Originally Posted by mmpredmo

I too was forced to learn how to work on cars in order to have one from age 15 on and I agree that it made me appreciate them that much more.

I have the mechanical ability as I have rebuilt a couple of engines, replaced suspensions and clutches but for me it is a time thing and keeping my wife happy. I had a '91 Saab 9000 turbo that I started dismantling to replace the turbo and balance shaft chain. I had a car wreck which mangled my ankle shortly after tearing it down and long story short, I never had time or the energy to get back to it so I have been forbidden from doing anything other than changing the oil, brakes and other minor work.

I don't like forking out $4k for a warranty either but it's cheaper than a divorce or even a failed transmission replacement. It also helps resell later on.

My salary is not half of what the labor rates for BMW techs are but more time with my family and peace of mind are priceless. If they did not have such a high propensity for expensive repairs, I may have skipped it. I don't have one on my Infiniti but repairs are nonexistant and when they do happen, the parts and labor are much cheaper than BMW.

just my .02, ymmv

Originally Posted by FSETH

:iagree: I learned how to work on cars because I didn't have the money to pay to have it done. I do agree that it can be very gratifying doing the job yourself. I am tackling a full brake pad/rotor replacement on the X5 this weekend. I am not capable of pulling any engines apart, but I learned how to do basic things on my e30s like brakes, shocks, oil & filters, plugs, thermostats, belts & hoses, exhaust, sway bar links, etc. All somewhat minor things. I am not capable of repairing a torn transmission, fixing an oil seperator issue, electrical issues or any other major items. I love the X5, but unfortunately it is prone to a few very expensive problems that I wasn't prepared to deal with. That is why the warranty is a good thing for me. I agree that if the X didn't have so many issues I would have passed on the warranty. You don't hear too many stories around here of people regretting buying the warranty that I am aware of. It seems like the vast majority who purchased the warranty are very happy that thy did.

Originally Posted by amaretto37

I doubt that anyone who bought the warranty would tell us that it was a mistake since that would make them feel that they just threw money down the drain...of course they'd tell us it was the best thing that they did, it's human nature...I agree with the previous post, it's just an insurance, and not really an:thumbup: extended warranty, and the insurance/warranty companies are making money out it...