pulserace2004

My '04 530i has 49,604 miles on it, as of this morning. I have 400 miles left on the "free maintenance for first 50K miles" plan, which I've really enjoyed. Once I hit 50,001 miles, I become fully responsible for paying for any maintenance service, which scares me. BMW's have been known for historically high maintenace costs. $180 for an oil change?????

My dealer has offered the "extended service plan" which will continue this full coverage of regular service to 100K miles, or 2 years, whichever comes first. The price: $2400. And I must commit before I hit 50K miles, or the offer is invalid.

I have to make a decision quick. Has anyone purchased this option before? Is it really worth the price? I imagine replacing the front/rear brake pads/rotors would probably cover that, but I just don't know if I should "pre-pay" all of this stuff. I'm completely on the fence.

Because these e60's service needs are more "conditionally" based vs. regular intervals, I'm wondering if the car will really need all that service coverage if it never actually requires it.

But there's also something to be said for peace of mind....

All comments are welcome.

kchan

$2400 is waaaaaay high for the extended maintenance.
I was offered $1150 at my dealer when I bought the car new few months ago.
Check this out:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=132955

also, you should clarify whether it's for 100k miles or just 2 more years, since your original maintenance expires based on mileage, but you haven't meet 4 yrs yet.
I believe if you count all the recommended maintenance, you will definitely save to pay now then to pay the dealer. Probably the total maintenance cost would be in line of ~$1200 (or a little less) if you bring it to an independent mechanic.

pulserace2004

Thanks! Is that $1150 for an e60? Which dealership did you use?

My dealer here in OC has told me that its 100K miles or 2 more years, whichever comes first. I guess I might hit the 100K miles first, at the rate I'm driving (first 50K miles in just 26 months...that's Southern Calif. for you!)

I could take it to an independent mechanic, but I'm afraid that might void my extended factory warranty that I purchased (to 100K miles) when I bought the car originally.

kchan

Yup, for an E60, granted I only have the 07 525i, but shouldn't be any different than a 530 I think.
I used BMW of Fremont, CA, but the link I send to you is from a dealer in east coast (Nalley) and I believe once you get the exteneded maintainance from any dealer, you can use it at any dealer. Read thru that thread and check it out. You can try negotiate it with your local dealer, the one I bought my car quoted $1500 at first, and then slowly come down to $1150. I was told that mine will extended from 4/50 to 6/100 when I bought the car new few months ago. Even if you drive that much for the past couple years, I will still clarify. I mean if you somehow drive less in the new two years, it will be nice that you have 6 yrs/100k (total), vs only 2 more yrs from now.

I think you will have the inspection II, at least 1 or 2 brake jobs, coolant or brake fluid every 2 years (forgot which one), 3 oil changes. $1150 seems to worth it to me if you plan to keep the car.

VIIV

I know there are some financial gurus on the forum, maybe one of them an chime in here. Remember, you really need to do a discounted cash flow analysis to determine if it is or isn't a good deal. Just adding up all the likely services doesn't get you there. You could be using that money to make more money between now and when you really need to spend it. Or at least use it for more mods Essentially, you are lending them some money and being repaid in service at a later date. You wouldn't give me 1000 dollars now if I promised to repay you 500 dollars every year for the next two years, would you? If you would, PM me!

pennetta

Does this includes both scheduled maintenance and extended warranty? If that is so then $2400 sounds like a good price. A third party extended warranty is $1200 for 3 years/ 36k miles.

pulserace2004

It was just the price of the maintenance plan (I already bought the extended warranty when I purchased the car originally).

Since posting this, I've learned that different dealers in my area have different prices, so I found another place that offered the same BMW maintenance package for $1595. I can still go to any BMW dealer nationwide.

I think $1595 is a much better deal, so I went ahead and purchased it.

I know that between 2 more brake jobs, a few oil changes, and a major service at 60K miles, this $1595 will pay for itself.