Need some COSTLY advice here

RacerX5(215) · #1 05-20-2009, 12:11 PM

I've had my '04 X5 4.4 for about 1.5 years now.. I LOVE IT!! I purchased it at a non BMW dealer. Went to BMW dealer about a warranty for it. I purchased one from BMW dealer, under the impression that it was bumper to bumper!! I remember being told that I can go to any BMW dealer to have it fixed if needed. It cost me $4000.00 I've been back 3x in the past year. First time they fixed the D/S folding mirror.. no charge. Second time I had to have the Thrust Rod & bushings replaced.. cost me $1100.00. Went back just yesterday for the License plate light.(right side not illuminating/ no power to it), going to cost me $200.00 + painting.. Should I just see about getting my money back for the warranty? I had it out with the service guy 2x already, asking wtf it covers. Tried numerous times to contact the Business mgr no response back yet. I'm sure they will pro-rate my refund, but somethings better than nothing!! Or should I just keep the warranty. Right now I have @ 55,000 miles on her.. Thanks for listening, and any advice you would like to offer!! Drive safe

Sponsored Links

killcrap · #2 05-20-2009, 12:16 PM

there is no such thing as a bumper to bumper warranty. even the factory warranty doesnt cover many things.

FSETH · #3 05-20-2009, 12:21 PM

Srange that the thrust rod bushings were not covered. That is a pretty basic item. Sounds like you are getting screwed.

StanF18 · #4 05-20-2009, 12:35 PM

Wow! This is total Deja Vu...Now I don't feel so bad....I also had to "eat" the cost of my thrust rod bushings recently, even though I had just purchased coverage from Warranty Direct for like $4,000. Warranty Direct's "explanation" is that a "crack" does not qualify as a suspension part failure. It has to be a complete separation of the bushings. So basically, until your suspension components are literally falling off your car and littering the street, they won't cover it. Needless to say I promptly cancelled my Warranty Direct and got most of my $4,000 refunded. If I am going to pay out-of-pocket anyway, what is the point of spending $4,000 on an extended warranty??
I didn't buy an extended warranty so that I could be lectured about the fine print on the contract. But since that is clearly the case, I can use the refunded $4,000 for any future out-of-pocket costs. I'd say the extended warranty industry is far from a "warranty". In reality, they seem to be making out like bandits. They collect your fees and then ride away on technicalities when it's actually time to pay the Piper. Not unlike the Health Insurance industry.

Don't rely on insurance to take care of your car or your health.

FSETH · #5 05-20-2009, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StanF18

Wow! This is total Deja Vu...Now I don't feel so bad....I also had to "eat" the cost of my thrust rod bushings recently, even though I had just purchased coverage from Warranty Direct for like $4,000. Warranty Direct's "explanation" is that a "crack" does not qualify as a suspension part failure. It has to be a complete separation of the bushings. So basically, until your suspension components are literally falling off your car and littering the street, they won't cover it. Needless to say I promptly cancelled my Warranty Direct and got most of my $4,000 refunded. If I am going to pay out-of-pocket anyway, what is the point of spending $4,000 on an extended warranty??
I didn't buy an extended warranty so that I could be lectured about the fine print on the contract. But since that is clearly the case, I can use the refunded $4,000 for any future out-of-pocket costs. I'd say the extended warranty industry is far from a "warranty". In reality, they seem to be making out like bandits. They collect your fees and then ride away on technicalities when it's actually time to pay the Piper. Not unlike the Health Insurance industry.

Don't rely on insurance to take care of your car or your health.

I would have cancelled it too if I were you. Sounds like the OP may want to do that as well.

I guess it all depends on where you get the warranty. I had a great experience with my MaxCare warranty (from CarMax, where I bought my X). I was able to take the car to BMW dealers for repairs and I was never denied a request. I had over $8,000 worth of work done and the warranty only cost me $1,800 for 3 years or 36,000 miles. Thrust rod bushings were one of the items I had done.

amacman · #6 05-20-2009, 01:57 PM

all those things should be covered if you have a bmw warranty .

killcrap · #7 05-20-2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amacman

all those things should be covered if you have a bmw warranty .

bmw extended warranty does not cover bushings. the only suspension component they do cover is wheel bearings.

motordavid · #8 05-20-2009, 03:30 PM

RE: "Went to BMW dealer about a warranty for it. I purchased one from BMW dealer..."

Confusing original post: was that Extended Warranty a BMW product or, some pulled out of the
dlr's drawer kind of warranty?

There isn't enough info from the OP for any good opins here, imo.

But, I agree there is no non-oem/aftermkt "bumper to bumper coverage"...
GL,mD

Sponsored Links