new member ... question

[tgdiver]

I purchased a 1997 328i about 2 months ago. The inspection light is on, and I called the only BMW dealer here, and they said inpection I is $300, and inspection II is $700. Does this sound correct?

There is 70k miles, and the service book shows that an inspection II took place around 40k miles. I will assume, inspection I is now due.

Thanks,
TJ

[blkongry]

To be honest, I hate those dealer 'level' inspections. They tend to be kind of a rip off. Honda has them as does many other manufacturers. If you read a break-down of the inspection, a lot of the time is just checking a whole bunch of simple stuff... windshield wiper fluid level, brake fluid level, coolant level, brake pad amount left, etc., etc. ...most of which you can do yourself. It is wise to get a tech to adjust valves, replace timing belts and do diagnostics on the car, but not the simple maintenance. If I were you, I would look/ask around as to a quality mechanic in your area and ask him/her to just go through and give you a 'tune up'. A great shop here in the Portland, OR area is Boyd's Motorwerks... they do nothing but German cars and they are fast, effcient, and accurate... just what you want in a mechanic.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

I can send you an article explaining everything that needs tobe done in the inspection services. Trust me, it's nothing you cant handle if you have evewn the most basic knowledge of auto repair. Send me an email, and i'll send it to you

jared@pelicanparts.com

[stupenal]

Yups - those are the prices pretty much - I always heard Inspection II is about $600. Just follow Jared's list and take it to an independent shop, you can actually do most of them yourself and save some time and money while getting to know your car a lot better. Save money plus learning experience.