BMW Inspection I/II FAQ
 

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




These are the recommended interval for models years from 1986 through 1998 models, more frequent inspections are essential if driven in extreme conditions:



8,000 km/5,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
16,000 km/10,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
24,000 km/15,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
32,000 km/20,000 miles - BMW Inspection I (I/1)
40,000 km/25,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
48,000 km/30,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
56,000 km/35,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
64,000 km/40,000 miles - BMW Inspection II (I/2)
72,000 km/45,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
80,000 km/50,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
88,000 km/55,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
96,000 km/60,000 miles - BMW Inspection I (I/1)
104,000 km/65,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
112,000 km/70,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
120,000 km/75,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
128,000 km/80,000 miles - BMW Inspection II (I/2)
136,000 km/85,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
144,000 km/90,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
152,000 km/95,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)


For 1999 and later models, the recommended service/inspection intervals are as follows:


8,000 km/5,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
16,000 km/10,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
24,000 km/15,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
32,000 km/20,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
40,000 km/25,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
48,000 km/30,000 miles - BMW Inspection I (I/1)
56,000 km/35,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
64,000 km/40,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
72,000 km/45,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
80,000 km/50,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
88,000 km/55,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
96,000 km/60,000 miles - BMW Inspection II (I/2)
104,000 km/65,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
112,000 km/70,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
120,000 km/75,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
128,000 km/80,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
136,000 km/85,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
144,000 km/90,000 miles - BMW Inspection I (I/1)
152,000 km/95,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
160,000 km/100,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)


Oil and Safety Service (O/S)

Inspection I Service (I/1)

Inspection II Service (I/2)

Intermediate oil service (O/F)

2001
 

what about a 2001 model? do you have the critera on what needs to be checked?

all cars are the same, except after 1999, the intervals changed.

What is the difference between O/F and O/S. I know one is intermediate, and the other is oil and safety, but what are the service differences.

I believe O/F is just oil, and O/S they actually do a routine safety check.

thats weird. i'm at 91,000km and it says inspection 2 in 25,000km. could it be that changing oil earlier would push it back further?

so im just wondering if i was to get the II inspection could i just totally not get the I, cuz maybe im misreading but if i get the II it does everything I does plus actual repairs ???

I only have 36,000km on my E46 M3, and it's telling me that i need Inspection I. Is this the right interval? Because going by the above list, it's recommended at 48,000km? Anyways i went into the dealership (Town + Country BMW) and the service desk quoted me $1300... WTF?

inspections
 

Most likely true. oil change is like 150.00 then the fluid changes which some are 20.00 per litre. I remember having the drums in the parts dept. and one 20 litre pale cost like 400.00. So if they are doing a trans flush. I would say when everything is said and done yup! M3's are NOT cheap to maintain. I know that is steep.

it's really great that someone went to all that trouble to include all that information here. But I am sorry I have some bad news. There is no way in hell a bmw tech is going to go through all that when he's being paid flat rate. I am speaking from personal experience working for a bmw dealership. "Ideally" yes they should, and during old school years they actually did because they were being paid straight time. Now an ISP 1 consists of changing your oil, micro filter and air filter. That is all they are going to do. They might top up some of your fluids just out of courtesy- which is something they should do anyway. But most of the time not.

Unless they quoted something exorbitant as in the M3, they will NOT go through ALL THAT and then some. and the tech is getting gravy $$$$ for doing so. So he won't mind. (Grin) This is the ugly truth now days. Not every tech is this way but I would say the majority think like this.

thanks for sharing your experience. I thought about it getting INSPECTION 1 done at the dealership since i have to bring in the M3 for this recall notice, so i decided to ask for a quote. But i was shocked that the quote was that much more. I wouldn't want to pay $1300 for a half-assed job.

Well, I'm not saying you'll get that necessarily; if you can find a good technician -as I know one personally - who still has integrity above it all then you'll be looked after well. :-)
yes, they are coming into the dealerships again. kinda embarrassing if you think about the money you spend and the bragging rights BMW puts out. Let me guess the recall - head making noises or is the oil pump recall? I know this is happening with the e90's 335's also turbo failer is another issue. It's no wonder they are pulling from F1. I hear Ferrari is also going to pull. This coming from my buddy.

Where did you get these prices from?

Ive been quoted $900 for Inspection II at GrandRiver BMW