BMW Maintance Plan vs. Going Alone?

m3brad · #1 04-28-2009, 07:03 PM

With all the talk of purchasing a BMW maintance plan, I can't see why the other option is not discussed more often. Obviously, Inspection 2 is the big one and some of the prices quoted for the dealer performed inspection
on this forum, seem extreme to say the least.

If you have a reputable independent shop, why not purchase the kit ECS Tuning sells and have it done yourself. As far as the brake work is concerned, we have so many options for brake and rotors and who in the world would want to put the OEM pads back on their X???

I'm new to the X world and look forward to your feedback.

By the way, I've owned my '06 4.8is with CPO warranty for less than 30 days and can't believe how much I'm enjoying the whole experience.

Quicksilver · #2 04-28-2009, 07:28 PM

I guess it's because the "go alone" option doesn't need much discussion.
You save your coins and get it done That's what those who go it alone do
and I have no tuning kit....

X5 Meister · #3 04-28-2009, 09:51 PM

Personally I use only OE BMW parts, including pads, and have done so for decades.

Second point, some people don't have the time to do proper maintenance or don't have the know-how or don't have the tools or don't have the garage space. So the maintenance plan is a great alternative.

statdoc · #4 04-28-2009, 10:25 PM

I bought the extended warranty and maitainence when I bought the X5. I feel it paid for itself with the first brake job out of warranty. Every little thing I need done, they do it without a complaint, or a fee. Can't beat it!

themoth · #5 04-28-2009, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by statdoc

I bought the extended warranty and maitainence when I bought the X5. I feel it paid for itself with the first brake job out of warranty. Every little thing I need done, they do it without a complaint, or a fee. Can't beat it!

i have not deceided which route to go myself. I have about 1k miles left to make the decesion. However my 1800 would only be buying me another 18 months of maintenance. Seeing the X had almost everything done at 50k miles. For me it seems like a waste of money. the inspection 2 can be done here by a great BMW local indy shope for 400$. SO it all depends on what you have avalible to you like X5 Meister stated...

jst2878 · #6 04-28-2009, 11:34 PM

1800 for 18 months is a great deal. what is your mileage?

Quote:

Originally Posted by themoth

i have not deceided which route to go myself. I have about 1k miles left to make the decesion. However my 1800 would only be buying me another 18 months of maintenance. Seeing the X had almost everything done at 50k miles. For me it seems like a waste of money. the inspection 2 can be done here by a great BMW local indy shope for 400$. SO it all depends on what you have avalible to you like Meister X5 stated...

m3brad · #7 04-29-2009, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jst2878

1800 for 18 months is a great deal. what is your mileage?

I'm at 55K miles. I enjoy doing my own brake work, so the maintance program is taking care of inspection 2 which seems overrated by the dealer, no?

I'm open for advise

themoth · #8 04-29-2009, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jst2878

1800 for 18 months is a great deal. what is your mileage?

58,800

X5 Meister · #9 04-29-2009, 01:22 AM

Obviously it depends on what your dealer charges for the work, but in general, the maintenance plan covers more than just brakes and inspection. i.e. it covers, as indicated, oil service with microfilter change, Inspection I, Inspection II, annual oil change, brake service (pads, rotors, sensors), brake fluid flush, windshield wipers, topping off of fluids, and so forth. It's also a good selling point in case you will get rid of the car during the period.