I know there are several threads addressing the inspection 2 service, but I don't feel that they address my specific situation. I have a 1999 528i that I purchased from my wife's grandparents last summer w/ 43,000 miles on it. It now has 60,000 and I anticipate the red service light coming on any time now (I'm down to 1 green bar). It should then be due for the Inspection 2 and, after reading several posts today, I'm grossly overdue for an oil change. I have read the Inspection 2 checklist and feel comfortable performing a majority of the simple tasks (spark plugs and wires, filters, ect.). However, I don't have enough knowledge to detect potential suspension issues or really anything under the body. My question is, with the car going so long between maitenance due to its low mileage over a long period of time, should I take this into the Dealer to have them perform a thorough inspection? I would love to take it to an independent shop, but I've already had a bad experience with one shop locally and know of only 1 other indpendent shop in the area, but have no references. Do you think the dealer would be fine w/ me performing some of the tasks and leaving the remainder to them? I would suspect they would want to do everything on the Inspection 2 list and not want me to do anything. I'm trying to determine the most cost-effective way to obtain a thorough tune-up/inspeciton of the vehicle. Thanks in advance for any advice or comments!!!!!!!! Best, Ronnie
Most complaints with the dealers relate to the cost of repairs. Our local independent shops charge almost what the dealers do. We are blessed to have quite a number of competent & trustworthy indy shop owners locally. Can no one in your chapter refer you to another shop? Any shops that are chapter sponsors or advertisers? It shouldn't take >30 minutes to access your suspension's health, once the car is on a lift. We have an '00 328i with 60K miles that recently needed lower control arm bushings, in spite of the low miles. I performed the other inspection items at our club's DIY tech sessions, but paid for the automatic transmission fluid flush. Rather than tell the dealer you want an Inspection 2, have them perform the job/s you want them to do.
John, thanks for the thought of having the dealer check only the things on the checklist that I want them to. For some reason I never considered that. I did check w/ my "local" BMW club in St. Louis for referrals to local Columbia, MO shops and they had none. There are several in the STL area, but they are about 2 hrs away.
The maintenace schedule list is fundamental to owning a BMW and is designed to help you and your dealership retain the characteristics of the vehicle. This program is a PREVENTATIVE maintenace program and prevents you from more expensive repairs realized from not adhering to the schedule. Another Consideration: Savy BMW buyers who purchase a pre-owned BMW will first review the service maintenance booklet to determine the regularity and competence of the care provided the vehicle over it's prior life. I personally never consider a vehicle that has not been stamped by the dealer for the recommended services. I've also made it a point to only consider cars maintained by certain dealers that I know have been true to this process. This process is what enhances value in your BMW for the next stage....RE-SALE. You might think you're saving some money now ....but It will cost you in the long run. Additionally, you most likely compromise your cars performance which eventually puts you in a position of unexpected breakdowns. It's like the guy who thinks he's saving money putting an aftermarket exhaust on his BMW......the BMW exhaust system is part and parcel of the tuning of the vehicle. These cars are well thought out in design....maintenance is part of what keeps them the great cars that they are. Anything short of the recommended maintence might be a sign that a less demanding vehicle might be a better alternative for you. It's best to first determine the costs beyond the original purchase price......Long term maintence expenses to retain a car also have to be considered. Find the best authorized BMW service Dept. in your area and work with them to "Care" for your car.
Dmarque, Thanks for your thoughts, I appreciate your reply. I'm not worried about re-sale, the car was essentially an inheritance to me and my wife and I intend to drive it until the wheels fall off. But I do want to make sure that quality work is performed on my vehicle. I was just curious where most people take their cars . . . indy shop or dealer.
I suppose that's my point....The wheels should NEVER fall off. In fact, if maintained properly the car should stay in the condition it is forever if you make the effort. How else do we get cars that are over 100 years old and driven in a Concourse? BMW isn't like a Chevy....the manufacturer builds the cars to last. I've been driving them for over 30 years so while you are now a proud owner why not spend a bit of time learning more about just what you've bought into....a different world than I think you appreciate right now. Really, you've been provided a great opportunity.....take care of it. You'll reap huge rewards in satisfaction and financially too. A good dealer is worth finding.....look over the garage of your local candidates. You'll know it when you find it. Friends worth having. Regards Mark