49,900 - Extended Maintenence?

[Kryptonite]

So, Im at the wall and trying to decide if I should spend the 1600 on the extended maintenence for +50K/2yr or not. Im currently at 3 green bars (in the middle), and recently toook my 4.4 in for service to have an alignment and check the oil. I have an extended warranty for 100K or 5years (100 deductible - shoulda splurged for the $0 deductible).

Any suggestions on this extended maintenence?


Kryptonite

[Wagner]

Yes, as long as the plan covers items that really wear..such as brakes.

[yeowzer]

Definately, somebody I work with just took their X5 in because light was on for their brakes. All said and done for front brakes, oil change and a couple door problems it was 1200 bucks.

[Griza]

Depends on how much longer you are going to keep the X. If for awhile, I would suggest it. I plan on keeping mine for another two years or so, so I got the Extended Maintenance and Warranty. I had my tranny replaced under warranty, the bill was $6000. I don't want to have to come out of pocket for that kind of stuff.

[SeattleYates]

I'm facing the same decision (my original warranty runs out in November).

The extended maintenance (which ONLY covers scheduled maintenance needed during the coverage period), as opposed to extended warranty (which would cover major defects) is largely a question of what major maintenance you're likely to need during that period. I was told by a BMW service rep that they price the maintenance assuming you'll need a regular service or two, plus brakes, and that the price of the maintenance is set at roughly 25% off the cost of those items. IOW, it's really just a discount for prepaying for that maintenance. It is NOT the same as an extra warranty against break-down or defects.

So...what you need to look at is the separate cost of whatever small and large services (and brakes, if applicable) you're likely to need during that 2 years (or 50K miles, if you put on that many miles), and see if it seems like a reasonable "deal." I've got 36K miles on my X5 and still haven't had my first brake service (I'm pretty easy on brakes), and that's a big cost item (especially on my 4.6is), so unless my brake light comes on in the next six weeks and I get them done under original warranty, I likely WILL get the extended maintenance agreement. Talk to your service person about the likely service you'll need (based on the miles/wear & tear you put on a vehicle), and how much those services would cost ala carte, and you'll be able to better judge if the extended agreement is worth it.

[BoomBoom]

If you get your work done at the dealer, as mentioned above, it's like pre-paying for these items. You will DEFINITELY save money. Breaks and oil alone will account for the cost.

[PersonaNonGrata]

I'm a fan of both the BMW maintenance and BMW extended warranties. I bought both. Like the others stated, the maintenance costs can be recouped with brakes and rotors all around but when you consider the cost of an Inspection II, then you'll be glad you bought it. Those who opt not to generally have a good independent mechanic who charges much less than a BMW dealer.

The warranty issue for me is a no-brainer. Get one if you plan on keeping your X. Get the BMW one. It's worth it. Mine is almost 2/3 paid for after one incident involving my a/c. $50 deductible per incident/visit, not per item.

[Kryptonite]

I guess I'll be shelling out the 1600 then. I have went back and forth on this and don't want to miss out on the opp. The real swaying factor is that my 4.4i is a weekend driver only.. I pull it out Friday late-afternoon for a wash and maybe to the bar/club. I don't really drive it much on saturday untl late in the evening, and I pull it out again for church on sunday morning. A car was afterwards, and then back in the garage it goes....