Extended Warranty

[RJHOLLAS]

Have a 2006 325i coming to the end of 4 year/50K warranty. I do wish to keep the car as long as I can. So do extend the regular maintenance only at ($1545) or do go for the extended mechanical coverage 5yr/60K as well, at $3491. Total $5,036?

Any guidence would appreciated.

Thanks,
Rich

[Biggins]

Service/maintenance costs that much for an E90!?!?

Do you have any independent shops that you've used and trusted in the past? I couldn't imagine that an independent shop would cost so much.

Although, if you have a long-standing and good relationship with the dealer where you have your service done and cost is not too much a factor, I would go for the regular and extended coverage.

[OwnedbyDuncan]

You are going to spend $5k on a warranty you may never use? Why? How long are you extending the maintenance for?

Is this through BMWNA or a third party? What guarantee do you have the company will be around to cover anything?

What coverage does the warranty specifically exclude and include? Are a brake pad and rotor change included? Fluid changes? 02 sensors replacement. Replacement of R132 or whatever is in your E90's when it needs it since it will be outlawed by EU soon if not already. And the US will follow suite.

Back a few years ago my mechanic who owns one of the top BMW indy shops in area and I were discussing how long to keep a new BMW. We came to the conclusion that keeping a new BMW for 200K miles with all the sensors and computers maybe cost prohibitive compared to keeping an E30.


Dave Apker and the collies

[1996 328ti]

Back a few years ago my mechanic who owns one of the top BMW indy shops in area and I were discussing how long to keep a new BMW.

Wonder who that would be?


When it comes down to it, extended warranties are a gamble.
I have an extended warranty on our Mini.
All that has gone wrong was the fuel pump which was covered.
When it comes down to it, it's now a $3,000 fuel pump.

Well, I could have had drive train problems, then it would pay for itself.
Insurance companies aren't stupid.

Maybe it would be wiser to set aside $5,000 and invest in something safe.

[dbonner]

Worth it? Always a subjective decision for the individual owner, but here's experience. I bought an extended warranty from VOB BMW in 2004 for my 2001 M5 for an additional 6 yrs or total 100K miles (Elite coverage; covers all electronics, including sound system), whichever occurs first. $100 deductible. So far, it has covered a $1400 replacement of the instrument cluster and another $200 repair of another mechanical part (window generator, if I remember). Has it fully paid for itself? No. Has it provided tangible benefits and helped me sleep better, and will I sleep better through expiration in another 18 months? Darn right. Just make sure what is covered (especially electronics and computer items) and what isn't (clutch replacements, etc.) Bonbahn

Have a 2006 325i coming to the end of 4 year/50K warranty. I do wish to keep the car as long as I can. So do extend the regular maintenance only at ($1545) or do go for the extended mechanical coverage 5yr/60K as well, at $3491. Total $5,036?

Any guidence would appreciated.

Thanks,
Rich

[Wildcats64]

Rich:

I bought a warrant for $1,495 on my 1998 540 in March, 2004 when I purchased my wife's 2003 330. I also bought a warranty for $1,200 for her car.

My warranty paid for itself since I saved more than enough in repairs to the 540. On the other hand, the only claim on her car was a savings of about $70 on a thermostat. Her car had been almost maintenance free and the warranty expires in April.

Based on my experience, I would recommend against buying the extended warrany on your vehicle. It is really like a insurance policy, which you may never use. However, it still is your call. If you decide to buy the warranty , I would get the basic extended warranty, not the more expensive one for $5,000.

Dennis Follett

[RJHOLLAS]

Thanks for the advice.

Passport BMW (where I bought the car) is offering the extension. I spoke to my salesman directly and he said he'd come down $500 from the 5K. The piece of mind makes it tempting but I am interested in the independent options.

What are the recommended shops in the area?

[pseto]

here's a thread with some recommended shops:
http://forum.nccbmwcca.org/showthread.php?t=1251

another way to tackle this would be to attend a few DIYs and see what you can learn for yourself. there are plenty of preventative maintenence items that are pretty easy and at the DIYs, you'll get some asistance as well (if me and my wife can learn some things, anyone can)

[OwnedbyDuncan]

Many credit unions offer extended warranties at a reduced cost.

Take the $5k and bundle it with other NCC members money. Then do some research and invest in adult films. No you don't get to screen the talent.
You should be able to get a nice return of more than 10% a year with an acceptable risk level. Even in a recession folks still want their porn. And when your company cuts the travel budget and you have to stay in a Red Roof you need something for entertainment and to drown out the incessant barking of the dogs next door for the herding trial.

Dave Apker and the collies

[Bob]

Worth it? Always a subjective decision for the individual owner, but here's experience. I bought an extended warranty from VOB BMW in 2004 for my 2001 M5 for an additional 6 yrs or total 100K miles (Elite coverage; covers all electronics, including sound system), whichever occurs first. $100 deductible. So far, it has covered a $1400 replacement of the instrument cluster and another $200 repair of another mechanical part (window generator, if I remember). Has it fully paid for itself? No. Has it provided tangible benefits and helped me sleep better, and will I sleep better through expiration in another 18 months? Darn right. Just make sure what is covered (especially electronics and computer items) and what isn't (clutch replacements, etc.) Bonbahn

Window generator!?, brilliant, no more worrying about a dead battery, is the crank on a rear window? that way you can still have power windows on the other 3!