You can download the BMW NA Extended Warranty Brochure Here:
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Owner/BMWUltimateProtection/ExtendedVehicleProtection.aspx
Says Platinum covers the Navi etc. I normally prefer the manufacturer backed extended warranty. However, I had one issue with the BMW product.
One coverage I don't see is some suspension items such as the tie rods. I had another car that required their replacement after 5 years ($500). That car was known to have more tie rod problems than other models so it was clear that it was a manufacturing/design issue.
The dealer finance guy had other options. I finally opted for a 7/100K extended warranty from Fidelity Warranty Services - an alternative plan offered by a few BMW dealers in the DC area. It is the same underwriter that backs Audi. I went to the Audi NA website to confirm this fact.
http://www.audiusa.com/us/brand/en/financial/vehicle_protection/term_care_select.html
Look on the right side of the web page for the link to the brochure. At first read, it is a bit confusing due to Audi throwing in "brake pads and other wear items." However, if you review it carefully it becomes clear that this is Audi's extended warranty with Fidelity indicated on the first page.
Since other DC area dealers offer that contract, I called around. They were all within 10% of the $3450 quote I got from my selling dealer (by the way the BMW NA 7/100K platinum product was quoted at $3900). To simplify the negotiation process, I offered a 20% discount to make a deal on the Audi (Fidellity) contract. The finance rep accepted my offer.
A few conclusions:
1. If you are interested in an extended warranty when you purchase the vehicle, state that fact to the Sales rep before visiting the dealer. My sales rep put me in touch with the finance guy right away. He sent me brochures, answered my questions and then negotiated over the phone/via email. All was agreed before visiting the Finance office; documents were ready with little need for face to face negiotiation.
2. I still prefer a manufacturer extended warranty. However, it pays to read the fine print of what is covered and the exclusions clause of the contract. Something may jump out that is not covered and you have experienced problems with that component. The exclusions clause is critical if the contract states "all components" are covered."
3. Whatever contract you select, shop around for the best price. If you do not wish to pursue the manufacturer product, attempt to find other dealers that offer the alternative product that your dealer pushes. If that fails, research who underwrites the alternative non-manufanturer product and go to the corporate site of the entity that underwrites it. I noticed the Fidelity site has a way to get a quote from its web site. One note of caution, there are a lot of internet warranty scams out there and message boards are effusive with horror stories. If you depend on the internet - be extremely careful as to who you are dealing with.
Finally - I will put in a plug for my selling dealer; BMW of Silver Spring. They accomodated my buying strategy 100%. I made the deal on a 2012 BMW 528i and the extended warranty over the phone and via email. I spent a total of about 2.5 hrs in one visit to the dealer to take delivery; including test drive.
Salesman - Jakob Reykehl
Finance - Anthony Lucas
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