Inspection II on a low mileage car, at a specialist ?

[roblightbody]

Hi,

We're using a local BMW specialist for the first time, and have booked the car in for an inspection II.

The car does a *really* low mileage (a couple of thousand a year max) but it appears that the only time its had a II done was in 2015.

They've called up to "suggest" doing the spark plugs. Was surprised by this, because looking online this looks like it should be standard part of a II? But they're saying they do them by mileage and on that basis its not yet due because its below 60k miles...

Impressed with the garage so far, but just thought that a II would do everything by default. Now wondering what else should be getting done thats not been done...

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Hi,

We're using a local BMW specialist for the first time, and have booked the car in for an inspection II.

The car does a *really* low mileage (a couple of thousand a year max) but it appears that the only time its had a II done was in 2015.

They've called up to "suggest" doing the spark plugs. Was surprised by this, because looking online this looks like it should be standard part of a II? But they're saying they do them by mileage and on that basis its not yet due because its below 60k miles...

Impressed with the garage so far, but just thought that a II would do everything by default. Now wondering what else should be getting done thats not been done...

Have a look at what is included on the inspection, it's listed in the manual. If they're not doing the inspection II then what exactly are they doing over and above the inspection I and how much extra is it?

I'll give you a hint, the sparks and air filter are the only 2 additional items...

 

[Brouse]

I'm confused, they are suggesting sparks but also saying they are not due, am I reading that right?

because

Sparks are def Insp2

 

[JiIB49]

Hello Rob,

Not sure how many miles your car has covered, I also have a low mileage E86 with 36,000 miles, ironically the same colour as yours.
I am all for prevention rather than cure, I have just recently purchased my car and I will be changing my plugs and air filter as soon as the weather allows.

Is your car an auto? If yes I would strongly recommend an Automatic transmission service on your gearbox due to age not mileage, I see you are in Glasgow, this kit can be obtained from Dingbro, or Auto Equip Pieces in Rutherglen. They both sell MEYLE service kits. if it’s manual then it’s not necessary.

 

[roblightbody]

I'm confused, they are suggesting sparks but also saying they are not due, am I reading that right?

because

Sparks are def Insp2

Yes. When challenged about why they weren't just automatically doing them as part of the II, that's what they said...

It's a manual car, at 55k miles, but in the past 5 years or so it's only put on a couple of thousand miles. Would have been more if it wasn't for u-know-what!

 

[Scooba_Steve]

When challenged about why they weren't just automatically doing them as part of the II, that's what they said...

So was it the same price as an Inspection I then?

 

[enuff_zed]

When challenged about why they weren't just automatically doing them as part of the II, that's what they said...

So was it the same price as an Inspection I then?

Good point.
Ask them for a quote for an Inspection 1 plus plugs.

 

[SW_Coupe]

Had Inspection II returned this week - paid for plugs, all fluids and filters.

Assume this is standard, but didn’t check

*corrected*

 

[mmm-five]

Had Inspection II returned this week - spark plugs included, did pay for all fluids and filters though.

Assume this is standard, but didn’t check

It will depend on how any individual garage prices it.

The norm is to include gearbox and diff oils, and spark plugs in the Inspection 2 price - but some would rather advertise a lower base figure and charge for 'extra' once it's too late.

Unless they're significantly cheaper / better than the competition, then this sort of under-handedness would result in no return visit from me - as it's not like they can say "Well, we only change the fluids if it needs it!" - as it's part of the detailed service schedule.

 

[SW_Coupe]

Have double checked, separate labour and parts - inc. plugs.

Service good overall. Felt it was a bit expensive, but they were easy to deal with and convenient for SW London.

The German Motor Company - opposite Joe Macari.

£240 labour + parts below + VAT, for Inspection II only.