As part of your scheduled BMW maintenance, Inspection 1 is like an annual check-up for your Bimmer to make sure that your safety features are working properly and to optimize the everyday performance of your vehicle. BMW Inspection 1 is a precursor to Inspection 2 which you'll need at a higher mileage.
What does Inspection 1 for BMW vehicles include?
Inspection 1 has many parts, including a road test, many points of inspection, and a few quick tune-ups. We've broken down what your technician will do during Inspection 1 by which area of your Bimmer it will affect.
Under your BMW:
- Change the oil and oil filter, as during the Intermediate Oil Change Service,
- Verify that the engine is running at the correct temperature,
- Check the power steering system, rear axle, and transmission for leaks; your fuel connections, lines, and tanks will be visually checked or leaks,
- Check the exhaust system for leaks, proper positioning and mounting, and overall condition,
- Check front control arm and bushing for wear,
- Check steering system for absence of play and overall condition,
- Clean the brake pad contact points, check the brake disc surfaces, and examine the thickness of your brake pads,
- Examine brake lines and clutch system connectors for leaks, damage, and proper positioning, and
- Check positioning and movement of parking brake cables.
Tires and wheels:
- Check all tires, including your spare, for proper tire pressure,
- Examining tires for wear and even tread, realigning or correcting if necessary, and
- Grease wheel center hubs.
Under the hood:
- Use a scanner to read your diagnostic system,
- Check your antifreeze, coolant, brake, clutch, and windshield washer fluid levels and correct as necessary,
- Examine your engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks,
- Verify that your air conditioner is working properly,
- Perform a battery load test and check the electrolyte levels of your battery, and
For the body and interior of your Bimmer, your technician will:
- Check all interior and exterior lighting for functionality,
- Check your indicator lights, instrument panel, and dashboard for illumination and control,
- Check your washer and wiper system for functionality,
- Verify operation of all doors and closures as well as grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches,
- Check safety belts for functionality and visually check air bag units for obvious damages or torn covers,
- Check heating and air blowers and defoggers for functionality, and
- Verify that mirrors are in working order.
The Final Test
To double check all of the check points of BMW Inspection 1 and to verify proper working order of your Bimmer, your technician will take your vehicle on a short road test.
How often is Inspection 1 necessary?
The BMW service schedule varies based on the age of your Bimmer.
For BMW's made before or during 1991, your first Inspection 1 will occur at 15,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles after that, so again at 45,000 miles, then 75,000 miles, and so forth.
For model years 1992-1998 and the 1999 E36, the first Inspection 1 service is scheduled at 20,000, then every subsequent 40,000 mile interval, e.g. 60,000, 100,000, and so forth.
For Bimmers manufactured after 1999 (excluding the '99 E36), the first Inspection 1 service is set at 30,000 and then every 60,000 miles after that, with second at 90,000, third at 150,000, and so forth.