BMW enhances customer satisfaction with their new driveshaft maintenance strategy

[Grumpy Goat]

So, I have to go to the dealer every 12k? I don't have the warm fuzzies some of you do for dealers. That's a huge negative for me.

I was thinking the same thing, which is why I wanted to know exactly what this tool is supposed to be looking for and whether me pulling the shaft out and closely examining the yoke for any signs of wear might suffice instead. My tendency is to do just that, especially on an older bike. 

BTW - speaking of older bikes ... it is now anecdotal "knowledge" (?) that dealerships no longer are interested in working on bikes older than 10 years. That suggests that the 12k interval on inspections would not be mandatory in support of the new shaft every 36k miles maintenance scheme. Another grey area ...?