Extended Vehicle Protection Plan

My issues over the last month or two have made me think a lot harder about upgrading my protection plan. If the cars self destruct after 36 months, then I either need to (a) completely jump ship or (b) get some protection. The first option isn't at all appealing since I purchased my car. Thus, the protection plan seems to be my best option.

I got some quotes today, and the 7 year/70,000 mile *Gold protection plan is going to run in the ballpark of $5,200. There is a 7 year/100,000 mile version, but I doubt I'll need that given that I'm over 13 months into ownership and have just passed 9,000 miles.

What are my options here, guys? And let's say selling at the end of 4 years is out of the question for the purposes of this inquiry. Should I shop around with different dealers to see if one offers a better price than another?

Also, I'm considering the Maintenance Plan, but I'm thinking I may pass on it. It is about $3,500 for 6 years/100,000 miles. It covers the same things as the factory maintenance plan (oil change and filters, wiper blades, brake pads, etc.). While these things are not exactly cheap, I struggle to believe that I'd spend $1,7500 a year an oil change and a pair of wiper blades. Maybe I'd gave to top off some fluid levels and a few other things, but I think it's still a bit excessive. Thoughts?

One nice thing to note is that they told me I can finance the Protection Plan at 0% interest for 18 months with 10% down. That definitely softens the blow of spending five grand on something I hope to never need.

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*Gold = covers drivetrain issues, breakdowns, engine, fuel system, cooling system, transmission, final drive assembly, steering, ABS, electrical, heat, and A/C. The only thing it doesn't have covered that is covered by the Platinum plan is the audio, entertainment, navigation, etc. The deductible is $50.

I bought the extended warranty and maintenance for 2009 750li $6700 and it extended the coverages to 6 year/100k miles. You don't put on a lot of miles so you can skip the maintenance. At the very least, get the extended warranty. You can shop around and you can get third-party coverages also. They vary from company to company but some make you pay for any repairs upfront, and then you get reimbursed. Others have higher deductibles, while the BMW plan has a $50 deductible. You should shop around and you can certainly haggle. I am at 35k miles and all hopes to trading in my 6er has gone down the tubes so I will be getting the extended coverages very soon.

Why are you not targeting the platinum coverage?

I would get the BMW Coverage. Anything else I would stay away from. Extend warranty companies are about profit. They are real good at denying claims. If you do get one outside of BMW. Make sure you get an exclusionary one. One that lists clearly all the parts that are not covered as opposed to the parts that are. The exclusionary coverage give you a concrete idea of what is not covered. That would be my advice..

Originally Posted by hammadurb

I bought the extended warranty and maintenance for 2009 750li $6700 and it extended the coverages to 6 year/100k miles. You don't put on a lot of miles so you can skip the maintenance. At the very least, get the extended warranty.

I'll definitely check with some higher volume dealers and see if they can do better on the price. Luckily I've got some time. I had no idea what kind of money we'd be talking about, so I wanted to get a quote.

Anyone have any idea how much an oil change runs? I know it can vary from dealer to dealer, but I just want a figure, give or take $100 or so.

I'm not too concerned about wiper blades. I had mine for 11 months before they changed them, and they we doing as well as they always did at that time.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Ace535i

Why are you not targeting the platinum coverage?

I might. I tend to start cheaper and then ultimately upgrade before finally pulling the trigger. Started out looking at an E-Class coupe and then added an extra $40k to get my 6er

My biggest fear is the major mechanical stuff. I have no doubt that iDrive and audio repairs will be pricey, but likely not as bad as replacing engine components.

Originally Posted by EmM HoLLa

I would get the BMW Coverage. Anything else I would stay away from. Extend warranty companies are about profit. They are real good at denying claims. If you do get one outside of BMW. Make sure you get an exclusionary one. One that lists clearly all the parts that are not covered as opposed to the parts that are. The exclusionary coverage give you a concrete idea of what is not covered. That would be my advice..

Thanks for the tips. I'm leaning toward a BMW plan. I'd rather spend a little more and not have to jump through extra hoops or spend time fighting with other providers.

I think going with the entended warranty especially with X-Drive would a good move. And no way on the maintenance plan.

A $100 for an oilchange at a dealer does 4.4 sound low. Doesn't the N63 motor take 9 quarts of high-grade synethic for an oilchange?

You might want to check with Pacific BMW that hooked me up with a Zurich but also offer the BMW warranty. I've already used it with no problem and they do offer better prices than I was quoted at other dealerships. I think they are Bimmerfest sponsers and was referred to them from other happy Bimmerfesters!

Daniel Dutton
Finance Manager
Pacific BMW
(818) 552-4611

danieldutton@pacificbmw.com

Originally Posted by bigdgpa

You might want to check with Pacific BMW that hooked me up with a Zurich but also offer the BMW warranty. I've already used it with no problem and they do offer better prices than I was quoted at other dealerships. I think they are Bimmerfest sponsers and was referred to them from other happy Bimmerfesters!

Daniel Dutton
Finance Manager
Pacific BMW
(818) 552-4611

danieldutton@pacificbmw.com

Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely check them out.

That's a great idea about checking during the Festival for BMW sponsors who may be offering a great deal.

My wheel/tire policy is through Zurich (set up through my dealer). The one tire claim I made was completely painless. Drove in, new tire, drove out. Paperwork was all handled by SA.

Paid $4,500 when purchased the car for the warranty.
Think about it in a reality situation.

You need a head, transmission, one of the many computers, rear end, he'll who knows the BMW extended warranty is the way to go.
After spending 100G's you don't want to sell it because of the huge possibility megga buck repairs that will be on you if you would really like to keep it.

Originally Posted by southern6er22

Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely check them out.

Did you buy your extended warranty?

I'm going to hold off for a bit. I'm barely into year 2. I'm definitively leaning toward getting it, but I don't really see much point in paying for it right now. Sure, the price might go up a little between now and the next two years, but I'd rather make sure I want to keep the car 6 or 7 years before I lay out all that money. I had a rough patch recently, but I'm hoping that's over. If that continues, with or without a warranty, that will get old really quickly.

Although you don't seem to be driving long distances because of your mileage but you do travel. I remember you going to Spartanburg. My advice to you is if you do upgrade your protection plan make sure it is recognized by all BMW dealers. Ideally you would have a plan that covers what you have for the next three years beyond those years.

Originally Posted by pan

Although you don't seem to be driving long distances because of your mileage but you do travel. I remember you going to Spartanburg. My advice to you is if you do upgrade your protection plan make sure it is recognized by all BMW dealers. Ideally you would have a plan that covers what you have for the next three years beyond those years.

Yeah, I've pretty much decided on a BMW plan no matter the cost. BMW has its faults, but 99% of my experiences with them illustrate that if you shell out the big buck up front, then they'll do pretty much whatever you want without a hassle - engine upgrade and power trunk aside. lol

Originally Posted by southern6er22

I'm going to hold off for a bit. I'm barely into year 2. I'm definitively leaning toward getting it, but I don't really see much point in paying for it right now. Sure, the price might go up a little between now and the next two years, but I'd rather make sure I want to keep the car 6 or 7 years before I lay out all that money. I had a rough patch recently, but I'm hoping that's over. If that continues, with or without a warranty, that will get old really quickly.

You can always refi through a credit union when the time comes to buy extended warranty coverage at a discounted rate. I purchased my car this past December with 59k miles on it through PenFed based on their warranty coverage options and price.

I checked out their pricing and was shocked at the discounted member rates (anyone can join) for an extended warranty. I paid $1,895 (max amount if your car has less that 65k miles) for a 5 year/100,000 mile B2B warranty (Route 66). No way was I going to pass this up! It covers everything including seals and gaskets! All you have to do is take your car to the dealer or Indy of choice when you have an issue. I basically have a new car warranty with no worries for a 2004! Something to think about at half the price.

No I do not work for PenFed, just passing this along.

Good thinking.

Originally Posted by Vapiano

You can always refi through a credit union when the time comes to buy extended warranty coverage at a discounted rate. I purchased my car this past December with 59k miles on it through PenFed based on their warranty coverage options and price.

I checked out their pricing and was shocked at the discounted member rates (anyone can join) for an extended warranty. I paid $1,895 (max amount if your car has less that 65k miles) for a 5 year/100,000 mile B2B warranty (Route 66). No way was I going to pass this up! It covers everything including seals and gaskets! All you have to do is take your car to the dealer or Indy of choice when you have an issue. I basically have a new car warranty with no worries for a 2004! Something to think about at half the price.

No I do not work for PenFed, just passing this along.

Who is the administrator of your policy? How much is your deductible? Does it cover all electronics? Is your policy better than the platinum BMW extended warranty?

Originally Posted by Vapiano

You can always refi through a credit union when the time comes to buy extended warranty coverage at a discounted rate. I purchased my car this past December with 59k miles on it through PenFed based on their warranty coverage options and price.

I checked out their pricing and was shocked at the discounted member rates (anyone can join) for an extended warranty. I paid $1,895 (max amount if your car has less that 65k miles) for a 5 year/100,000 mile B2B warranty (Route 66).

Website says 6 series is excluded from this type of coverage.

When I had my last 6 series (2004) after much research I decided to go with full coverage with AA Autowarranty (NOT triple A, different company). I was never denied a claim (and there were several), however, I did run into a problem - they only covered hourly rates up to ~$85 / hr, where BMW charges ~$130/hr. So if I wanted my work done at the dealer I had to pay the difference.

If I had to do it again I would definitely go with the dealer warranty. I would just wait the last possible minute (not literally) so you know where you're at.

Miz

Hello, I just wanted to second the poster above who suggested Daniel Dutton and Pacific BMW for an extended warranty contact. I joined Bimmerfest specifically so I could take advantage of the PacBMW warranty pricing. Living in CA with our insurance regulations, I was very happy to find a dealer in CA who offered competitive pricing. The only options I had in the Bay Area were either MSRP on the Platinum warranty or the low pricing Hendrick warranty out of East Bay BMW and some really obnoxious financing and service guys at my three local dealers.

In my situation UPS overnight was involved and Daniel came in over the weekend to process my paperwork in time... on his day off I might add. They are legit, their pricing is amazing and I highly recommend using them. Apologies for jumping on the original thread, but I was not quite sure where else to give a recommendation, so hopefully this will be helpful to others. Carry on and good luck to all.

Daniel Dutton
Pacific BMW
Finance Manager
(818) 552-4611 - Direct
danieldutton@pacificbmw.com

Thanks for the recommendations. Glad to know there is an option other than getting robbed by my low-volume local dealer.