Inspection II - opinions required

[stevemase]

Hi,

I'm only 2000 miles away from needing an Inspection II, so I'm considering my options and getting some quotes sorted.

In ringing a local Indi they mentioned that they don't generally check the valve clearances as part of this service which got me thinking, is it worth bothering or not? If I went to a main dealer, would they actually carry this out or just say they had done it? Is there anyway of knowing for sure?

I'd appreciate everyone's views because as a general rule I'd sooner give my money to an independent who has his reputation to worry about over a large main dealer who isn't quite as worried, especially after previous experience of my local main dealer!

In terms of saving money, that's always a bonus in going to an Indi, however I didn't buy the M thinking it was going to be cheap to run and service and if it will help with it's future re-sale in going to a main dealer over an Indi, I'll go down that route.

Cheers!

 

[srhutch]

I would want them to check everything that is in the schedule for an Inspection 2.

With regard to have they actually done the work, not a lot you can do. Ultraviolet marks on the cam cover and ask for a shim reading report (they could give you anybodies).

As you say though a good indi has a reputation to look after where as most stealers don't really care.

Just IMO.

 

[mmm-five]

If you want to use a main dealer, then book it in via MainDealerDiscount where you'll probably pay less than £800 for an I2.

When you do take it into the dealer/indy, spin them a story about how much you want your car looked after as you're suspicious that the last dealer didn't do the clearances as the inspection was done in 2-3 hours.

Also ask for the reports you want to see up front when you book the car in, and get the to note this request on the job sheet - otherwise you'll forget or they'll deny it when you come to pick it up.

If you're based around Braintree, then I can recommend a highly-respect ///M specialist (Darjac at Grimaldi Engineering in Halstead).

 

[mad4slalom]

the inspection 2 is critical for the service history of the car , i have aleays said that most of this is checking things, the valve clearances are 1 of the few actual mechanical things they do for their bundle of money you give them, i would demand this was done and done fastidiously as you can check levels and other minor stuff yourself, i mean what are they charging all that bleedin money for. any indy or main dealer , as i have heard the same about some of them, who told me that, would not be getting the job on my m. :thumbsdown:

 

[srhutch]

the inspection 2 is critical for the service history of the car , i have aleays said that most of this is checking things, the valve clearances are 1 of the few actual mechanical things they do for their bundle of money you give them, i would demand this was done and done fastidiously as you can check levels and other minor stuff yourself, i mean what are they charging all that bleedin money for. any indy or main dealer , as i have heard the same about some of them, who told me that, would not be getting the job on my m. :thumbsdown:

I think we would all agree with you, question is how do you/they prove the valve clearances have been done.

 

[pvr]

The prices are so negotiable though, I got hundreds off from my main dealer.

 

[billy_beemer]

My Indy checks the clearance at every service for free. So far he's said he's seen M3 engine around 120,000 miles before they actually need altering.

Varies per car obviously but yes get them checked. Main stealer will charge you 6 hours labour to not even check them........ (in my opinion).

 

[pilchardthecat]

My Indy checks the clearance at every service for free. So far he's said he's seen M3 engine around 120,000 miles before they actually need altering.

Varies per car obviously but yes get them checked. Main stealer will charge you 6 hours labour to not even check them........ (in my opinion).

My Inspection 2 was last summer - i asked them to write down all the before/after measurements on the valves. This was a main dealer.

4 out of 6 needed adjustment.

 

[mmm-five]

4 out of 6 needed adjustment.

So, is that 16 out of the full 24 then

My Indy checks the clearance at every service for free. So far he's said he's seen M3 engine around 120,000 miles before they actually need altering.

If someone is checking them for 'free' then you're getting a a good deal on servicing as it should take them a good hour just to measure them. Some don't replace out-of-tolerance ones as they don't keep a stock of all the shim sizes, but you can still swap some around to bring the majority back into spec, but this takes another hour.

Plus, who pays for the valve cover gasket that needs to be replaced each time?

I've seen e34 M5s that have needed 1-2 shims every 10k miles, others that have had 16 at one check and none any other time, and still others that have had 1 in 100k miles. I guess that's the variation you get with a hand-built engine. Don't think our s54b32 is hand-built though - maybe the different robots have different personalities.