Whack-a-mole with used 335d's

Has anyone here actually purchased the extended warranty from BMW? from any of the Bimmerfest sponsors?

If you found a car with just a smidge of warranty left, what do you have to do to qualify and purchase the warranty?

The warranty write up talks about BMW having discretion as to whether or not the car is eligible for the top warranty. Understandable. But if a car has had no accidents, maintained completely by BMW, why wouldn't it be eligible?

Found a car that could be attractive - local, but only a few hundred miles of warranty left. Don't want a 335d, though, without warranty coverage. These are just too complex. Local dealer hasn't responded re buying the warranty from them.

Originally Posted by Maybe335d

Has anyone here actually purchased the extended warranty from BMW? from any of the Bimmerfest sponsors?

If you found a car with just a smidge of warranty left, what do you have to do to qualify and purchase the warranty?

The warranty write up talks about BMW having discretion as to whether or not the car is eligible for the top warranty. Understandable. But if a car has had no accidents, maintained completely by BMW, why wouldn't it be eligible?

Found a car that could be attractive - local, but only a few hundred miles of warranty left. Don't want a 335d, though, without warranty coverage. These are just too complex. Local dealer hasn't responded re buying the warranty from them.

You might get more answers if you post this link under Ask a dealer or E9x section.

I did end up getting a quote from the local dealership shortly after my post - I knew it wasn't cheap, but dang!

While I do understand that the cost of these warranties is negotiable, it isn't going to be marked down 75%. I was quoted prices from $2300 to $4300, depending upon how extensive the coverage was that I wanted and the amount of miles/time I wanted it for.

I was most interested in the highest level of coverage, which would include the electronics - $3800 and $4300 for 2years/100k miles and 3 yr/100k miles, respectively.

Unfortunately, the seller wants too much for the used 335d such that the numbers don't make sense.

Oh well - you don't ask, you don't learn!

Originally Posted by Maybe335d

I did end up getting a quote from the local dealership shortly after my post - I knew it wasn't cheap, but dang!

While I do understand that the cost of these warranties is negotiable, it isn't going to be marked down 75%. I was quoted prices from $2300 to $4300, depending upon how extensive the coverage was that I wanted and the amount of miles/time I wanted it for.

I was most interested in the highest level of coverage, which would include the electronics - $3800 and $4300 for 2years/100k miles and 3 yr/100k miles, respectively.

Unfortunately, the seller wants too much for the used 335d such that the numbers don't make sense.

Oh well - you don't ask, you don't learn!

I'm still undecided on the value of the BMW extended warranty. What diminishes the value for me is the fact that It is NOT a "bumper to bumper" plan. It's a named coverage plan that is vague on diesel specific components. And, As in all named coverage plans - if it's not named it's not covered. For instance, it only references the "SCR transfer pump and dosing module". It seems like there's a lot more to the system those two components. I would feel more comfortable if it just said the SCR SYSTEM period.

At the numbers you mentioned, the cost comes down to $1400 to $1900 per year. Assuming that doesn't include maintenance - thats a lot. Granted BMWs are expensive to repair, but I haven't had those kind of repairs on any of my cars.

Since I have just under two years left on my warranty, my decision will come down to monitoring everyone's repair experiences on their cars as they report in on these forums. So far, with just a few exceptions, the D's appear to be pretty reliable. And I've not had any problems - so far - with my D at 2 years and 28k.

I had a different explanation as to what the different tiers of the program covered. Have you looked at this brochure?

On the second page, you see the SCR you mentioned is covered under the lowest tier of the warranty, "Powertrain Plus". Then there are two tiers above that, "Gold" and "Platinum", which add additional coverage. "Platinum" covers electronics such as navigation and radio.

The "Platinum" level sounds very close to a bumper-to-bumper plan. The price I quoted in my post was to get "Platinum" level coverage for this used 335d.

I agree, that it's not cheap, but if there were a major item to repair... it could be worth it. But only if the selling price of the vehicle makes sense. Say a seller wants $33,000, then you're faced with adding $3,000-$4,000 on that to get warranty coverage. It makes more sense to either buy a used car with less miles, or go the CPO route, although it is my understand that the CPO coverage isn't as extensive as the "Platinum" level.

Thoughts?

Originally Posted by boooomer

I'm still undecided on the value of the BMW extended warranty. What diminishes the value for me is the fact that It is NOT a "bumper to bumper" plan. It's a named coverage plan that is vague on diesel specific components. And, As in all named coverage plans - if it's not named it's not covered. For instance, it only references the "SCR transfer pump and dosing module". It seems like there's a lot more to the system those two components. I would feel more comfortable if it just said the SCR SYSTEM period.

At the numbers you mentioned, the cost comes down to $1400 to $1900 per year. Assuming that doesn't include maintenance - thats a lot. Granted BMWs are expensive to repair, but I haven't had those kind of repairs on any of my cars.

Since I have just under two years left on my warranty, my decision will come down to monitoring everyone's repair experiences on their cars as they report in on these forums. So far, with just a few exceptions, the D's appear to be pretty reliable. And I've not had any problems - so far - with my D at 2 years and 28k.

Originally Posted by Maybe335d

I had a different explanation as to what the different tiers of the program covered. Have you looked at this brochure?

On the second page, you see the SCR you mentioned is covered under the lowest tier of the warranty, "Powertrain Plus". Then there are two tiers above that, "Gold" and "Platinum", which add additional coverage. "Platinum" covers electronics such as navigation and radio.

The "Platinum" level sounds very close to a bumper-to-bumper plan. The price I quoted in my post was to get "Platinum" level coverage for this used 335d.

I agree, that it's not cheap, but if there were a major item to repair... it could be worth it. But only if the selling price of the vehicle makes sense. Say a seller wants $33,000, then you're faced with adding $3,000-$4,000 on that to get warranty coverage. It makes more sense to either buy a used car with less miles, or go the CPO route, although it is my understand that the CPO coverage isn't as extensive as the "Platinum" level.



Thoughts?

Yes I looked at the brochure... It's the problem with named coverage plans.

For instance, The heading says SCR emission Control system. It would be better If they stopped there. But underneath it lists what's included. The implication is that if there are other parts (??) - they're not included. Contrast that with the paragraph above labelled Induction systems and right below it lists Turbocharger assemblies. Thats comprehensive. I'm not a lawyer - but I've spent too many years analyzing construction contracts. Lawyers write these contracts and the wording is deliberate.

Another example, on my '80 diesel rabbit i was constantly going through glow plugs. It seems as though every winter I had to replace them at about $150 a pop. I didn't see any mention of glow plugs in this warranty. And I suspect they would cost ALOT more than $150 to replace on the BMW.

I'm not saying this is a bad deal & I might end up doing it myself - it's just that it is less value than it could have been.

Originally Posted by Maybe335d

...
On the second page, you see the SCR you mentioned is covered under the lowest tier of the warranty, "Powertrain Plus". Then there are two tiers above that, "Gold" and "Platinum", which add additional coverage. "Platinum" covers electronics such as navigation and radio.

The "Platinum" level sounds very close to a bumper-to-bumper plan. The price I quoted in my post was to get "Platinum" level coverage for this used 335d.

If you search around a bit, I just went through this stuff (I'm at 48K miles). I asked the dealer's person on these questions: 1) The SCR injector/mixer and pump are covered by gold/plat. 2) The SCR catalyst and the DPF & Catalyst are part of the exhaust system and are not covered. 3) The EGR system is covered as part of the engine under gold/platinum.

Lots of things are not covered. In no way should even platinum be regarded as "bumper-to-bumper." It won't, for instance, cover body modling, interior stuff, seat heaters, etc. If you don't have iDrive/Nav, platinum is a waste of money (as it only covers the radio in addition to the gold stuff.)

One other thing: the Gold plan for 2 years/100K really only costs around $2500. You can certainly negotiate things down from their initial offer by a lot. Even platinum for the 2 years/100K is only around $2900.

Originally Posted by floydarogers

If you search around a bit, I just went through this stuff (I'm at 48K miles). I asked the dealer's person on these questions: 1) The SCR injector/mixer and pump are covered by gold/plat. 2) The SCR catalyst and the DPF & Catalyst are part of the exhaust system and are not covered. 3) The EGR system is covered as part of the engine under gold/platinum.

Lots of things are not covered. In no way should even platinum be regarded as "bumper-to-bumper." It won't, for instance, cover body modling, interior stuff, seat heaters, etc. If you don't have iDrive/Nav, platinum is a waste of money (as it only covers the radio in addition to the gold stuff.)

One other thing: the Gold plan for 2 years/100K really only costs around $2500. You can certainly negotiate things down from their initial offer by a lot. Even platinum for the 2 years/100K is only around $2900.

Interesting - I didn't see EGR listed in their brochure. I wonder if the dealers have a more detailed list of what's covered and or what's not covered.

The woman at the dealership had to ask BMWNA:
----------
From: <Hugh.Pear@bmwna.com>
Date: May 17, 2012 6:29:47 AM PDT
To: <OLSONE@autonation.com>
Cc: <Paul.Feuss@bmwna.com>, <Luis.Gomez@bmwnaext.com>
Subject: Diesel EGR and particulate filter
Hello Erika,

Below is the research and response chain to yesterdays diesel part coverage questions.

I have copied in both our in house program (EVP administration) manager and claims analyst with the most knowledge on ESC claims.

In summary the EGR = yes under gold/platinum - particulate filter = no but see Luis' CA. emissions comments below.

Have a great day!

BMW Group
Hugh Pear
Warranty Program Operations Specialist
B2-US-A-44
200 Chestnut Ridge Road.
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677-7731

Originally Posted by Maybe335d

I
....I agree, that it's not cheap, but if there were a major item to repair... it could be worth it. But only if the selling price of the vehicle makes sense. Say a seller wants $33,000, then you're faced with adding $3,000-$4,000 on that to get warranty coverage. It makes more sense to either buy a used car with less miles, or go the CPO route, although it is my understand that the CPO coverage isn't as extensive as the "Platinum" level....

Thoughts?

According to BMWNA's website the CPO warranty is a "Bumper to Bumper" warranty (with named exclusions like wear & tear items) for 2 years past the new car warranty expiration date and up to 100k which ever comes first.
FWIW - I think that's a much better warranty than the platinum tier.

Oh my, this is a painful saga. ;-)

Originally Posted by 831Doug

Oh my, this a painful saga. ;-)

Oh, come on now

It isn't that bad, is it? The story of the hunt for an acceptable 335d! No shortage of ignorance, throw in some stupid questions, stir in some esoteric B.S. - Bayerische World, the Diesel Edition. The Great Race meets Survivor Tennessee, with noisy, clanging valves as background sounds and thick, black smoke filling the air. <grin>!

Hopefully the season finale will be coming soon - the cliff hanger? Which car will he chose? Will it be a CPO? What color will the interior be? How much will he spend!?!?!?

Originally Posted by boooomer

According to BMWNA's website the CPO warranty is a "Bumper to Bumper" warranty (with named exclusions like wear & tear items) for 2 years past the new car warranty expiration date and up to 100k which ever comes first.
FWIW - I think that's a much better warranty than the platinum tier.

Thanks for that - somehow, I'd been given the opposite impression.

I'd heard bad things about Audi's CPO program, and perhaps that colored my thoughts. Friend of mine ran into major reluctance to cover quattro problems. Dealership tried to say that quattro was explicitly excluded from CPO coverage.

Originally Posted by boooomer

According to BMWNA's website the CPO warranty is a "Bumper to Bumper" warranty (with named exclusions like wear & tear items) for 2 years past the new car warranty expiration date and up to 100k which ever comes first.
FWIW - I think that's a much better warranty than the platinum tier.

CPO is not the same or better than Plantinum. You seemed to miss the point that the following is NOT covered, exactly the reason I purchased Platinum:

Accessories
Radio/CD (or cassette) player, telephone, navigation system, CD changer, DVD player or any components of those systems

Originally Posted by KeithS

CPO is not the same or better than Plantinum. You seemed to miss the point that the following is NOT covered, exactly the reason I purchased Platinum:

Accessories
Radio/CD (or cassette) player, telephone, navigation system, CD changer, DVD player or any components of those systems

Keith,
You are correct. The entertainment/nav system isn't covered. And the platinum plan is available for an additional year. All Good stuff. And I might end up there with you buying that policy.

My discussion was in context with someone like MayBe335D who is about to buy a used 335D and can theoretically make a choice between the two coverages.

In that context, a bumper to bumper policy with named exclusions is better coverage than a warranty that covers named items - such as the platinum plan. Especially for us diesel owners. Too many diesel specific parts are not mentioned in the extended warranty brochure and that causes me to have concerns about the value of that warranty. The brochure for the CPO policy does not EXCLUDE any diesel specific parts.

And for me, that's where I see the need for extended coverage.

All that said, apparently, the brochures themselves aren't the final documents. As FloydARogers reported, these warranties are open to some interpretation by BMW. And thats a bit disconcerting. If I'm about to spend $2k, $3k or $4k for a product - I'd want to see the specific document that BMW uses to make the call on what's covered. Maybe when you sign up for the policy they issue a more detailed document??

Originally Posted by boooomer

...All that said, apparently, the brochures themselves aren't the final documents. As FloydARogers reported, these warranties are open to some interpretation by BMW. And thats a bit disconcerting. If I'm about to spend $2k, $3k or $4k for a product - I'd want to see the specific document that BMW uses to make the call on what's covered. Maybe when you sign up for the policy they issue a more detailed document??

Much of the document is warnings that amount to "we don't cover anything wrt you modifying your vehicle, or problems caused by you improperly maintaining it", "you agree to arbitration (rather than courts)", "other stuff we don't cover", procedures.

If you want a copy, pm me with an email address.

Well, making progress. Am engaged with a dealer in a somewhat distant city on a car. Nicely equipped 2011 still under warranty.

I found it interesting that the dealership found a vibration that to the service techs indicated some problem. They gave the impression that the problem might not have been covered by warranty. Car very much still driveable and safe, so they say. They asked if I'd prefer to delay the transaction for a few days while they repair it - it required a part from Germany. Of course, I said to fix it.

I haven't asked for details yet - but can anyone envision what sort of problem this could be, that would benefit from a repair yet would not be covered by the warranty?

I have seen and driven the car - I was nearby for work, and was able to sneak off to the dealership for a few hours. It's very nice,

Curious... I'll try to get some more info re the nature of the problem/repair.

Any updates?

See the Resetting Emissions topic for details. But the car is now in my possession, hopefully all working OK!