BMW Maintence prices? HELP?

Question

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?

Answer 1

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

    

Answer 2

At 62K miles, you probably need an inspection II.......maybe $600 dealer price ($125 per hour). A independent "BMW Specialist" might save you maybe $150 or so ($90 per hour). You are definitely out of warranty so why bother with a dealer, when the independent can change fluids/filters and perform inspections. Only see a dealer when you have a complex electronic problem involving navi.esc or some intermittent problem. Anyone can do a 4 wheel alignment. Good luck with your bimmer.....I love them in warranty, hate 'em out of warranty

Answer 3

Hey, if you take it to a BMW dealership they may charge you about 50.00 to 60.00 an hour.  Really thats not to bad at all for a dealership.  You really also could take it to most any car repair shop to do a tune up.  I own 3 bmw's and do all my own tune ups and they not only cost me maybe 30.00 more to change out all the plugs, plug wires, ignition coil, etc than american cars but easy enough to do for any standard garage to do it and you dont need to worry.  Don't let anyone charge you hundreds of dollars as many will try.

Good luck!