I have a 2009 BMW 335i Coupe with CPO to 10/25/14 (or 100,000 miles), premium and sport packages, automatic transmission, and 43,000 miles on the clock. The new vehicle warranty - and with it the free maintenance program - expires on 10/25 this year and will cost me $2,095 to extend to the end of the CPO period/mileage. Apart from two or three more oil changes ($125 + tax at my local dealer), I'm told that'd also cover two major services at 60,000 and 90,000 miles (about $650 + tax) plus other potentially expensive maintenance such as for brake pad replacement ($800 or more + tax?), as well as wiper inserts and engine drive belts. I've been driving about 14,500 miles/year, so unless that increases dramatically I won't reach the 90k miles service interval before the 12/2014 expiration date. And my brake linings are currently about 8mm both front wheels and 7mm both rears. Is that $2,095 worth it? The math seems to indicate it'll be a close call either way, so I'd really appreciate any advice and counsel before I consider calling the dealer with credit card in hand. Thanks much.
Personally I would go for it at my dealer my customers are reluctant at first to spend all this money but after there oil changes, brake fluid, microfilters and brake jobs there really are glad they purchased it. Plus if you ever try to sell or trade it really helps.
I was at the same decision point a couple years ago. I don't know if I'll ever 'break even' on the extended maintenance cost vs. going to an independent dealer - but I went with the plan and haven't regretted the decision. Every time I take the car in for service, I get more than I expected. Additionally, the dealer service manager recommended I bring the car in during the last month of the plan so he can do as much as he can such as replacing the front breaks even if the mileage isn't up yet. Just this week I took the car in for a separate issue and am going to leave with new rear breaks, a break fluid flush, and a new cabin filter.
They don't make then like they used to! Each of the three previous cars, all in-line 6 cylinders, went above 200k, until the last 550i (2009- V8) from its secondary air sensory system debackle at 174k. The current car, a F10 2011 550i, at 48k had leaked its twin-turbo right before the 50k warranty expired. This spooked me enough to buy, for the first time, the extended warranty for $2,450. A few months later, BMW NA stated that it would replace, at no charge and for the rest of the life of the car regardless of owner, the twin-turbos because they are defective. Although this repair's future responcibility was the dealer's, the extended warranty purchase was beneficial, because the valve guides, which took 3 1/2 weeks to repair. The charges from these repairs and other repairs totaled well-above the extended warranty fee. I am very disappointed with this car to say the least. Now, I am arguing with the dealer on the warranty coverage of the wiper system's estimated $700 replacement of its reservoir and other parts. An inquiry was sent to our ombudsman and I await its response. For that kind of money, I'll use the bottled water in the cabin to wet the windshield while on the road! If your car does not have a history of ridiculous repairs, like mine, and you know and trust a local independent repair shop, don't buy the extended warranty. Next time, I will not and take my chances. Ciao
