITY OF OFFER: Offer is valid only in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Offer is void where taxed, restricted or prohibited by law. Offer is valid only for persons who have a valid email address and purchase the eligible BMW Services in accordance with the terms herein. Eligible for BMW vehicle owner or end user only. Valid at participating dealers only. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Submit an online rebate claim form for all submissions. Incomplete submissions will not be accepted or fulfilled. Non-eligible submissions will not be acknowledged. All rebates will be issued in U.S. dollars. We are not responsible for lost or misdirected mail and illegible entries. Fraudulent submissions could result in federal prosecution under the U.S. Mail Fraud Statutes (18 USC, Section 1341 & 1342). The Visa® Prepaid Card is not redeemable for cash and may not be used for cash withdrawal at any cash-dispensing location. Each time you use the card the amount of the transaction will be deducted from the amount of your available balance. Use your Virtual Visa® Prepaid Card online or via mobile only. Physical Visa® Prepaid Cards can be used everywhere Visa® debit cards are accepted in the U.S. Valid only in the U.S. and U.S. territories. Visit bmwaftersalesoffer.com to view full terms and conditions governing this card. The card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Pay close attention to the expiration date, which is six (6) months from activation. You will not have access to the funds after the expiration date. 4 Brake Service MUST include replacement of front or rear pads and/or rotors.

After a harsh Winter on Long Island, with plummeting temperatures, a little bit of snow and some road salt, your BMW vehicle may need some extra care. Say goodbye to winter, for now, by preparing with this Spring maintenance checklist. Come into Competition BMW of Smithtown for an oil and oil filter change. In order to maintain a healthy engine, it is crucial that you schedule regular oil changes. It’s natural for your engine to pick up some impurities while your motor oil lubricates and cools the engine, this is okay, but over time the motor oil becomes less effective. This is why it is important to regularly schedule oil and oil filter changes. If you’re using old motor oil it becomes harder for the oil to do its job of protecting your engine. Schedule an appointment with Competition Auto before spring comes around, so you can enjoy the warm weather without having to worry. Have your battery tested and replaced. During the winter, your battery works harder by slowing the chemical reactions. Now that the weather is getting warmer, there’s a chance you might have problems with your battery. Come schedule an appointment with one of our technicians at Competition BMW of Smithtown’s Service Department to test your vehicle’s battery to avoid dealing with a car that may not want to start. Check tire pressure and tread. Check your tire pressure before you leave the house in the morning and adjust your tires based on the reading. The constant changes in the Winter weather could cause fluctuations in your tire pressure. Tires generally lose up to 1 PSI (pound per square inch) for every 10-degree temperature drop, and both over-inflated or under-inflated tires can start causing problems for you on the road. This is also the perfect time to check your tire tread as well. Without a sufficient tread, your tires have less of a grip on the road, which could cause your car to have issues when dealing with wet weather or having to come to a quick stop. Thankfully, you only need one thing to check your tire tread. Grab a penny and try out the penny test! Replace wiper blades and refill wiper fluid. After a long Winter of wiping snow and ice from your windshield, your windshield wipers may be looking rough. If your windshield wipers seem to be smearing water across the windshield or just aren’t doing their job, it may be time for a windshield wiper cleaning or new windshield wipers. If a simple wiper cleaning doesn’t fix the issue, then it is time to change your windshield wiper blades to prepare for the upcoming spring and summer rainstorms.  Make sure not to forget to top off your wiper fluid as well. Clean your lights or replace the bulbs. You may be thinking that you need glasses if you’re finding yourself to be squinting from your driver’s seat at night, but you might just need to give your headlights a good scrubbing. People seem to forget that just as your car does, your headlights and taillights get dirty as well. You can polish your headlights with a soft bristle brush, baking soda, and water. If that doesn’t work, a simple bulb replacement should solve the problem! Here at Competition BMW of Smithtown, it is our number one priority to care for your BMW just as we would for ourselves. Whether it be assisting you with your oil, battery, oil filter, tire pressure, wiper blades, changing your bulbs, etc., we pride ourselves on taking excellent care of your vehicle. Our trained technicians will gladly examine these things for you, in order to get your Spring Maintenance Checklist in order. Call us today for more info (888) 874-2022.

New tires sold in the U.S are required to have small indicators molded into the tread design and across the tire called wear bars. When your tires wear down to the point where your wear bars are at the same height as your tread, they no longer meet the minimum required tread depth and the tires must be replaced. When the tire treads are worn down, it is dangerous and can be illegal. With worn down tread, your tires are more prone to losing traction in rain or snowy weather. Water is meant to escape through the treads to allow the rubber of your tires to meet the ground. When the water cannot escape, the tire floats on the water, which causes hydroplaning, making the driver lose control of the vehicle. There are several ways to check your tire tread depth, the most popular and well known being the penny test. To perform the penny test, turn a penny upside down and insert it in between your tire treads. If all of Lincoln's head is exposed, it's time to replace your tires. This trick is fool-proof because there is 1/16 of an inch between the top of Lincoln's head and the edge of the penny, which is the minimum legal limit for tread depth. At Competition BMW of Smithtown Tire Center, we can take care of all of your tire needs. Some pros of bringing your vehicle to us are making sure you buy the correct tires for your BMW model, expert installation from our trained technicians, and competitive tire pricing. Your safety is our priority so call us today to schedule an appointment! (888) 874-2022

At Competition BMW of Smithtown, we make servicing your BMW a priority. If you require service on the road, you can give BMW Assist a call and they will be able to bring your BMW to the nearest BMW dealership where your warranty will be honored. THE FAST SERVICE MENU: Oil Service Air Filter and Microfilter Check and Replacement Front and Rear Brake Pad Change Halogen Light Bulb Replacement (Non-Xenon, Non-Laser) Individual Tire Replacement Wiper Blade Replacement Brake Fluid Flush Oil and filter changes for peak performance. To keep your vehicle performing to the best of its ability, the oil, and its filter should be changed regularly. Accept nothing less than the engine oils specifically designed, manufactured and tested to bring out the full potential of BMW engines. Original BMW Engine Oils display excellent viscosity for rapid lubrication, consistent cold start performance, and wear protection to help prolong engine life. Comprehensive and quick service. BMW technicians will perform a comprehensive Multi-Point Inspection during your visit and notify you of any services or repairs that your vehicle may require. With Express Service by BMW, you’ll get it all done in about an hour. (Actual times may vary. Participating dealers only). Getting the level of care you deserve. When you come to Competition BMW of Smithtown, your vehicle will be serviced by skilled, expertly-trained technicians, using only genuine parts and the latest diagnostic tools. Most dealerships offer loaner cars, as well as a comfortable lounge with a television, free WiFi, and more. BMW Certified Classic Centers. A Certified Classic Center uses only 100% Original BMW Parts and BMW approved equipment. All parts come with a two-year, unlimited mileage limited warranty.* Senior Technicians bring unparalleled knowledge and expertise, having received special factory training for BMW Classic vehicles. Click here to find your nearest BMW Certified Classic Center. Competition BMW of Smithtown, serving all of your automotive needs.

While fuel prices may be dropping, drivers are still spending a huge portion of their budgets on filling up their tanks. On average, the price of gas has dropped 50 cents since the beginning of summer, but with a bit of forethought and common sense, drivers can still watch their fuel bills fall almost immediately. Making some of these habits commonplace can help you to keep fuel costs at bay when the prices inevitably skyrocket again. Take it easy on the pedal Adhere to your vehicle’s fuel type Watch the weight you carry in your car Reduce drag Inflate your tires to the correct pressure at least once a month Stick to the motor oil recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer Keep your gas cap fully sealed Avoid prolonged idling (prolonged idling can use up to an entire gallon of gas within an hour) Refuel in the morning instead of at night Replace your air filter frequently Use your cruise control when possible Be sensible when using your vehicle’s air conditioning unit Avoid rapid braking and acceleration Minimize the number of intersections you encounter Replace your spark plugs when necessary Drive at or below the speed limit Pulse and glide: Accelerate quickly to your desired speed, coast until the vehicle slows, and repeat as needed. Regular engine checkups Corroded battery cables cause the alternator to work harder, using more gas. Come into one of our Competitive Automotive shops to have them cleaned as a matter of course with each engine check up Keep your windows rolled up to reduce drag Come in for regular oil changes Maintain a safe following distance (being too close will cause you to brake more and accelerate more to keep that unnecessary and dangerously small gap)

If the thought of changing the time on your Competition BMW dash makes you cringe, this is the quick and easy article for you! Here’s the simple way to set your BMW clock with iDrive. Go to the main iDrive screen Select settings Click time & date Scroll to time and push the iDrive controller, this should make the hour digit turn red. When the hour digit is red, you can rotate the iDrive controller around so you can change the time on it. Push down on the iDrive controller to select the desired hour digit. This will take you to the minutes digits. repeat steps 5 & 6 for the minute’s digits.

Many things go into maintaining your Competition vehicle, to make sure it performs safely and at its peak. Wheel alignment affects fuel efficiency, tire wear, tire performance, vehicle handling, and maneuverability. You should have your BMW checked with Competition BMW of Smithtown's Service Center. The following symptoms are signs of poorly aligned tires: Excessive or uneven tire wear Feeling of looseness or wandering Steering wheel vibration The steering wheel is not centered when the vehicle is moving straight ahead. It is recommended to bring your BMW in to have your car alignment checked every 10,000 miles, or at least once a year. The importance of a total alignment: Reduced tire wear: Improper alignment is a major cause of premature tire wear and damage. Over the years, a properly aligned vehicle can add thousands of miles to the tire life. Most tires are replaced prematurely due to adverse wear. Better gas mileage: Gas mileage increases as rolling resistance decreases. Total alignment sets all four wheels parallel, which along with proper inflation, reduces resistance. Improved handling: If your car is pulling to the side or you constantly have to move your steering wheel to keep the vehicle moving straight ahead, know that these handling issues can be solved with a total alignment service from a Competition Automotive shop in Smithtown, NY. With all the vehicle components aligned properly, the shock is more efficiently absorbed for a much smoother and enjoyable ride. Safer driving: A suspension system inspection is part of the alignment process. This allows worn parts to be detected before they become a costly issue.

During spring, your air filter is working twice as hard to keep your vehicle running at its peak performance. Before the pollen hits Long Island full force this spring, you should consider bringing your vehicle to one of our Competition Auto shops, in Smithtown, NY, where our team will carefully and efficiently inspect your air filter, so we can make sure your filter can continue to protect your car all throughout the season. The purpose of your air filter is to keep any unwanted dirt and debris from reaching your vehicle’s engine while also regulating the airflow used to burn fuel. If your air filter isn’t operating to the very best of its ability, the engine can suffer damage and contaminants. Protecting your engine from these contaminants can extend the life of your engine greatly. A dirty filter can hinder the fuel from being mixed with the right ratio of air, which reduces the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and can cause issues with the spark plug. When the ratio is too rich with fuel, it can lead to engine flooding and spark plug pollution. How to know if it’s time to change your air filter: A decrease in gas mileage Ignition problems Replacement time (check your owner’s manual)

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As winter approaches, its time to get your vehicle ready for icy roads and serve winter weather. It’s important to make sure your tires, brakes and windshield wipers are ready for the road ahead. Stop by Competition BMW for a complimentary Multi-point inspection of your vehicle. Take advantage of our October Specials!

Whether you currently reside in Suffolk County's many stunning towns and villages, like Brookhaven, East Hampton, Riverhead, Southampton, or Shelter Island, or you are simply visiting for a quick get-away, we encourage you to stop by our Suffolk County BMW dealership. Here at Competition BMW, we offer an impressive selection of new BMW models, like the BMW 430i, BMW i3, BMW 330i, and much more, and have a large collection of pre-owned vehicles as well. Take the short drive to our location and get behind the wheel of any of our models. Imagine yourself driving your new BMW 230i convertible around the coastline of Suffolk County. Picture your family relaxing in your new BMW X1 xDrive28i SUV as you head to one of Suffolk County's 15 lighthouses, like the Montauk Point Lighthouse or Fire Island Lighthouse. See the future faces of your Suffolk County neighbors in awe as you drive home in your new BMW 320i sedan. Once you have decided on which BMW model you would like to lease or loan in Suffolk County, we encourage you to discuss your options at our finance department. Our knowledgeable staff can inform you of the advantages and disadvantages to both leasing and loaning and will help you from the beginning of the financial process to the end. If you find that your vehicles are ever in need of routine maintenance or repairs, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with our Suffolk County BMW service department or parts department. Our technicians will provide you with excellent BMW service, a fair price, and a prompt service time. They can also find whatever parts or accessories that you require and we guarantee that our OEM BMW parts are of the upmost quality. Take The Time To Visit Competition BMW Today! We know that it may be difficult to pull you away from such fun places as the Montauk Point State Park, Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center, Splish Splash, or Camp Hero State Park, but we hope to entice you enough to see you walk through our doors. We look forward to meeting you and can't wait to help you find your new BMW in Suffolk County soon!