FYI: Vehicle Inspection before Warranty Ends

[checkmate]

NOTE: I'm hoping the moderators can sticky this thread (assuming we don't have one already elsewhere) as this thread could be useful for folks whose factory warranties will be ending soon.

I have 3,000 miles left on my factory warranty as of today. For the sake of good order, I have compiled a list of things to inspect and/or have before the warranty runs out.

Have the dealer and/or Indy shop get your car up on a lift and conduct and/or inspect the following-

1. Conduct an oil change and inspect washer and oil drain plug
2. Inspect Valve Cover Gasket
3. Inspect Underbody (Including subframe) for cracks or issues
4. Check brake pad for wear and thickness
5. Inspect Rotors and Wheel Hub for wear/deterioration
6. Put the A/C + Heat on full blast and check if AC Evaporator works well.
7. Inspect wiper blades and also check wiper fluid level
8. If possible, pull out the engine undertray and inspect power steering lines/hoses etc for wear/deterioration
9. Check Engine Radiator
10. Change Air Filter (If not changed at interval-check dealer records)
11. Change Spark Plugs (If not changed at interval-check dealer records)
12. Conduct thorough vehicle body/mechanical and safety inspection (xx point inspection)
13. Remove DCT undertray and inspect for leaks -UPDATE (Thank you Betterlate)
14. Change/Replace Diff Fluid UPDATE (Thank you Flying Ace)

(I expect this thread to bring forth additional tips so please feel free to add more or provide them to me for update)

Let's make this thread informative for old/new members. Keep driving friends!

[Law]

Thank you very much for this.

Good recommendations & will be extremely useful as the last of the E9X M3s age into the post-factory warranty period.

[mxa121]

Will they do all of that?

[Z K]

I don't think the dealer will do that for you. Most likely you'll have to pay for the inspection. The maintenance items they'll do based on the service schedule.

My dealer definitely did not do any "end of warranty" inspection when I asked about it. They refused to do any such thing unless I paid for it.

[Harry Da Hamster]

I would be much more thorough with #5. Take it to an independent A/C shop and have them do a "sniff" test and check performance with a thermometer. Both my E9x's have had evaporator replacements.

[tjsabec]

My experience is that the dealer will go out of its way to perform any work they can under the maintenance agreement before it expires. They can bill for it, it's no sweat off of your brow so therefor they want to do it

[Beemdog]

My Service Advisor said they would "go over it with a fine-toothed comb" at it's final warranty service. I assumed that was partly to get billable warranty work for any problems found (as mentioned above). I also looked under the car for leaks myself, with a bright flashlight to make sure they didn't miss any. Even with an extended warranty, it's hard to beat the coverage of the original warranty (and it is no-deductible coverage).

[BetterLate]

Remove DCT undertray and inspect for leaks.

[ZEEM3R]

Replace Rod bearings.... Duh.


Lol.

[checkmate]

Originally Posted by BetterLate

Remove DCT undertray and inspect for leaks.

Thank you. I've updated list with due credit given.

[roastbeef]

this is great, thanks.

[Flying Ace]

I got a rear diff fluid change, but that's bc I let the diff chatter linger until my last maintenance appointment to squeeze the change in. Now I'm good for another 30k

I also got a plug change at 28k when my plan was ending

[checkmate]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

I got a rear diff fluid change, but that's bc I let the diff chatter linger until my last maintenance appointment to squeeze the change in. Now I'm good for another 30k

I also got a plug change at 28k when my plan was ending

Good tip. Updated the list.

[checkmate]

Bump for more ideas on this thread

[Hierlevelz]

What I need to know is how do I get pads and rotors changed before maintenance warranty expires. What are the limits per BMW that warrant rotor and or pad replacement?

[checkmate]

Originally Posted by Hierlevelz

What I need to know is how do I get pads and rotors changed before maintenance warranty expires. What are the limits per BMW that warrant rotor and or pad replacement?

There has to be enough wear on the pads for the dealer to change it. They won't change it if there is no reason to.

From my understanding, change of rotors is done on a case by case basis. Depends on how badly warped they are. It's not part of the standard warranty/maintenance program from what I've been told.

[SteveInfante]

This is a great thread. I have been debating ownership of as E9x for more than four years. I ended up buying a Mustang GT with the track pack and RECAROs instead before I moved to Germany.

[E90Fan111]

Originally Posted by ZEEM3R

Replace Rod bearings.... Duh.


Lol.

Any word on how to get this checked short of sending the oil out for analysis? I figure by the time it's pulled apart and looked at you might as well replace them.

[Amirsm3]

Originally Posted by Z K

I don't think the dealer will do that for you. Most likely you'll have to pay for the inspection. The maintenance items they'll do based on the service schedule.

My dealer definitely did not do any "end of warranty" inspection when I asked about it. They refused to do any such thing unless I paid for it.

Same. I ended up just doing this stuff myself.

[Amirsm3]

Originally Posted by E90Fan111

Any word on how to get this checked short of sending the oil out for analysis? I figure by the time it's pulled apart and looked at you might as well replace them.

Other than sound cues and keeping your oil analyzed (pre 11 since those bearings still have lead, IIRC), that's all you've got outside of just doing them preventatively.

[ZEEM3R]

Originally Posted by E90Fan111

Any word on how to get this checked short of sending the oil out for analysis? I figure by the time it's pulled apart and looked at you might as well replace them.

I'll never check mine cause my car is leased so I honestly can't answer your question. But im sure there are many other people that can.. Do a search on rod bearings. Half the posts on this forum are on them anyway.

[Amirsm3]

Originally Posted by ZEEM3R

I'll never check mine cause my car is leased so I honestly can't answer your question. But im sure there are many other people that can.. Do a search on rod bearings. Half the posts on this forum are on them anyway.

It's really starting to get old.