Maintanance: Inspection I VS II

[M3X]

I have a 98 M3, with 50k miles, I have NOT done neither Inspection I or II...

I am wondering at this point there is no need to do the Inspection I, but I do not know what would be the best thing for the Car!

Should I just wait till 60k miles and do the Inspection II or do not wait and just take the car to dealership and do the Inspection II NOW?

I do not know... Any reccomendation would be appreciated, thanks

///M3XPWR

[marlinspike]

When you buy a new-to-you used car it's always good to change all the fluids and check everything. I'd do an inspection II now if I were you.

[hbombfilmsstar]

do inspection I then the inspection II will be delayed for a while. Maybe 80k, 100k miles

[Mark_In_PA]

eh i dont follow that inspection stuff. I usually change oil every 3k, spark plugs, air filter and fuel filter every 15k and brake fluid and coolant every 2-3 years. It might not be the most cost efficient thing but i like keeping maintainence in check with my car.

[marlinspike]

whoa, you're leaving brake fluid and coolant in up to 3 years? Even if you're using the euro orange coolant, that's 2 year coolant and same for the brake fluid (and some guys do brake fluid every year).

[Mark_In_PA]

nothing wrong with that. BMW says its good for 5 years. The brake fluid i should change tho but i havent had time.

[radsock]

I would do an inspection II now, nothing wrong with doing it early. As far as the
coolant and brake flush. Accorging to bmw a brake flush every 2 years and a
coolant flush every 4 years this all starts from the production date of your vehicle.
The production date can be found on your b-pillar sticker.

[Skycity_BMW]

BMW Inspection I
The BMW Inspection 1 Service is the smaller of the two inspection services recommended by BMW. It includes basically all of the items that assures safety and full functionality of your vehicle. Other makes and models can also utilize this maintenance program to ensure a pleasant drive and ownership (But make sure you mechanic says it is OK first). Inspection 1 could cost in the range of $200+ to $300+ depending on who you go to and also if you have any repairs. (Repair cost are not included in the inspection cost) So be prepared to spend more!. If your mechanical skills are high, just DO-It-Yourself! The items that are generally checked are listed below.


Undercarriage
Change engine oil and filter oil while engine is at normal operation temperature.
Check transmission for leaks.
Check rear axle for leaks.
Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks.
Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
Check power steering system for leaks.
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads.
Examine brake disc surfaces.
Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
Grease wheel center hubs.
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc.
Check front control arm bushing for wear.
Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary.
Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary.
Check condition of tires (outer surfaces (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required.



Engine Compartment
Read out diagnostic system
Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.
Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required.
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
Check air conditioner for operation.
Reset Service Indicator.


Body/Electrical Equipment
Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required.
Perform batter load test.
Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, foglights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights.
Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
Check wiper and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions.
Check condition and function of safety belts.
Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges.
Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches.
Check central locking/double lock.
Replace microfilter or Acc. Cabin Filter.
Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.
Check rear view mirrors
Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories.


Final Inspection
Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission




Inspection II
The Inspection 2 Service is the larger of the two Inspection Services and basically includes all of the items performed on the Inspection I Service along with some extras like differential oil change; fuel filter and air filter replacements; Replacement of spark plugs. Inspection 2 generally runs around $400+ to $500+. Below are the items that are normally performed.

Undercarriage
Change engine oil and filter oil while engine is at normal operation temperature.
Check transmission for leaks.
Check rear axle for leaks.
Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks.
Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
Check power steering system for leaks.
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads.
Examine brake disc surfaces.
Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
Grease wheel center hubs.
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc.
Check front control arm bushing for wear.
Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary.
Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary.
Check condition of tires (outer surfaces (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required.
Check thickness of parking brake linings.
Half-shafts; check for leaks at flexible boots.
Inspect entire body according to terms of rust prevention limited warranty.


Engine Compartment
Read out diagnostic system
Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.
Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required.
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
Check air conditioner for operation.
Reset Service Indicator.
Replace spark plugs.
Replace intake air cleaner element.


Body/Electrical Equipment
Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required.
Perform batter load test.
Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, foglights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights.
Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
Check wiper and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions.
Check condition and function of safety belts.
Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges.
Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches.
Check central locking/double lock.
Replace microfilter or Acc Cabin Filter.
Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.
Check rear view mirrors
Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories.


Final Inspection
Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission

[Secret Spider]

Originally Posted by Mark_In_PA

eh i dont follow that inspection stuff. I usually change oil every 3k, spark plugs, air filter and fuel filter every 15k and brake fluid and coolant every 2-3 years. It might not be the most cost efficient thing but i like keeping maintainence in check with my car.

[islasian67]

Will the service indicator either tell you oil inspection, inspection I, Inspection II?

[Secret Spider]

it will tell you weather its an inspection or oil service but i dont recall it saying weather to do a I or II... to wait for those lights to come on is far to long anyways

[breden]

someone already listed what the details of each inspection are, but i think that can be found in the owners manual too. i had an Inspection I at 50k, and now its time for my Inspection II at about 85k. I think its important to do it in order, but i only go by what my mechanic thinks is best.

[M3X]

Good info, thanks