inspection 1 and 2 observation

[bobthebuilder]

My 2001 X5 4.4i is due for Inspection 2 (64K miles). I am out of warranty, so this one is out of my pocket. I called the dealer for an appointment and quote. $630 for Inspection 2 with the microfilter, $500 without. They can have me in and out in a half day. I checked the cost of a microfilter - $37 from Bavarian Autosport. I can't believe it takes an hour of labor to install it. Then I did a little investigative work on Inspections. Per the Owners Circle maintenance schedule for my vehicle, the ONLY difference between an Inspection 1 and 2 is "check thickness of parking brake linings". That is it. I checked it line by line. Seems like BMW could keep it simple and just have "Inspection". I also noted the things that are not "inspected". It is a short list - change oil and filter, change air filter, read diagnostics, change microfilter, plus replace coolant every 4 years and brake fluid every 2 years.

This seems to be a rather expensive service for something that I can basically do myself other than the coolant and brake fluid.

I do have the CPO extended warranty. Any thoughts on whether having the basics (coolant, brake fluid) done at a third party shop will void the CPO warranty? There is nothing in that Inspection that affects the drivetrain other than the oil change (which I do myself every 7,500 miles). Any leaks from an inspection will show up on my driveway long before it causes any damage.

Any compelling reasons to drop 630 big ones for Inspection 2 if I can do a good bit of it myself?

Thanks.

Bob

[Ol'UncleMotor]

I agree that the "inspections", espc on our nickel, are simplistic in practice and good profit margins for the stlr. Imo, getting a privateer to do brake fluid & coolant and a quick look-see,(that quick look is all the stlr does,too) is the way to go. Should have Zero effect on CPO "warr"; keep receipts of work. GL,md
PS: the microfilter change out is 10 mins if you "fumble",lol!
An "hour" of charge? No way.

[marinakorp]

keep receipts

the CPO states that it has to be done... not by whom<BR>
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[Lin Gilbert]

That's about the mileage that mine went out, and they tried not to honor the warranty because they said it would have been caught earlier by them, instead of the shop that changed my oil who didn't note it. Then I went through some water and ruined the axle bearings.

[bobthebuilder]

Found an independent shop, first rate, to do Inspection 2 for $350. Extra for the flushes, but it's like 70 bucks each. Owner used to work for the local dealer and specifically prices his similar services to earn a fair profit and not rape the customer.

[sterno]

INSP2 is not the same as INSP1. The dealer checks everything under INSP2, it's not the same as a GM 60K mile checkup. With your V8, be prepared for valve cover gaskets, belts, all rubber brake lines, etc. They all go bad at about INSP2 time.

[fast4d1]

$130 to change the microfilter. LOL.

I had an outer front CV boot changed at an independent shop (not BMW specific). it cost $275 total. if you notice a wheel with lots of gunk on it (worse than the usual brake dust)check it out closely. you'll see lots of black grease if the CV boot is torn. I caught almost right away so all it required was a new boot.

[Debbie]

you can't afford an X5 in the first place.

[bobthebuilder]

Debbie,

It doesn't have anything to do with affordability, but rather paying a fair price for a day's work. Not to mention going the extra mile for customer service.

Example: I had the INSP2 done at the third party shop. He called me at work and said I needed a water pump and oil separator hoses, then invited me over to see the problem. Said he'd hold up the work on my car until I could get over there. Being a gearhead (he knew that), I was there in 30 minutes and had an interesting and informative conversation about X5 service and repairs. When I told him my CPO warranty would cover the water pump but I wanted him to do the hoses, he didn't charge me for the water pump inspection (required some extra disassembly). My dealer would never do that - plus, customers are not allowed in the shop at the dealer.

He earned a long time customer (it was my first visit there).

[Debbie]

Most dealers go the extra mile for customer service. My dealer treats me like absolute royalty and I have never received anything less than outstanding service from them.

[Jeff]

prices the dealer charges for these items is obscene to say the least. I would recommend investing in a reset tool if you plan to keep the car for a long time. I just did my 740 Inspection I myself and saved over $600. And I feel I did a more thorough insepction than the dealer would have.

[ALB]

Glad your happy, just don't cry when the newbie service tech with "0" training leaves the oil cap off or leaves a quart low due to the filter change, both have happened to me at the stealer. THAT is why I do my own maintinance, not to save $630.

Chances are you didn't even know what they did or didn't do, out of warranty that costs YOU later. My local dealer shop rate is about $180/hr, I know I dont make that much

[Debbie]

If the dealer made a mistake, bring the car back and make them fix it immediately. Make them make things right by you.

My dealer only charges $80.00 an hour I believe.

[Donna]

Debbie, I hope this will still post. Debbie, you have some real issues. What a nasty response to a perfectly sound issue. There was no point to it, other than an obvious attempt to let readers now how superior you are. So desperate, I feel sorry for you.

[HarryP]

[Kendall]

If you owned BMW's long enough and been to a variety of different dealers (experience which you obviously do not seem to have)... you would know firsthand just because a car is under warranty and you insist on telling them to make things right, can often fall on deaf ears when the dealer is UNABLE to diagnose a defect or problem, causing you to re-visit the dealer over the same problem making several unnecessary trips....

[SCX5]

[Bill]

Hi Debbie,

You existance on this thread is useless. Unless you have some valuable input then don't bother.

Regards,

[Johnny K.]

Hi Bob!

You're right: actually I have the same problem with my X5 in Austria.
It doesn't matter if these guys need approx. 10 minutes for some checks (cause they're working quite slowly), but they calculate a full hour for that. Regarding the spare parts: that's really a horror! If you check some only distributors for original X5 spare parts, the official BMW dealer wants approx. 400% more!!! Like you mentioned before, some things you can fully do on your own, without
the help of "qualified BMW technicians". But finally you need that
damn stamp on your service card to keep the value of your BMW.

I know...

[Unregistered]

...if you cant afford the dealer service you shouldnt be driving a BMW. There are many potential issues that cant be solved by your local shop. For example my X5 wouldnt start. After my X5 being mauled by my local shop, I had it transported 200 miles to the city. At the dealers, they said my X5 wouldnt start because.....drum roll please....the starter was bad.

Easy issues CAN be resolved by your local guy...higher level issues demand attention by the dealers....