[E36] need for a "proper" Inspection II?

[dboyles]

About 10 weeks ago I took ownership of a beautiful '99 M3 coupe with about 36k miles. It is in excellent condition, and I am the third owner. The previous owner had the car for less than a year before he was forced to sell it after losing his job (I felt awful taking his baby from him, but that's a different story). He didn't do any services other than regular oil changes in the ~6500 miles that he owned the car. But he's an engineer and a car nut, so I trust that he took care of it. It was actually on the original Michelins at 36k miles, so I doubt it was hot-rodded around.

Before I bought the car, I had a pre-purchase inspection done by a skilled and trustworthy mechanic. His analysis was as follows:

- recent oil change
- brake fluid looks good
- has fairly new front pads
- 50-70% life on rear pads
- bad front left wheel bearing
- no oil/transmission/differential leaks
- no signs of collision
- needs new A/C belt
- needs wiper blades
- no pending codes in computer

So after I purchased it, I took care of the wiper blades, A/C belt, and wheel bearing. I also went ahead and had the transmission fluid changed. Recently (~38,400 miles) I replaced the air filter and the A/C microfilter. Next weekend I'm going to change the fuel filter and do an oil change.

Service records from the original owner show Inspection I at 18,167 miles and a brake fluid and coolant service at 27,610 miles.

Okay, on to my question: Soon after I bought it, the inspection (II) light came on. This wasn't a surprise since I had done my research. However, I haven't done an "official" inspection II since I had the PPI done with good results, and since I'm doing some other stuff like the fuel filter. I've been looking through my Bentley and I'm wondering if I should be more concerned about doing every little thing listed for Inspection II - there are a lot of "inspect item x for wear". What kind of things should I maintain/replace/inspect in the near future? I'm thinking about doing spark plugs and differential oil next weekend as well.

Sorry for the long post, just wanted to include all relevant information. Pelican Parts has so far been my default go-to place as I try to become a better DIY-er.

[318i]

no matter how competant a DIY'er a person may be, when you buy an m3 you are buying a highly engineered machine that needs proper expert attention i recommend a good specialist as they dont rely on repair times and they will make sure ur car is fit to go on the roads. and yes you do need to pay attention to what the inspection 2 needs done.

[dboyles]

Originally posted by 318i
no matter how competant a DIY'er a person may be, when you buy an m3 you are buying a highly engineered machine that needs proper expert attention i recommend a good specialist as they dont rely on repair times and they will make sure ur car is fit to go on the roads. and yes you do need to pay attention to what the inspection 2 needs done.

I should clarify that the fellow that did the PPI is a mechanic at an independent shop. A friend who races a rally-prepped E34 recommended this particular mechanic as the best in town with respect to M-cars.

I will probably go through and do the minor stuff (e.g. "lubricate throttle linkage") one at a time until I've got it all complete. I'm just curious as to whether something needs to be done ASAP or at least in the next few thousand miles.

[318i]

thats cool.at least he knows what he is doing. its just good practice to follow all maintanance no matter how small they may be. cos you will be kicking your self when thoese minor things go wrong!