Extended Warranty Question

[Pavilion]

Hello:

I'm new to these forums and am about to acquire a 2005 X3. The posts here have been an excellent source of information and opinion.

I test drove various vehicles both new and used before making the decision and what impressed me was the stability and handling of the X3. This is my first BMW having previously owned Nissans.

The vehicle is a lease back, with 70,000 kms and from all apperances both inside and out is in excellent condition.

The dealer (non BMW) is offering various extended warranty options on this X3 and I'm debating whether or not to purchase. They are not cheap ranging between $2,000 and $3,000 but cover everything except brakes, fuses, tires and wipers.

Should I take one of the extended warranties or take my chances? Anything else to look for?

Thanks for your help.

[AzNMpower32]

If you do a search, there is a fair amount of advice regarding extended warranties. I would first get a service history report, to make sure it has been well-maintained and doesn't have any serious recurring problems. I would consider a warranty, but it doesn't have to be the most expensive option, just one that covers stuff like window regulators, the automatic gearbox, and major drivetrain parts. The X3 is a fairly reliable vehicle overall.

[UncleJ]

Another thing to consider is to check with your usual shop/dealer to see if they will ACCEPT this warranty and is approval required before repair is started. As a Nissan person, have you carefully looked at the Rogue or the Murano? You could probably get a new one for the price of the used X3.

[Pavilion]

Another thing to consider is to check with your usual shop/dealer to see if they will ACCEPT this warranty and is approval required before repair is started. As a Nissan person, have you carefully looked at the Rogue or the Murano? You could probably get a new one for the price of the used X3.
I checked further into the aftermarket extended warranty and the terms and conditions were such that I'll take my chances.

I did check the Rogue and Murano. A new a Rogue was $5,000 more expensive and the test drive didn't impress me. A new Murano was much more expensive. The dealer was offering a 2006 Murano with slightly lower mileage than the X3 for just a few hundred dollars less. Having seen and driven both vehicles I thought the X3 was much nicer in every respect.

[UncleJ]

Pav, glad you checked it out. Those aftermarket warranties can be tricky. IRT the Nissan products, I am surprised they were so high, around here they seem much cheaper than the X3. A lot depends of course on the options. If you (or your wife) can handle the X3 ride over rough roads it is a great car. I have had my '06 for 31K miles and no problems at all. Good luck!