car is almost 50,000 miles and would like to get it inspected before warranty runs out. Is Inspection II the right thing to do?

 

I imagine this would bsing to light anything that needs attention. However, my dealership cahrges 600 dollars to do it.

 

if you've already had your inspection II, then go to a local mechanic and let them do it again if you are worried. Save some $$ even if you cant do it yourself.

 

I reviewed the inspection II checklist and it appears very doable from a DIY point of view except for the "Read out diagnostic system". I do not quite understand what they are trying to do here. Why would they want to do read the diagnostic system? unless they just want to make sure that the diagnostic system is working properly? I would assume that if there is a functional failure that a symptom alert like a blinking light would be triggered.

 

I good chunk of the cost is for parts. Most of the cost of Inspection 2 is for about 4 hours of labor. Given that I also installed a reduction S/C pulley, I figure it really does take about 4 hours.

I brought my own spark plugs and belt in and saved a few dollars. JCW plugs cost $55 each here. I bought equivalent NGK Iridiums for $40 for a set of 4. Right there, it saves about $150. Going to NAPA or Lordco and taking advantage of club discounts or whatnot can save you a bundle. Knowing what to take off and put back (and how to do it with the right tools) when changing things like belts would be key to cutting some of your servicing costs.

I'm sure as more R53's fall out of warranty, there will be more non-MINI service places popping up that will service a MINI proficiently.

Some dealers also have a "warranty expiring" inspection which costs a lot less than Inspection 2 and only charges you for parts if they do need replacing. I don't think it's as extensive as Inspection 2 though.

 

i do not see the spark plugs replacement being mentioned in the inspection II checklist.

 

It's their but it says at 100K (as does the 02 sensor)

 

I think it says "inspect spark plugs". If they replace them, they add that to the parts list. I brought my own in.

If you have mods you want to install, this is a good time to do it as all the parts are off anyways.