Inspection Services - ripoff?

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Here and there...
#1
Hi,

I have a 98 328is at about 102000 miles on it, and I probalby should do an "Inspection II" service on it soon, as I'm due soon for an oil change too. I bought the car 2 years ago, and it's been great, no problems, I've only changed the oil a few times, and just had the front brakes replaced, so other than that, no repairs or maintenance costs. I understand the Inspection II service runs about $550-700, which is quite pricey. When I went to get an oil change once, I asked the dealer for the checklist of what they all do in an Inspection I and Inspection II. 3/4 of the stuff on there is checking this and checking that. Like I can't check my own fluids and tail lights etc and wipers and seatbelts, I don't need someone to do that and pay for it! So I went through the list and checked off the things I BELIEVE I should have replaced:

Oil/filter
Check front control arm bushings for wear
Replace brake fluid
Replace microfilter
Replace spark plugs
Replace intake air cleaner element.

The o2 sensor supposed to be changed at 100000 miles too, but it's not broken, so why change it.

So if I went to a BMW mechanic and just asked them to do these things, it should be significantly less right? Thoughts? Comments?
 
Messages
30
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Location
New Jersey
#2
I agree 100%. My buddy is a manager at a local place - I go to him. Yes, certain items and I am going to head to the dealer - check my anti-rollover system, check my airbag sensors (light is on), look at the convertible's mechanism. But the rest - you and I can check most of those things.

I have changed an o2 on previous vehicles if I've noticed a drop off in MPG.

Bob
 
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Location
Ames, IA / St. Paul, MN
#3
Total rip... you can do a lot of that yourself.
1) Change the oil & filter... easy
2) Take off your front wheels and check the bushings out
3) Take out your old fluid in the MC with a turkey baster, add new fluid in and bleed the old fluid through the system while never letting the MC get out of fluid
4) Not sure, but I bet you can do it
5) Easy! Get the proper socket, take out all 6, put in new ones
6) Easier than changing oil. Take the clips off and take your element out, replace it and you're done.
7) O2s are pricey but you should replace them every 60-100,000 miles. They're easy to do, just get the proper Bosch ones.
 
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Location
N.E. Ohio
#4
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
 


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