BMW Inspection 1 (Inspection I)

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
  • Reset service indicator.

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.