Inspection Light...

Hi all--

So, according to my manual "Maintenance" is due when the "Inspection" light comes on, which it has.

Question is...

What does "maintenance" constitute? Just an oil change? Or does this mean I'm going to be set back a few bills in order for the BMW service center to perform this "maintenance"?

Thanks!

M
PS, I have a, 1999 528i

[frank3]

There are two different levels of Inspection - Inspection I and Inspection II. Each can cost several hundred dollars if done by a dealer and constitute much more than a lube and oil change. The term "inspection" can be misleading - the American car analagy are the major mileage services (such as 30 and 60,000 mile services).

Your manual most likely also shows what needs to be done for your particular model. If not, check the FAQs on this forum...I'm pretty sure that the details are listed there.

Thanks for the reply... I checked the FAQs and didn't see anything in regards to the Inspection light, other than how to turn it off.

So who can do this 'inspection'? Am I stuck going to the dealership? BTW, I am located in the Twin Cities (Minnesota). I have about 70,000 miles on my 528i.

Thanks,

Matt

[d3ity]

Sounds like Inspection I

Valve clearance on m20 m30 engine
oil/oil filter
brake/clutch fluid
battery acid level
coolant refill
lube throttle linkage
check tranny
check manual tranny oil
Check final drive Lube
Check feul tank, feul lines, and all connections
Inspect exhaust
Steering box and steering linkage, check power steering system for leaks
Inspect brake system for damaged hoses, lines, leaks or damage, check rotors and calipers
parking brake check
Front + rear suspension check for play
Inspect wheels tires for pressure and condition
Hydraulic fluid for LCS/LAD
Lube door/hood hinges latches
Check every light in car
horns and dimmer switch
Active check control panel for faults
Check function of AC
Function of seat belts
Tighten nuts and bolts for dor locks
Replace micro-filter in AC
Replace alarm/RC batteries
Check braking, steering, HVAC, transmission and mirrors (ROAD TEST)

Page 020-5 In bentley service manual

So what's the approximate cost for this?

[d3ity]

See your name.

Anyway, It depends on what the car needs. incedentals such as fluids and crap could run you close to 150, parts could run you upwards of 1500 if it needs them... Most of these things are on an as needed basis though.

400ish sounds right for parts/labor if not much needs replacing.

Get a bentley service manual if you feel your up to doing these things, most of them arent all that difficult. If your still under warranty, go to the dealer and be raped. Otherwise, a local BMW mechanic or yourself should be able to tackle most of these things. (you may need a lift or jack stands for some of it)

[billB]

THIS IS INSPECTION 1 According to BMW Authorized dealers not Bentley's

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

As you all can see mostly check/check and inspecting for $200-$300 charged by the majority of BMW authorized dealers in the state of NJ...... NO REPAIR

[billB]

And this is the more comprehensive inspection ll again BMW stuff NOT Bentley's

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

For this one get ready to pay $400-$500. At the end of the day it is a matter of choice and personal preference. Is it worth it ? Well it is your decision rather your wallet.

[d3ity]

Seems like thats exactly what bentley has...+/- one or two things.

Either way, its around the same thing, I left some things out in mine because i didnt feel like typing that much out.

400 sounds like ballpark.