How to Become a Certified BMW Mechanic

How to Become a Certified BMW Mechanic

If you are passionate about the BMW brand of automobile and are thinking of becoming a mechanic, the right career choice for you might just be BMW mechanic.

If that suits you, then this post will show you how to go about becoming a certified BMW mechanic as soon as you can.

Please read on ….

Who is a Certified BMW Mechanic?

A Certified BMW mechanic is an expert in diagnosing and repairing BMW vehicles.

He/she charges clients according to the type of fault developed in a vehicle he/she is asked to fix. The pay justifies a perfect service, which results to job satisfaction.

The work of an auto mechanic is to check problems associated with automobile and initiate repairs immediately.

Due to the rapid growth in technology, a mechanic’s job has changed from mechanical to electronic, meaning that they have come to the wider knowledge of current automobile repairs than in the past.

Educational Requirements and Career Pathway to Become a BMW Mechanic

Education is a necessary requirement for most careers, but not so compulsory in some. It is the first stage where you begin your career journey.

A diploma, certificate, or degree can serve as BMW mechanic educational requirement.

High School Training

High school education offers the fundamental aspect of BMW engineering training.

Every BMW technical aspirant has the opportunity of commencing training in high school.

The auto programs offered to students in high school creates chances for primary training and insight on automobile repairs and maintenance.

An advantage to high school training is participation in the Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES).

AYES is in partnership with high school auto programs, manufacturers, and dealerships.

The AYES program is created to prepare students for further study and training in advanced programs.

Postsecondary Programs

BMW auto-service maintenance programs are offered in trade, vocational, and technical schools, as well as in community colleges. Diploma, certificate, or associate degree is offered to graduates of these programs.

The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) sponsors Continuing Automotive Service Education (CASE), and offers and recommends secondary and postsecondary programs prior to qualification for certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

BMW Education Program

One of the requirements for becoming a qualified BMW technician is to attend the Service Technician Education Program (STEP) launched by BMW in North America.

BMW-trained service technician apprentices are needed for North American BMW dealerships, and so STEP was created to achieve this purpose.

STEP is a scholarship program made open to postsecondary graduates mostly those at the top of their classes. The beginning of the program lasts 24 weeks with 7 training centers in the United States.

How to Obtain Certification and Training as a BMW Mechanic

The only thing that can differentiate you from the multitude is being a certified mechanic.

Attending a well known certification program can be the best approach towards your dream career.

ASE Certification Training

ASE Certification Training offers opportunities for becoming an Automotive Service Excellence Certified Master Mechanic. The training will help you get hired easily, find potential employers and acquire interview skills and experience.

FastTrack

FastTrack offers twelve-week BMW-related training on up-to-date models of the new technological machines, such as ZA,X1,X3,X5,X6,3,5,6 and 7 classes of automobiles.

Latest engine electronics is part of some of what you will learn on twin turbo and direct injection engines.

FastTrack keeps you through an excellent career with achievement of BMW Level IV technician status.

Some of what you will learn from FastTrack includes:

• BMW Technical Information System (TIS) and diagnosis
• BMW charging and starting systems
• Vehicle battery and electronic systems
• BMW engine models
• OEM-approved disassembly, repair, and service procedures
• BMW chassis service procedures and alignment
• Strut removal and installation
• Advanced wheel balancing and brake service procedures.

FastTrack training is available at BMW mechanic schools in three U.S. locations.

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) BMW FastTrack mechanic programs can be found in two locations such as Phoenix in Arizona and Orlando in Florida.

FastTrack training can be offered at Ohio Technical College in Cleverland in the northern Midwest. UTI is the only place that FastTrack is offered.

Those who successfully completed the FastTrack program and are proved eligible by BMW are candidates for BMW Level 3 tech accreditation.

Mechanics that have gone through training and have received BMW’s advanced technology and precision engineering have the opportunities of getting quick employment at BMW centers. Some even get jobs before their graduation.

FastTrack requirements for any student of UTI or NASCAR Technical Institute include each of the core classes in Auto Technology.

BMW STEP Program

The BMW Service Technician Education Program (STEP) mainly accepts top-class students from nationwide technical schools. Graduating from the BMW STEP program is a great way towards expertise.

The Requirements for joining BMW STEP Program include:

• Over 3.2. GPA
• A minimum of 98% attendance record in a technical program
• Passing a written exam and a one-on-one interview
• Work experience
• Willing to relocate after program completion
• Student’s self support during training.

Graduates from BMW STEP program will be granted at least one job offer with BMW center, working at an affiliated BMW dealership for a minimum of one year.

Licensing for BMW Mechanics

License requirement may differ according to the state where you operate. You have to find out what your state’s licensing process entails. Registration requires certain amount of money in most cases.

Auto Mechanic License Requirements in California

Licensed auto mechanics have better job opportunities in California. Here are some requirements you will need to meet to be issued a license:

• Automotive Repair Classroom Training – Collision repair training and repair technology training courses with diagnostic software
• Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification – Master Mechanic certification preferred
• California work experience – Two years Parts Specialist and Two years Service Consultant
• On-the-job training from local automotive dealers
• Any car manufacturer certifications – BMW, Mercedes, Chrysler, or General Motors.

BMW Mechanics Duties and Responsibilities

A BMW mechanic has to know his job duties and how to apply them to his day-to-day activities.

He/she also needs to know how to perform a routine check on any faulty car, and find solution as quickly as possible.

The major duties and responsibilities of a BMW mechanic include the following:

• Routine service inspections and repairs
• Replacement of worn out or malfunctioning parts
• Test car engine
• Examination of brakes and fuel systems
• Monitor fluid levels
• Application of lubrication
• Use of hand, machine, and power tools
• Supervise BMW technicians
• Diagnose and repair computer system of BMW models or employ additional hand.

Where Can BMW Mechanics Find Employment?

Certified BMW mechanics can look for jobs at BMW service and repair centers nationwide.

There are some dealerships in your state that may offer real job opportunities for certified BMW mechanics. You can try them out at your convenient time.

Average Salary of BMW Mechanics

The average salary of certified BMW mechanics is $40,000 annually and $20.78 hourly. This is a proof of high demand of certified BMW mechanics.

Conclusion

Becoming a certified BMW mechanic can be a great career choice if you love vehicles, especially BMWs, and are passionate about keeping them in top shape.

This post provides the information you need to successful realize your dream of becoming a certified mechanic specializing on BMW cars.