Q: Hi guys, I was hoping if someone can tell me how much does it usually cost to bring in your car to a bmw dealer to check out. You know how after a certain amount of miles, you are due for check up, well I'm at 62,000 miles so I just need to take it in for a regular check up. How much does it normall cost?
A: If you're talking about the major inspections that occur between oil changes (oil change, inspection I, oil change, inspection II...) then expect to pay several hundred - think about $500-$700. For a car with 62K you're probably still under a warranty, so you'll want to go to the dealer for that work. I call them the Stealer. I wish they only charged $40-$50 an hour, where I am they have the nerve to charge $100 an hour. Its a total rip off. I can tell you that any qualified mechanic can run down the list of things to check/replace on your car, but only the BMW dealer can reset the light on your dash. Inspection one covers: ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAINTENANCE change oil and oil filter check brake / clutch fluid check battery acid level and correct as necessary check engine coolant level and anti freeze and add as necessary lubricate throttle linkage UNDER CAR MAINENANCE check transmission for external leaks check manual transmission oil level and add as necessary check fuel tank, fuel lines, and all connections for leaks inspect exhaust system check steering rack and steering linkages check power steering system for leaks, check fluid level inspect brake system for damaged hoses and lines, leaks or damage inspect brake pad wear, check rotors inspect parking brak operation, adjust cables as necessary inspect front and rear suspension, including wheel bearings for play inspect wheels and tires, including spare, check tire pressure and condition BODY AND INTERIOR MAINTENANCE lubricate door hinges and hood latch, hood hinges check headlight and driving light aiming and adjust as necessary check operation of all lights replace ventilation micro filter check function of seat belts check tightness of airbag mounting screws check windshield washer level and add as necessary tighten nuts and bolts for door locks and striker plates replace batteries for alarm/remote control in master key ROAD TEST (they love this one) test braking performance, steering, HVAC, manual or auto transmission and mirrors SERVICE INTERVAL RESET reset service indicator using special tool As you can see, most of inspection I is just checking stuff. It takes some time, but they can easily get you for 5 hours of work. The special tool is called a PEAKE reset tool, you can buy it online or on ebay. Inspection II is a little bit more advanced, and has more replaceable sundries, so they hit you up not just for time and labor but for parts. Inspection II is the same as inspection I, but adds the following ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAINTENANCE inspect v-belt / poly-ribbed belt drive condition check v-belt tension, if applicable lubricate throttle linkage replace air filter replace spark plugs UNDER CAR MAINTENANCE change automatic / manual transmission fluid check clutch plate for wear (shouldn't be a problem at 62K) check drive axle boots for leaks change final drive fluid replace fuel filter BODY AND INTERIOR MAINTENANCE check active check control panel for faults check ground connection of SRS airbag front sensor to body, if applicable You can see, it has a few more items, so it usually costs more. Also, BMW recommends that you : - replace oxygen sensors every 50,000 miles. - flush and replace brake fluid/clutch fluid every 24 months - drain and flush cooling system and replace coolant every 36 months (use an aluminum safe anti-freeze) - and go for an anti-corrosion warranty inspection every 12 months at the dealer. Most all of this stuff an independent shop can do for you, and you'll save quite a bit of money. For example, a dealer might charge $90 an hour in labor, and charge you $10 a quart for synthetic oil. An independent might charge you $60 an hour in labor, and $7 a quart for synthetic oil. Your boyfriend could probably do it all for a six pack of beer on a saturday, and you can buy synthetic oil at walmart for $5 a quart. Its all relative. Good luck