Pelican Technical Article: BMW Inspection I and II Checklist

One of the most common questions I get asked about BMW’s is, “What sort of service do I need to perform on my BMW in order to keep it as good as new?” This handy checklist lists the items that BMW dealerships go over when servicing your car. Just print out this list and you should be good to go the next time you have to do service eon your BMW.

Inspection I

The Inspection I Service is recommended every 20,000 miles. Always remember to change the oil in your car every three months or 3,000 miles along with the filter. This will help keep your engine clean and well lubricated.

Undercarriage

1. Change engine oil and filter oil while engine is at normal operation temperature.

2. Check transmission for leaks.

3. Check rear axle for leaks.

4. Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system.

5. Visually check fuel tank, lines and connections for leaks.

6. Check power steering system for leaks.

7. Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads.

8. Examine brake disc surface

9. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers

10. Grease wheel center hubs.

11. Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc.

12. Check front control arm bushings for wear.

13. Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage and incorrect positioning.

14. Check for free movement of parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake as necessary.

15. Check all tire pressures including spare tire. Correct if necessary.

16. Check condition of tires, tread wear, and pattern. Replace tires and readjust alignment as needed.

Engine Compartment

1. Read out diagnostic system codes using code reader.

2. Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.

3. Check coolant level and anti-freeze ratio to water. Add coolant as needed.

4. Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir. Add fluid as needed.

5. Check windshield washer fluid level. Add fluid as needed.

6. Check air conditioning system for operation.

7. Reset service indicator.

Body/Electrical Equipment

1. Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required.

2. Perform battery load test.

3. Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, fog lights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, and luggage compartment lights.

4. Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.

5. Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.

6. Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, and the headlight dimmer/flasher switch.

7. Check wiper and washer systems, wiper blades, and washer jet positions.

8. Check condition and function of safety belts.

9. Oil trunk, hood, and door hinges.

10. Grease hood, trunk and door latches and check operation of all latches.

11. Check central locking system.

12. Replace microfilter in HVAC system

13. Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger

14. Check rear view mirrors

15. Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn covers or damage.

Final Inspection

1. Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, and clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission.

Inspection II

The Inspection 2 service is more involved than the initial Inspection Service and is generally carried out by your local dealer at around 40,000 miles. This is the list of actions normally performed in this service. Usually this is the point where you would replace items such as spark plugs and filters. Keep in mind that Pelican Parts can supply you with all these replacement parts.

Undercarriage

1. Change engine oil and filter oil while engine is at normal operating temperature.

2. Check transmission for leaks.

3. Check rear axle for leaks.

4. Visually check fuel tank, lines and connections for leaks.

5. Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Check for leaks.

6. Check power steering system for leaks.

7. Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads.

8. Examine brake disc surfaces.

9. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.

10. Grease wheel center hubs.

11. Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc.

12. Check front control arm bushing for wear.

13. Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.

14. Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake as needed.

15. Check all tire pressures including spare. Correct if needed.

16. Check condition of tires, outer surfaces, tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required.

17. Check thickness of parking brake linings.

18. Check CV boots for tears or damage. Replace if necessary.

Engine Compartment

1. Read out diagnostic system codes using code reader.

2. Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.

3. Check coolant level and anti-freeze content level. Add coolant as needed.

4. Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir. Add fluid if needed.

5. Check windshield washer fluid level. Add fluid if needed.

6. Check air conditioner for operation.

7. Reset service indicator

8. Replace spark plugs

9. Replace air filter

Body/Electrical Equipment

1. Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if needed.

2. Perform battery load test.

3. Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, fog lights, parking, backup, license plate, interior including map lights, glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, and luggage compartment lights.

4. Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.

5. Check all warning/indicator lights and check control.

6. Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, and the headlight dimmer/flasher switch.

7. Check wiper and washer system), wiper blades, washer jet positions.

8. Check condition and function of safety belts.

9. Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges.

10. Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches.

11. Check central locking/double lock.

12. Replace microfilter.

13. Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.

14. Check rear view mirrors

15. Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories.

Final Inspection

1. Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission.

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