Extended Warranty-HELP

[DMyers764]

I have a 325it wagon(I know.... but needed the space for my dogs). On december 7 it is off warranty and I am SCARED about repair costs. I think the car has a latent electrical problem which the dealer has found...surprise, surprise, but nonetheless I am scared.

There are two warranty plans I can purchase at a significant cost:

1. BMW Original Owner-protection program-2years/50K of extended coverage for a cost of $2495 or

2. Performance First underwritten by Allstate Ins and offered by the dealer. It seems to have more coverage and offers a disappearing deductible if the car is taken to SF BMW to be repaired. It is $2995 or 2695 with a 200 deductible.

Any help is greatly appreciated.....

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

How long does the second option last, and a $200 deductible on every problem will get you broke fast.. A well maintained 325it doesn't usually have any problems that haven't already manifested within the first 4yrs of ownership. I also wouldn't buy anything from Allstate.

If you tell us how much mileage is on the car, how well you maintained it, and the nature of its problems we mght be better able to help you. I personally would make the dealer fix the problem, and then guess if the car will need $2500 in repairs in the future. See if they offer a maintenance warranty, as dealer brake jobs and oil changes can get expensive...

 

[midtownkoi]

i'm not fimilar with either of the plans you have mentioned, but make sure you read the fine print. I looked into extended warranty companies for a used mercury mountaineer I had bought to get me through the winter. They all had deductibles, and they applied to each part, not each time the car would go in for repair. As an example, if there was a problem with both front wheel bearings, both the right and left would have their own deductible. Also, they will ask for all your maintainence records to make sure that everything was done in the timeframe the manufacturer reccommends, otherwise, they will deny any claims.

 

[DMyers764]

Extended warranty

The second option, THe Allstate plan is for 4years from date of purchase of the warranty extension(i.e. 12/7/05).

Milage-39201
I am the original owner
Up to now, have done all the required maintence per BMW reccomendations.

When I purchased the car, I did purchase the extended maintainence warranty plan for about $450 and did get a brake job out of it and the dealer said a brake job costs $1300 so it was worth it!

Nature of problems: You are correct that problems show-up in the first few months. A month after I got the car, it just died when I was driving down the street. It was towed to the dealer and a "chip" was replaced. I did not get more information than that. Currently. my issue is with the power door locks. I have intermittent electrical issues with them not working when I press the key or sometimes when I am in the car and press the button. Actually, today the little headlight symbol with the eyelashes appeared on the display screen again. This too is intermittent and when I took it to SF BMW this past week I was told the bulbs were changed. Also, the flasher for the turn signal is making weird sounds. BMWSF replaced the left bulbs and flasher last week why didn't they do the right? It just seems like this is a high performance machine that gobbles up $$$. I had to purchase new tires at 35,000 miles after having an uneventful blow-out. I replaced the tires with the same brand of tires(Michelin) that came on the car. It just seems like the car could become a huge money pit and it may become a BMtrouble you instead of BMW.

One more thing, what do you think of going to people other than the dealer? In the past I have always used regular shops with my other cars, but these were heaps of sh.. If you think non-dealer shops are ok, do you know of any in the S.F. Bay Area?

Again thanks for any help.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

I believe that other members could better advise you on the shops in that area, although a reputable mechanic who specializes in BMWs is a better option than the dealer.

35k is not bad for a set of Michelin all season (mx v4 energys?) tires to wear out. IMO tires should be replaced every 2-3 years.

As for the turn signal making weird noises (rapid ticking) and the eye lash light in the dash thats just normal when the amber blinker bulb is out. I had that intermittent problem with my 325i and I'm not quite sure how the dealer handled it as I no longer own the vehicle.

I would ask the dealer to replace the whole headlight housing and everything that goes with it, otherwise when the warranty runs out If they refuse to fix the problem I'd threaten litigation.

Overall, the door opening problem and the blinker problem are more of nuisances as opposed to major reliability problems. If you're not happy with the car, I'd sell it. Although if there is nothing wrong with the engine and you baby the car, then I don't see any potential problems. I'd personally take the gamble and skip the warranty, just make them solve the door lock/unlock and blinker not working issues. Goodluck.

 

[fritchy]

I agree with previous post. Find a good local german-motor mechanic, not the dealership. Look for a local BMW club in your area. These enthusists will for sure know of a good mechanic.

Insurance is typically a waste of money. Save your money and just pay for the repairs as they come up. Even with insurance you'll be spending money per repair. You know, all that fine print bulls--t.