What options would you take (in the order of preference)?

[iamcrom]

Thank you very much for all your input!

I made an order yesterday for X5 3.0si:
- Black Sapphire
- Black Leather
- Poplar Wood Trim
- Technology Package
- Panorama Sun Roof

The dealer confirmed that the comfort seat is discontinued in the Premium Package, so there was no need for me to take Premium Package.

I was thinking about getting Hi-Fi upgrade, but my wife was happy with the sound from the standard audio system.

Now, I will just need to wait until May!!! It'll be very difficult waiting for the new X5!!!

Again, thank you everyone!!!

[iamcrom]

When I was ordering the car yesterday, the manager at the dealer asked me to consider some protection plan.

- Underbody protection/Rust protection/Paint Protection - Reg. $1197, she offered me those three at $526
- Tire/Rim Protection plan for 5 years - $699
- Maintenance Plan - 3 years for $995

I said ok to underbody/rust/paint protection and Tire/Rim protection, but I am not sure what to do with the maintenance plan. Would it be wise to take this plan too?

PS. I didn't know that run-flat tires will need to be replaced if they're punctured. That's what the dealer told me yesterday. We had two punctured tires with our current 325i last year only, so I think it makes sense taking the tire/rim protection plan.

[X5FX]

wow...just more profit for the dealer.

fyi- BMW offers a 12 yr warranty on rust.

[midwesterner]

The dealer loves these options/packages....everyone has their own opinion but most will agree that the rust/underbody protection plan is a waste.

I think the wheel and tire plan is a waste although I am sure RFT are not cheap to replace.

Maintenance Plan could be a pretty good deal from what I have seen. Anyone else care to chim in?

[iamcrom]

Argh...

Based on your opinion, I got the options wrong... I didn't know how useless those options are.

If you think Underbody/Rust protection is a wrong choice, how about Paint protection? I have 2.5 year-old 325i (black sapphire), and it already looks quite dull in my opinion. I thought it would pretect its glossy look better if treated.

As I said earlier, I had two tire punctures in 2006, and the repair/replacement cost for both incidents were about $700 (it was repaired once for about $120; and one had to be replaced for about $500-600). If the price of the run-flat tires are so high AND there is no way to get it repaired, having one puncture incident will cover the cost of protection. (Given the horrible road condition of Toronto, Canada, I would expect at least one tire puncture in 2-3 years.)

Also, I had to replace the brake pads once last year, and it was not cheap if I remember correctly. I might contact the dealer and drop the underbody/rust protection and take the maintenance package.

Thank you all!!!

[X5FX]

Originally Posted by iamcrom

Argh...

Also, I had to replace the brake pads once last year, and it was not cheap if I remember correctly. I might contact the dealer and drop the underbody/rust protection and take the maintenance package.

Thank you all!!!

On a brand new vehicle??
You should not have to replace the pads in the first year unless you drive with your foot on the brake all day long. Doesnt BMW Canada offer the 4 year maintaince plan like in the US...here all maintaince is included free for 4 years.

[Denalio]

Rust protection is a waste of money. Paint protection is a waste of money just wax it regularily. The tire package is a good idea since the rims and tires are expensive to replace. That money you plan on spending on the rust protection is better spent on the Clearbra or 3M clearbra. In the winter just take it to a good car wash with an undercarriage blaster. Doesn't your dealer offer free carwashes?

[Denalio]

Originally Posted by X5FX

On a brand new vehicle??
You should not have to replace the pads in the first year unless you drive with your foot on the brake all day long. Doesnt BMW Canada offer the 4 year maintaince plan like in the US...here all maintaince is included free for 4 years.

Yes, you should have a 4 year maitanence plan in Canada. I do. I think they are trying to sell you an upgraded plan BMW Service inclusive. That's your call, but you will have 4 year or 80,000 km scheduled maitanence at no-charge, standard.

[Denalio]

Originally Posted by iamcrom

Argh...

I have 2.5 year-old 325i (black sapphire), and it already looks quite dull in my opinion. I thought it would pretect its glossy look better if treated.

I bet all that paint needs is a good buffing and cleaning. If you don't want to do it yourself take it to a reputable detail shop and have it buffed. I bet it would look nearly new if your clearcoat has not been damaged.

[iamcrom]

Correct. In Canada, we have 3-year maintenance for free (I believe we have three years only).

The maintenance plan I was offered included wear-and-tear parts (e.g. wiper blades, brake pad/discs, rotors, etc). I am "car maintenance illiterate", so I had no idea what parts they're talking about. The things that I had noticed were the wiper blades and brake pads/discs only.

It's funny that she was offering me a huge discount on Underbody/Rust/Paint protection, but not for the maintenance plan. However, I noticed that 2 year plan costs less than $1,000, but it costs about $2,500 for 3 year plan!!! I guess there is something major that will happen on year #3 as far as the maintenance is concerned.