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      03-12-2017, 10:37 AM   #23
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Originally Posted by leo95se View Post
I am almost at 50k and debating this as well.
So far my maintenance has been 4 oil changes (plus some on my own) and one pair of wiper blades.
Brakes will likely last through 60k and cost around $1000 and an hour of my time. I am really struggling to see how you can break even on extended maintenance. 100k miles means 5 oil changes at $85 of oem parts. That's 850. Let's say they give you a LOT of wiper fluid, diesel additive etc. So round up to $1000. Plus a brake change. Bmw charges close to 2k. It costs under 1k in oem parts. So I'm at 2000 of maintenance.

What other costs come in to get you to break even here? I'm assuming extended maintenance is around 4K.

Thanks..
An oil change at the dealer is $130.00 and plugs get changed every 60K. Diesel engines probably have different schedules, I don't know.
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      03-12-2017, 11:40 AM   #24
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Originally Posted by puckybadger View Post
An oil change at the dealer is $130.00 and plugs get changed every 60K. Diesel engines probably have different schedules, I don't know.
Yeah sure the dealer will charge more for everything but you shouldn't really work it that way unless you are trying justify an extended maintenance you already got

The oil is only ~$6.50/L for 9L (that's the BMW 5W30 from the dealer), that's ~$58. Filter is on Amazon for only $18. That's $76 total. So $85 for a bit of overhead like maybe you need to buy a drain pan and ramp (for the life of this car and all your cars), but nothing close to $130.

Spark plugs are like $10/each. That's $80 max for parts, just mostly labor you can do yourself.

These figures are for the N63B44 motor, less if you have the N55B30.
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      03-13-2017, 12:24 PM   #25
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Originally Posted by alphaod View Post
Yeah sure the dealer will charge more for everything but you shouldn't really work it that way unless you are trying justify an extended maintenance you already got

The oil is only ~$6.50/L for 9L (that's the BMW 5W30 from the dealer), that's ~$58. Filter is on Amazon for only $18. That's $76 total. So $85 for a bit of overhead like maybe you need to buy a drain pan and ramp (for the life of this car and all your cars), but nothing close to $130.

Spark plugs are like $10/each. That's $80 max for parts, just mostly labor you can do yourself.

These figures are for the N63B44 motor, less if you have the N55B30.
Why would a DIYer like yourself even comment on the value of an extended maintenance plan? With my spare time I would rather be golfing or driving my 456M, not to mention I don't have the tools or knowledge to do my own repairs. Changing oil in the dead of winter might be fun for some, just not me.
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      03-14-2017, 12:54 PM   #26
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Originally Posted by leo95se View Post
I am almost at 50k and debating this as well.
So far my maintenance has been 4 oil changes (plus some on my own) and one pair of wiper blades.
Brakes will likely last through 60k and cost around $1000 and an hour of my time. I am really struggling to see how you can break even on extended maintenance. 100k miles means 5 oil changes at $85 of oem parts. That's 850. Let's say they give you a LOT of wiper fluid, diesel additive etc. So round up to $1000. Plus a brake change. Bmw charges close to 2k. It costs under 1k in oem parts. So I'm at 2000 of maintenance.

What other costs come in to get you to break even here? I'm assuming extended maintenance is around 4K.

Thanks..
the only way to breakeven on extended maintenance is to get 2 brake jobs in 2 years. Nearly impossible to do, unless you drive >40k miles. But to do that you need to drive highway miles, which requires less braking...

To date, I have yet to find a single person show me in an ex-post analysis that extended maintenance would have paid off in ANY BMW.
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      03-14-2017, 12:57 PM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by puckybadger View Post
An oil change at the dealer is $130.00 and plugs get changed every 60K. Diesel engines probably have different schedules, I don't know.
diesels are even less maintenance and cost. Oil change kits are $70 dollars for parts only. There are no spark plugs in diesels. Diesels do have DEF adds, but that's like dirt cheap...$10 for 2.5 gallons of DEF from Walmart if you use a modified Kruse bottle.

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Originally Posted by puckybadger View Post
Why would a DIYer like yourself even comment on the value of an extended maintenance plan? With my spare time I would rather be golfing or driving my 456M, not to mention I don't have the tools or knowledge to do my own repairs. Changing oil in the dead of winter might be fun for some, just not me.
you don't have to be a DIY to say that extended maintenance doesn't pay. I myself will never touch my brakes, not even pads. I will only do oil, air filter and DEF fluid on my diesel. I just had my brakes replaced on my car. I bought OE parts through online BMW retailer (discounted of course) and took it to an indie. I think all-in, it cost me less than $1000.
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      03-14-2017, 01:05 PM   #28
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Originally Posted by alphaod View Post
Yeah sure the dealer will charge more for everything but you shouldn't really work it that way unless you are trying justify an extended maintenance you already got

The oil is only ~$6.50/L for 9L (that's the BMW 5W30 from the dealer), that's ~$58. Filter is on Amazon for only $18. That's $76 total. So $85 for a bit of overhead like maybe you need to buy a drain pan and ramp (for the life of this car and all your cars), but nothing close to $130.

Spark plugs are like $10/each. That's $80 max for parts, just mostly labor you can do yourself.

These figures are for the N63B44 motor, less if you have the N55B30.
haha, yeah, I learned a long time ago, investing in good ramps to change oil in a BMW will pay for itself in 1-2 changes.

I bought raceramps ($220) to change my oil in the M3. Which is pricy. M3 oil change kits are about $145 for parts alone. Dealers generally charge $230-$250 for a change.

Now if you're like me and have a 2nd BMW, cost savings of DIY oil changes for 2nd car is just gravy on top. These days, I can do an oil change on either the X5 or M3 in 30 minutes with most of the time spent waiting for the oil to drain, including taking a Blackstone oil sample.

I also have the cleanup down to a science where it's only 10 minutes.

My only equipment investments for oil changes are:

1. raceramps $220
2. drainpan $10
3. disposable gloves $10 for like million of them
4. splatter pan $10
5. 2x funnels $10
6. extra gallon jugs free (from past oil changes and reusing old windshield wiper fluid bottles)
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      03-14-2017, 02:27 PM   #29
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got some quotes for compare. i drive 25-30k miles/year so the length doesnt matter to me.

extended maintenance - +75kmiles (good until 2021 or 125k miles): $3500

extended warranty: +50k (good until 100k miles or 2022)
gold package: $3500 - $3600 depending on dealer.
platinum: $4000

so, put your $4000 into a 5 year bond, make $900. take a gamble that the car will be ok.
more than likely, we will have to spend ~$2000 for repairs of misc nonsense, or if like my m3, a $900 sensor.

as explained above, oil changes are under $100, and you can even increase intervals to 5k (which i will on my 35d) and save money. a brake job will take around 2 hours. all in all, as long as nothing big pops up, i hope to stay in the black
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      03-15-2017, 06:41 PM   #30
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Quote:
Originally Posted by leo95se View Post
got some quotes for compare. i drive 25-30k miles/year so the length doesnt matter to me.

extended maintenance - +75kmiles (good until 2021 or 125k miles): $3500

extended warranty: +50k (good until 100k miles or 2022)
gold package: $3500 - $3600 depending on dealer.
platinum: $4000

so, put your $4000 into a 5 year bond, make $900. take a gamble that the car will be ok.
more than likely, we will have to spend ~$2000 for repairs of misc nonsense, or if like my m3, a $900 sensor.

as explained above, oil changes are under $100, and you can even increase intervals to 5k (which i will on my 35d) and save money. a brake job will take around 2 hours. all in all, as long as nothing big pops up, i hope to stay in the black

so in your case, there's still no chance your extended maintenance might breakeven. Assuming your current maintenance runs out in 2019 (4-years from 2015), you have 2 years to use $3500 worth of initial maintenance costs.

Break down as follows assuming the alternative cost of OEM parts and indie labor:

Brake job: $2000 (more likely going to be $1200)
3x oil changes: $300
10 gallons of Walmart DEF: $50
diesel fuel filter: $500 (more likely $200, it's a $40 filter, labor would be around $100)
Air filter x 3: $100

Sum = $2950 (more likely $1850)

BTW, these are generous labor and parts estimates for the biggest ticket item, the brake job. I was able to do an indie front brake swap with OE pads/rotors/wear indicators for $600 all in. ($200 labor, $400 parts)

There's not enough cabin air filters and wipers you can add to servicing in 2 years to make $1850 turn into $3500. Maybe during your dealer visits, you can swipe some magazines and M3 brochures, drink 10 cups of coffee, and take the entire basket of pastries, and flush the toilets 10 times to compensate...


Only way I can see you coming out ahead is you got an early brake job during your 4/50k period, and your upcoming brake job just falls during the early months of your extended maintenance plan. And then you squeeze in one more brake job towards the end of 2021 when you've driven 50k miles
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      03-15-2017, 07:14 PM   #31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flying Ace View Post
so in your case, there's still no chance your extended maintenance might breakeven. Assuming your current maintenance runs out in 2019 (4-years from 2015), you have 2 years to use $3500 worth of initial maintenance costs.

Break down as follows assuming the alternative cost of OEM parts and indie labor:

Brake job: $2000 (more likely going to be $1200)
3x oil changes: $300
10 gallons of Walmart DEF: $50
diesel fuel filter: $500 (more likely $200, it's a $40 filter, labor would be around $100)
Air filter x 3: $100

Sum = $2950 (more likely $1850)

BTW, these are generous labor and parts estimates for the biggest ticket item, the brake job. I was able to do an indie front brake swap with OE pads/rotors/wear indicators for $600 all in. ($200 labor, $400 parts)

There's not enough cabin air filters and wipers you can add to servicing in 2 years to make $1850 turn into $3500. Maybe during your dealer visits, you can swipe some magazines and M3 brochures, drink 10 cups of coffee, and take the entire basket of pastries, and flush the toilets 10 times to compensate...


Only way I can see you coming out ahead is you got an early brake job during your 4/50k period, and your upcoming brake job just falls during the early months of your extended maintenance plan. And then you squeeze in one more brake job towards the end of 2021 when you've driven 50k miles

the only time based maintenance is a brake fluid change, assuming you dont get to the interval, both of which are terribly exaggerated imo. everything else is interval based. so, whether my mileage runs out this summer, or time in 2 years, i dont see how anyone can break even. these cars wont use brakes in 50k. on my m3, i went through 3 replacements, was due for a 4th, and they rejected me. its not set up for you to win..
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      03-15-2017, 09:57 PM   #32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by leo95se View Post
the only time based maintenance is a brake fluid change, assuming you dont get to the interval, both of which are terribly exaggerated imo. everything else is interval based. so, whether my mileage runs out this summer, or time in 2 years, i dont see how anyone can break even. these cars wont use brakes in 50k. on my m3, i went through 3 replacements, was due for a 4th, and they rejected me. its not set up for you to win..
My M3 only had 2 changes within 5/40. Mostly bc my mileage was 30k at year 5
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      03-15-2017, 10:17 PM   #33
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My M3 only had 2 changes within 5/40. Mostly bc my mileage was 30k at year 5
Heh I hear ya. I drive mine around 6k miles a year but 99% track. So in its case the brakes actually wore ahead of their 'planned' schedule
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      03-15-2017, 11:52 PM   #34
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Heh I hear ya. I drive mine around 6k miles a year but 99% track. So in its case the brakes actually wore ahead of their 'planned' schedule
You sir, are doing it right.
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      03-16-2017, 08:00 AM   #35
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On the topic of maintenance and all that good stuff, what is the interval for changing the transmission fluid?

On my RDX they claimed the fluid would last forever and ever, but I changed the fluid every 30k miles.
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      03-16-2017, 09:06 AM   #36
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Originally Posted by puckybadger View Post
Why would a DIYer like yourself even comment on the value of an extended maintenance plan? With my spare time I would rather be golfing or driving my 456M, not to mention I don't have the tools or knowledge to do my own repairs. Changing oil in the dead of winter might be fun for some, just not me.
In my spare time I quite enjoy tinkering and fixing stuff so DIY car maintenance is just another thing I enjoy.

Even if I didn't to do it in the dead of winter, any shop indy shop that charges $20 for an oil change will likely change the oil for you for that $20 especially when you're providing your own oil and filter, so still less than the dealer.

And I'm commenting very simply because there will be people out there who may wish to DIY but think okay the dealer price isn't that bad, but now they will see the maintenance plan isn't that much of a value. It does however offer peace of mind if that's what some people are after.

Anyways happy driving
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      03-16-2017, 07:25 PM   #37
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Originally Posted by alphaod View Post
In my spare time I quite enjoy tinkering and fixing stuff so DIY car maintenance is just another thing I enjoy.

Even if I didn't to do it in the dead of winter, any shop indy shop that charges $20 for an oil change will likely change the oil for you for that $20 especially when you're providing your own oil and filter, so still less than the dealer.

And I'm commenting very simply because there will be people out there who may wish to DIY but think okay the dealer price isn't that bad, but now they will see the maintenance plan isn't that much of a value. It does however offer peace of mind if that's what some people are after.

Anyways happy driving
if youre pimping in a scuderia you likely dont mind a couple of bucks for a low cost daily driver bmw service.
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      03-16-2017, 08:11 PM   #38
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if youre pimping in a scuderia you likely dont mind a couple of bucks for a low cost daily driver bmw service.
My friend who owns three Ferraris definitely minds paying $150 for service when he can get it done for $80 at the indy shop.
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      03-17-2017, 09:11 AM   #39
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if youre pimping in a scuderia you likely dont mind a couple of bucks for a low cost daily driver bmw service.
You don't become rich by spending your money!

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      03-17-2017, 09:35 AM   #40
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My friend who owns three Ferraris definitely minds paying $150 for service when he can get it done for $80 at the indy shop.
Saving money on Ferrari service is an oxymoron.
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      03-17-2017, 12:21 PM   #41
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Originally Posted by alejo_mauer View Post
On the topic of maintenance and all that good stuff, what is the interval for changing the transmission fluid?

On my RDX they claimed the fluid would last forever and ever, but I changed the fluid every 30k miles.
BMW also says it's a lifetime fluid.

It can be changed, but it's a messy endeavor, at least on the E70 it was. It's not exactly a drain then plug situation as I don't think a drain plug exists, and requires your dropping the pan and then installing a new gasket IIRC.

when confronted with this, most people would either opt to not change it, or pay an indie to change it.
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      03-17-2017, 12:24 PM   #42
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My friend who owns three Ferraris definitely minds paying $150 for service when he can get it done for $80 at the indy shop.
on his BMW, sure I believe that.

But I doubt he's going indy on a Ferrari maintenance. Isn't the whole preowned value of a Ferrari built into full dealer service records and all that jazz?
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      03-17-2017, 12:24 PM   #43
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Saving money on Ferrari service is an oxymoron.
I think he's talking about a Ferrari owner saving money on servicing his BMW or alternative car.
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      03-17-2017, 12:28 PM   #44
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You don't become rich by spending your money!

fast forward to minute 1:00 for joke

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