Service Inspection

[Borg561]

So, when I bought my Ti on Friday, the Service Inspection light showed the last yellow and red lights lit up, so I knew it was going to be due for an inspection real soon. I was going to ask which inspection is likely needed or which I should have done, but I think I got that info. I've seen some reports of oil change and inspection intervals of 7500 miles, others of 9000 miles. Either way, 180k works out to Inspection II.

So now my question is, can I do some of the easy things myself (oil & filter change, air filter, spark plugs) then take the car to the dealer or an independant shop and have them do the rest, or are they going to want to do it all? Wait, that's a stupid question, they're going to naturally want to do it all. Has anyone had experience doing some of the Inspection II stuff and then getting a shop to do the rest and reset the light? I haven't had a chance to buy one of the reset tools yet, but it's on my list of items to get.

Justin

[thesk8nmidget]

quite simple to reset.

heres a link.

all i used is a piece pf wore that was stripped a little on each side and held it on a groudn and then the pin and counted to myself. it takes a few tries bit works fine.

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/ele...ce_lights.html

[Borg561]

Yeah, seen that page many times before. So, do the basic stuff myself, reset the light, then take it into a shop and have them do the rest? Sounds like a plan. Roughly how long of a wire do you need, where did you ground it to, and which connector under the hood is it? I was checking around under the hood yesterday and noticed three of connectors, see pic below.

Edit: So it's roughly 11 seconds for the service interval light. Can you use this method to reset the airbag light as well? I'd like to see how long after resetting it takes for it to come back on.

Justin

[thesk8nmidget]

it will be number 3 in your diagram you see once you unscrew the cap for sure.

and to my knowledge this only works for the oil and service light

i wish it worked for everything!

[Borg561]

Thanks, I'll probably take care of this on Wednesday or Thursday since I'm off.

As for the airbag light, I know you can reset it with one of the tools, was just curious if it was possible to do it with the wire trick.

Justin

[thesk8nmidget]

you could do it on your break or unch break it took me like 2 minutes.

[thesk8nmidget]

it says in the bently and haynes or chilton

i could go check it our in my car real quick

[thesk8nmidget]

here ya go

BMW Inspection I

Undercarriage
Change engine oil and filter while engine is at normal operation temperature.
Check transmission for leaks.
Check rear axle for leaks.
Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks.
Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
Check power steering system for leaks.
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads.
Examine brake disc surfaces.
Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
Grease wheel center hubs.
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc.
Check front control arm bushing for wear.
Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary.
Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary.
Check condition of tires (outer surfaces (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required.


Engine Compartment
Read out diagnostic system
Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.
Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required.
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
Check air conditioner for operation.
Reset Service Indicator.


Body/Electrical Equipment
Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required.
Perform batter load test.
Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, foglights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights.
Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
Check wiper and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions.
Check condition and function of safety belts.
Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges.
Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches.
Check central locking/double lock.
Replace microfilter or Acc. Cabin Filter.
Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.
Check rear view mirrors
Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories.


Final Inspection
Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission
_____________________________________________________________

Inspection II


Undercarriage
Change engine oil and filter while engine is at normal operation temperature.
Check transmission for leaks.
Check rear axle for leaks.
Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks.
Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
Check power steering system for leaks.
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads.
Examine brake disc surfaces.
Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
Grease wheel center hubs.
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc.
Check front control arm bushing for wear.
Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary.
Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary.
Check condition of tires (outer surfaces (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required.
Check thickness of parking brake linings.
Half-shafts; check for leaks at flexible boots.
Inspect entire body according to terms of rust prevention limited warranty.

Engine Compartment
Read out diagnostic system
Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.
Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required.
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
Check air conditioner for operation.
Reset Service Indicator.
Replace spark plugs.
Replace intake air cleaner element.


Body/Electrical Equipment
Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required.
Perform batter load test.
Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, foglights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights.
Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
Check wiper and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions.
Check condition and function of safety belts.
Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges.
Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches.
Check central locking/double lock.
Replace microfilter or Acc Cabin Filter.
Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.
Check rear view mirrors
Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories.


Final Inspection
Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission


Oil Change Service

1. Drain and refill your vehicle's crankcase with BMW approved oil. Install a new genuine BMW oil filter

2. Check all other Fluid levels, and top off as necessary.

3. Check and adjust tire pressure.

4. Fill windshield washer fluid.

5. Reset oil light

[Borg561]

Originally Posted by thesk8nmidget

you could do it on your break or unch break it took me like 2 minutes.

I was referring to the oil and filter changes and such. That's not going to happen now though. I picked up the Chilton's manual yesterday so I'd have some sort of reference to the different things on the car. Of course, that was just before my incident last night. Really not in a good mood today.

Justin