I'm thinking about getting 2002 M5 or 2002-2003 540i 6 speed. Cost of maintenance was an issue for me. Now I'm revisiting the idea depending on how well the extended service plan covers repairs. When I was at BMW Seattle on Saturday I picked up brochure for their recommended Extended Service plan which is issued by Lithia Auto Group. I've read the policy and the "deluxe" plan covers the known "maladies" as described in May 2009 Bimmer magazine review of #39 model. $200 deductible ( $100 if service is done at dealer where plan was purchased ) covers car up to 150,000 miles I called local BMW service shop and they suggested two items to confirm: 1. Will plan pay for original equipment parts 2. Will plan pay BMW labor book hours rather than "national shop labor manual hours" ? Does any one have experience with this plan ? How would you rate it ? Did you have to pay more than the deductible due to plan not fully covering cost of repair ? thanks Ken
It's basically an insurance policy and insurance companies don't lose money. You're betting your car will have more problems than average and that's not such a good bet. Rather than prepay for maintenance/repair with funds you may never recover, why not just set up a dedicated savings account?