Debate: 335i Extended Maintenance Worth It?

Smythe · 10-20-2009, 04:57 PM

I just got quoted $2595 for extended maintenance from my dealer. At $1800, it seems tempting to me, but definitely not at $2595. Ouch!

I'm currently at 34mo/47k mi, so mileage wise, I would take good advantage of the extension. Hmmm....

AR335 · 01-10-2011, 02:55 PM

To all helpful 335i owners,

Hoping some of you will have more experience and feedback, since it's been over a year since the last reply. Sorry for the long-winded post.

I need your advice and feedback, immediately. As I only have until tomorrow to report back to the dealer. Reached 50K miles this past Friday. Dealer is giving me until tomorrow to decide if I want to purchase the extended maintenance for $2400.00, out the door.

Car info: 2007 335i Coupe, Sport Package, 6MT, without Navigation

Covered maintenance performed thus far:
Standard scope and CBS resets at every service
Three complete scheduled oil change services (third oil service performed at 49,995 miles)
Two unscheduled oil changes
One microfilter service at 25K miles
Two brake fluid changes/flushes
Spark plug service/replacement at 43,600 miles

Issues resolved per car warranty:
Wastgate actuators problem fixed, per SIB - also required reprogram/update with latest software
Rear brake squeaking problem fixed when accelerating up to 20 MPH - required replacing brake pads and sensors per SIB. This is not considered a brake service/replacement.

Note 1: I do not have the infamous fuel pump problem. At least up until now. But I believe that is covered by BMW for all vehicles up until 100K miles.
Note 2: I do not drive my 335i hard and live in Southern California, L.A. County.

I drive 20K miles per year. So in two years my car will have, give or take, 90K+ miles. My questions for all of you, what should I expect to have done on my 335i for the next 40K miles, either scheduledm unscheduled or unexpected ? The dealer tried to coax me into buying the extended warranty by mentioning that a major service is due at 60K and 80K miles. They also mentioned a clutch service, a turbo service and brake and rotor replacement will all be due. Which all add up to way more than $2400.00. What do you guys think ? What are your experiences and what have you had done to your 335i after the maintenance warranty expired ? What costs am I looking at ? I'm trying itemize each service and expense to see if it exceeds or comes within $500.00 from the renewal cost. I found a reputable BMW-only mechanic nearby where I live. I've had my two unscheduled oil changes done by them and will more than likely go to him if I decide not to renew.

You're input and feedback will be greatly appreciated.

AR335

secretsquirrel · 01-10-2011, 03:31 PM

I think the extended warranty is worth it if you plan to keep your car for many years (as I do). However, the extended maint is very expensive and i wouldn't do.

BerkTechnology · 01-10-2011, 03:53 PM

Extended maintenance = NO NO NO NO NO! BMW has structured their factory recommended maintenance to have the longest intervals possible. When I say long how does forever sound? haha

For $1800-2500 you are really getting:

4 oil changes
1 cabin filter
spark plugs
coolant
possibly 1 brake pad change

Extended warranty = Just depends on your personal preference.

It's like car insurance. You might be screwed if you really need it, but 99% of us pay way more into the system than we actually get out of it. I personally have never had my own insurance company pay out a claim on me.

omerthe1st · 01-10-2011, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BerkTechnology

Extended maintenance = NO NO NO NO NO! BMW has structured their factory recommended maintenance to have the longest intervals possible. When I say long how does forever sound? haha

For $1800-2500 you are really getting:

4 oil changes
1 cabin filter
spark plugs
coolant
possibly 1 brake pad change

Extended warranty = Just depends on your personal preference.

It's like car insurance. You might be screwed if you really need it, but 99% of us pay way more into the system than we actually get out of it. I personally have never had my own insurance company pay out a claim on me.

Yeah the extended maintenence I didn't do but warranty I considered (and later didn't do) because I don't keep on keeping my cars that long. Just like many said here before me, its all on personal preference.

davedave1234 · 01-11-2011, 07:30 AM

I just bought a used 335i non CPO with 26K on it and have the warranty and maint. untill october of this year or 50K. I will most likely be at or over the 50K by then as I put 20-25K a year on my cars. I am def going to extend the warranty but I am thinking the maint is not worth it and from what I have read on here everyone agrees. Is there anyone that thinks the maint. extension is worth it? and why?

Thanks for any input,
Dave

P.S. is there a way to get it CPO'ed?

anerbe · 01-11-2011, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davedave1234

I just bought a used 335i non CPO with 26K on it and have the warranty and maint. untill october of this year or 50K. I will most likely be at or over the 50K by then as I put 20-25K a year on my cars. I am def going to extend the warranty but I am thinking the maint is not worth it and from what I have read on here everyone agrees. Is there anyone that thinks the maint. extension is worth it? and why?

Thanks for any input,
Dave

P.S. is there a way to get it CPO'ed?

Only way to CPO it is if the vehicle is not registered, and is under ownership of the dealership. You would have to sell them the car, and then have them certify it and then sell it back to you. With the added cost of paying sales tax again and the added headache, it's probably not worth it unless you are going with one of their finance specials. Also note that the dealership will expect some money out of this too, on top of the cost to certify the vehicle. Expect to pay $2500-3000 to the dealership alone, and then you will need to add sales tax.

boom · 01-11-2011, 10:19 AM

How much does the extended warranty (gold) go for?

bulldog_yyc · 01-11-2011, 11:59 AM

if you are the original owner and have a sense of what the issues are with the car and are comfortable with them, Id suggest taking $2000-$3000 that you would have had to spend on a warranty product and investing it in stable/high yield stock, such as a REIT or infrastructure/utility in a tax sheltered account. That way you build up a reserve cushion in case you need to pay for repairs and in the chance that there are no repairs, you have a nice downpayment for your next ride. On the flip side, if you do have to make repairs, remember that you will always pay less if you can get work done at an indy shop (yes I know certain jobs can only be done at the dealer and parts remain relatively expensive no matter which route you go). Thats what I am thinking of doing anyways...

davedave1234 · 01-11-2011, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anerbe

Only way to CPO it is if the vehicle is not registered, and is under ownership of the dealership. You would have to sell them the car, and then have them certify it and then sell it back to you. With the added cost of paying sales tax again and the added headache, it's probably not worth it unless you are going with one of their finance specials. Also note that the dealership will expect some money out of this too, on top of the cost to certify the vehicle. Expect to pay $2500-3000 to the dealership alone, and then you will need to add sales tax.

Thanks for the info, I think I will stick with a aftermarket one that covers the turbos (quoted $2400) and call it a day.

davedave1234 · 01-11-2011, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turkish335

if you are the original owner and have a sense of what the issues are with the car and are comfortable with them, Id suggest taking $2000-$3000 that you would have had to spend on a warranty product and investing it in stable/high yield stock, such as a REIT or infrastructure/utility in a tax sheltered account. That way you build up a reserve cushion in case you need to pay for repairs and in the chance that there are no repairs, you have a nice downpayment for your next ride. On the flip side, if you do have to make repairs, remember that you will always pay less if you can get work done at an indy shop (yes I know certain jobs can only be done at the dealer and parts remain relatively expensive no matter which route you go). Thats what I am thinking of doing anyways...

Not a bad option I guess.

BQTuning · 01-11-2011, 02:46 PM

I did not extent mine. I stayed with the CPO. For the amount of mile I do and the expiration date time to come, it was not worth it.

I will just pay the oil change and other stuff as they come.

Changing breaks is the killer. I heard you have to change both brakes and rotars, there is no cutting rotars for reuse ?

AR335 · 01-11-2011, 03:11 PM

Thank you all for your input/feedback.

Okay, going by the my instrument cluster display, the following services will be due at mileage:

Microfilter: 80,000 [is that at 80K or 80K more miles?]
Rear Brake Pads: 6,000 [therefore at 56K miles]
Service Requirements: 11,000 [therefore at 61K miles]
Engine Oil: 17,000 [which means I would need two oil services]
Front Brake Pads: 21,000 [therefore at 71K miles]
Brake Fluid: on 09/2012
Spark Plugs: 39,000 [therefore at 89K miles]

So, I average 20K miles a year. In two years I will have racked 40K more miles. Add that to the 50K I already have and I will be at roughly 90K+ miles in two years.

Am I missing any other services that need to be done? Can anyone indicate more or less how much with the dealer these services are if I don't have the extended maintenance ? How much would an independent BMW mechanic charge?

Again, your help, input and feedback would be appreciated. I have until end of day today to let the dealer know if I want to purchase the Extended Maintenance.

AR335

GiRtHyN55 · 01-11-2011, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BerkTechnology

Extended maintenance = NO NO NO NO NO! BMW has structured their factory recommended maintenance to have the longest intervals possible. When I say long how does forever sound? haha

For $1800-2500 you are really getting:

4 oil changes
1 cabin filter
spark plugs
coolant
possibly 1 brake pad change

Extended warranty = Just depends on your personal preference.

It's like car insurance. You might be screwed if you really need it, but 99% of us pay way more into the system than we actually get out of it. I personally have never had my own insurance company pay out a claim on me.

The maintence plan also covers your clutch (pressure plate and disc) and also drive belts. Coolant isnt covered since 04 due to BMW changing to the "lifetime" coolant. Also parking brake shoes and cables as well. I think its not a bad deal , esp if you have a 6MT

BerkTechnology · 01-11-2011, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AR335

Thank you all for your input/feedback.

Okay, going by the my instrument cluster display, the following services will be due at mileage:

Microfilter: 80,000 [is that at 80K or 80K more miles?]
Rear Brake Pads: 6,000 [therefore at 56K miles]
Service Requirements: 11,000 [therefore at 61K miles]
Engine Oil: 17,000 [which means I would need two oil services]
Front Brake Pads: 21,000 [therefore at 71K miles]
Brake Fluid: on 09/2012
Spark Plugs: 39,000 [therefore at 89K miles]

So, I average 20K miles a year. In two years I will have racked 40K more miles. Add that to the 50K I already have and I will be at roughly 90K+ miles in two years.

Am I missing any other services that need to be done? Can anyone indicate more or less how much with the dealer these services are if I don't have the extended maintenance ? How much would an independent BMW mechanic charge?

Again, your help, input and feedback would be appreciated. I have until end of day today to let the dealer know if I want to purchase the Extended Maintenance.

AR335

I'm being very generous on what an independent shop may charge for those services out of pocket:

$150 - Microfilter
$300 - rear pads
$150 - oil/filter
$300 - front pads
$100 - brake fluid change
$150 - plugs (but IIRC BMW calls for a 100K change interval)

$1150 Total.

It is all easy routine stuff that does not need to be done by a BMW specialist or dealer.

dlbrooks18 · 01-11-2011, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hl0m4n

my dealer is charging $1,800 for the extended maintenance but my question is is it worth it? it is 6 year 100,000 miles i believe. will the services pay for itself? how many times will i get serviced? lets break it down, please add if i missed anything.

i don't have i-drive in front of me so i don't know what the service intervals are to find out how many times i will get serviced, hopefully someone can help with this.

Oil Change: $70 (i do my own every 5k miles but BMW= 15k intervals)
Cabin Filter: $35
Spark Plug: $72 ($12 Each)
Front Brake Pad: $110x2= $220
Rear Brake Pad: $75x2= $150
Front Rotor: $120x2= $240
Rear Rotor: $85x2= $170

The dealer quoted me at $32 each for plugs??

I335 · 01-11-2011, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GiRtHyN55

The maintence plan also covers your clutch (pressure plate and disc) and also drive belts. Coolant isnt covered since 04 due to BMW changing to the "lifetime" coolant. Also parking brake shoes and cables as well. I think its not a bad deal , esp if you have a 6MT

Unless you track your car or don't drive an MT very well you shouldn't need a new clutch until well past 100K miles. The extended maintenance is definitely not worth the cost but the warranty may be...

I335 · 01-11-2011, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlbrooks18

The dealer quoted me at $32 each for plugs??

Sounds like you need to find another dealer - that's insane...

AR335 · 01-11-2011, 05:53 PM

Have the following quotes/estimates from a local BMW-only mechanic:

Micro filter-(air conditioning paper filter)-$48.50
Rear brakes complete(Pads,rotors,and sensor-$565.00
engine oil-$120.00
front brakes (complete also)-$710.00
brake fluid flush-$95.00
Spark plugs due at 100,000 miles-$265.00
possible vehicle check also-$190.00

Also, GiRtHyN55 mentioned I might need to perform the following:

Mechanic stated that unless I really beat and race my car, he doubts that I will be replacing the clutch in within the next two years. But in the event I had to replace your clutch assembly including the dual mass flywheel -clutch assembly estimate $2700.00

Drive belts-$165.00

Brake shoes are not replaced- usually just rear brakes

Has not replaced parking brake cable on any E36,E46,E90 3-series here all year.

All in all, it comes out to almost $2300.00, assuming I need two oil change services. The extended maintenance is $2400.00. Looks like I'm buying the E.M.

AR335

hipnotic · 01-11-2011, 06:04 PM

not worth it

AR335 · 01-11-2011, 06:46 PM

josh06lau,

I noticed you're in SoCal. Do you know of an independent BMW mechanic?

AR335 · 01-12-2011, 11:53 AM

Well, I broke down and bought the E.M. After calling several dealers I was able to purchase it for $2095.00, instead of $2400.00.

Thank you all again for your feedback and input. I really appreciate it.

On a totally different topic, and seeing that I can perform a simple search in this forum, can somebody send me a thread link that discusses the pros and cons on the Performance Air Intake system? I'm thinking about having it installed. Thanks.

10-20-2009, 04:57 PM	#23
Smythe Private 5 Rep 72 Posts Drives: LR3, e90 335i (Montego) Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Los Altos, CA iTrader: (0)	I just got quoted $2595 for extended maintenance from my dealer. At $1800, it seems tempting to me, but definitely not at $2595. Ouch! I'm currently at 34mo/47k mi, so mileage wise, I would take good advantage of the extension. Hmmm.... __________________ 2007 e90 335i in Montego Blue - Nov06 build 2012 X5 35d 2013 GTI 2002 Chevy 2500HD Duramax
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01-10-2011, 02:55 PM	#24
AR335 New Member 0 Rep 25 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: May 2010 Location: West Covina, CA iTrader: (0)	To purchase or not purchase Extended Maintenance To all helpful 335i owners, Hoping some of you will have more experience and feedback, since it's been over a year since the last reply. Sorry for the long-winded post. I need your advice and feedback, immediately. As I only have until tomorrow to report back to the dealer. Reached 50K miles this past Friday. Dealer is giving me until tomorrow to decide if I want to purchase the extended maintenance for $2400.00, out the door. Car info: 2007 335i Coupe, Sport Package, 6MT, without Navigation Covered maintenance performed thus far: Standard scope and CBS resets at every service Three complete scheduled oil change services (third oil service performed at 49,995 miles) Two unscheduled oil changes One microfilter service at 25K miles Two brake fluid changes/flushes Spark plug service/replacement at 43,600 miles Issues resolved per car warranty: Wastgate actuators problem fixed, per SIB - also required reprogram/update with latest software Rear brake squeaking problem fixed when accelerating up to 20 MPH - required replacing brake pads and sensors per SIB. This is not considered a brake service/replacement. Note 1: I do not have the infamous fuel pump problem. At least up until now. But I believe that is covered by BMW for all vehicles up until 100K miles. Note 2: I do not drive my 335i hard and live in Southern California, L.A. County. I drive 20K miles per year. So in two years my car will have, give or take, 90K+ miles. My questions for all of you, what should I expect to have done on my 335i for the next 40K miles, either scheduledm unscheduled or unexpected ? The dealer tried to coax me into buying the extended warranty by mentioning that a major service is due at 60K and 80K miles. They also mentioned a clutch service, a turbo service and brake and rotor replacement will all be due. Which all add up to way more than $2400.00. What do you guys think ? What are your experiences and what have you had done to your 335i after the maintenance warranty expired ? What costs am I looking at ? I'm trying itemize each service and expense to see if it exceeds or comes within $500.00 from the renewal cost. I found a reputable BMW-only mechanic nearby where I live. I've had my two unscheduled oil changes done by them and will more than likely go to him if I decide not to renew. You're input and feedback will be greatly appreciated. AR335
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01-10-2011, 03:31 PM	#25
secretsquirrel Colonel 130 Rep 2,291 Posts Drives: f80 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Far North Dallas iTrader: (2)	I think the extended warranty is worth it if you plan to keep your car for many years (as I do). However, the extended maint is very expensive and i wouldn't do.
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01-10-2011, 03:53 PM	#26
BerkTechnology Lieutenant Colonel 223 Rep 1,565 Posts Drives: Fast Join Date: May 2008 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (1)	Extended maintenance = NO NO NO NO NO! BMW has structured their factory recommended maintenance to have the longest intervals possible. When I say long how does forever sound? haha For $1800-2500 you are really getting: 4 oil changes 1 cabin filter spark plugs coolant possibly 1 brake pad change Extended warranty = Just depends on your personal preference. It's like car insurance. You might be screwed if you really need it, but 99% of us pay way more into the system than we actually get out of it. I personally have never had my own insurance company pay out a claim on me.
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01-11-2011, 07:30 AM	#28
davedave1234 New Member 0 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 135i (on order) Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South FL iTrader: (0)	I just bought a used 335i non CPO with 26K on it and have the warranty and maint. untill october of this year or 50K. I will most likely be at or over the 50K by then as I put 20-25K a year on my cars. I am def going to extend the warranty but I am thinking the maint is not worth it and from what I have read on here everyone agrees. Is there anyone that thinks the maint. extension is worth it? and why? Thanks for any input, Dave P.S. is there a way to get it CPO'ed?
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01-11-2011, 10:19 AM	#30
boom My X5d tows my spec miata to the track. 74 Rep 1,254 Posts Drives: 2010 X5 35d Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	How much does the extended warranty (gold) go for?
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01-11-2011, 11:59 AM	#31
bulldog_yyc Major General 130 Rep 5,040 Posts Drives: GT3RS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: probably work iTrader: (28)	if you are the original owner and have a sense of what the issues are with the car and are comfortable with them, Id suggest taking $2000-$3000 that you would have had to spend on a warranty product and investing it in stable/high yield stock, such as a REIT or infrastructure/utility in a tax sheltered account. That way you build up a reserve cushion in case you need to pay for repairs and in the chance that there are no repairs, you have a nice downpayment for your next ride. On the flip side, if you do have to make repairs, remember that you will always pay less if you can get work done at an indy shop (yes I know certain jobs can only be done at the dealer and parts remain relatively expensive no matter which route you go). Thats what I am thinking of doing anyways...
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01-11-2011, 02:46 PM	#34
BQTuning Banned 469 Rep 4,392 Posts Drives: 2012 Z4 sDrive35i M Sport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: bq@bqtuning.com iTrader: (0)	I did not extent mine. I stayed with the CPO. For the amount of mile I do and the expiration date time to come, it was not worth it. I will just pay the oil change and other stuff as they come. Changing breaks is the killer. I heard you have to change both brakes and rotars, there is no cutting rotars for reuse ?
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01-11-2011, 03:11 PM	#35
AR335 New Member 0 Rep 25 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: May 2010 Location: West Covina, CA iTrader: (0)	Extended Maintenace - to purchase or not to purchase Thank you all for your input/feedback. Okay, going by the my instrument cluster display, the following services will be due at mileage: Microfilter: 80,000 [is that at 80K or 80K more miles?] Rear Brake Pads: 6,000 [therefore at 56K miles] Service Requirements: 11,000 [therefore at 61K miles] Engine Oil: 17,000 [which means I would need two oil services] Front Brake Pads: 21,000 [therefore at 71K miles] Brake Fluid: on 09/2012 Spark Plugs: 39,000 [therefore at 89K miles] So, I average 20K miles a year. In two years I will have racked 40K more miles. Add that to the 50K I already have and I will be at roughly 90K+ miles in two years. Am I missing any other services that need to be done? Can anyone indicate more or less how much with the dealer these services are if I don't have the extended maintenance ? How much would an independent BMW mechanic charge? Again, your help, input and feedback would be appreciated. I have until end of day today to let the dealer know if I want to purchase the Extended Maintenance. AR335
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01-11-2011, 05:53 PM	#41
AR335 New Member 0 Rep 25 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: May 2010 Location: West Covina, CA iTrader: (0)	Independent BMW Mechanic Have the following quotes/estimates from a local BMW-only mechanic: Micro filter-(air conditioning paper filter)-$48.50 Rear brakes complete(Pads,rotors,and sensor-$565.00 engine oil-$120.00 front brakes (complete also)-$710.00 brake fluid flush-$95.00 Spark plugs due at 100,000 miles-$265.00 possible vehicle check also-$190.00 Also, GiRtHyN55 mentioned I might need to perform the following: Mechanic stated that unless I really beat and race my car, he doubts that I will be replacing the clutch in within the next two years. But in the event I had to replace your clutch assembly including the dual mass flywheel -clutch assembly estimate $2700.00 Drive belts-$165.00 Brake shoes are not replaced- usually just rear brakes Has not replaced parking brake cable on any E36,E46,E90 3-series here all year. All in all, it comes out to almost $2300.00, assuming I need two oil change services. The extended maintenance is $2400.00. Looks like I'm buying the E.M. AR335
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01-11-2011, 06:04 PM	#42
hipnotic Major General 149 Rep 6,604 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: So. Cal iTrader: (7) Garage List 2008 335i coupe [7.00]	not worth it
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01-11-2011, 06:46 PM	#43
AR335 New Member 0 Rep 25 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: May 2010 Location: West Covina, CA iTrader: (0)	Extended Maintenance - to purchase or not to purchase josh06lau, I noticed you're in SoCal. Do you know of an independent BMW mechanic?
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01-12-2011, 11:53 AM	#44
AR335 New Member 0 Rep 25 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: May 2010 Location: West Covina, CA iTrader: (0)	Extended Maintenance Well, I broke down and bought the E.M. After calling several dealers I was able to purchase it for $2095.00, instead of $2400.00. Thank you all again for your feedback and input. I really appreciate it. On a totally different topic, and seeing that I can perform a simple search in this forum, can somebody send me a thread link that discusses the pros and cons on the Performance Air Intake system? I'm thinking about having it installed. Thanks.
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