German Cars: Overengineered and Troublesome to Work On

TLDRMechanics react to German car pain and reveal the challenges of working on Audi, BMW, and Volkswagen vehicles. They discuss issues like faulty thermostats, complicated steering systems, electrical failures, and poor design choices. Despite their love for German car design, mechanics admit that these cars can be overengineered and difficult to work on.

Key insights

🔧German cars like Audi, BMW, and Volkswagen often have hidden and hard-to-reach components, making repair and maintenance tasks more challenging.

🚗Faulty thermostats in German cars, such as the BMW 7 series, can cause extensive damage to other components, leading to expensive repairs.

🔌Electrical issues, like coolant dripping onto wiring harnesses, can cause failures in control modules, resulting in car malfunctions.

🏎️German car designs often prioritize aesthetics over accessibility, requiring technicians to disassemble multiple components to reach a specific part or repair.

🧰Aftermarket modifications, like incorrect wiring connections, can lead to unexpected problems, such as the car's audio system keeping the engine running.

Q&A

Are German cars more prone to electrical issues?

Yes, German cars like Audi, BMW, and Volkswagen can experience electrical issues due to complex electrical systems and possible water damage from poor design choices.

What are some common problems with German car thermostats?

A common problem with German car thermostats is their placement, often near wiring harnesses. If they leak coolant onto the harnesses, it can cause electrical failures and damage control modules.

What makes working on German cars challenging?

German cars are known for their intricate designs, hidden components, and limited access to certain parts. Technicians may need to disassemble multiple components to reach the desired area.

Are German cars worth the extra maintenance costs?

Although German cars can be more expensive to maintain, they often offer superior performance and luxurious features. However, owners should factor in potential repair costs when considering these vehicles.

Can aftermarket modifications cause problems in German cars?

Yes, improper aftermarket modifications, especially with electrical connections, can lead to unexpected issues and malfunctions in German cars. It's important to consult professionals for correct installations.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Mechanics react to the difficulties of working on German cars like Audi, BMW, and Volkswagen.

01:12German car thermostats, like those in the BMW 7 series, can cause extensive damage if they leak coolant onto wiring harnesses.

03:45Electrical failures in German cars, such as coolant dripping onto wiring components, can lead to control module malfunctions.

06:28German car designs often prioritize aesthetics over accessibility, making repairs more complicated and time-consuming.

08:12Improper aftermarket modifications, like incorrect wiring connections, can cause unexpected problems in German cars.