[CINCYFAN]

I expect that the value of BMW Ultimate Care, whether or not to purchase, and shopping for the best deals has been debated extensively but I wasn't able to find anything when I searched the forums. My '19 X3 is the first BWM I've owned where all CBS maintenance isn't covered for the first 4/50k and I'm wondering if anyone has ever looked at the dealer service department pricing to figure out whether or not it makes financial sense. I guess the question is actually what's the break even point?

I wanted to compare the cost of cost of the 5/75k mile plan to the cost of going out of pocket at the dealership. Assuming you pay full price for UC, the 5/75k would be $2549 and based on my driving habits (12k miles a year) that would cover the following services (in addition to adding wiper blades, clutch, and brakes for the fist 36k miles):

40k mile service - vehicle check, vehicle scope, air filter, OFL, remote battery, micro filter, wiper blades - let's call it $525
50k mile service - OFL, scope, wiper blades - another $200
60k miles - OFL, scope, spark plugs, remote battery, micro filter, wiper blades - $735

The total is $1460 give or take and IF I would need front and rear brakes within five year (the plan will expire before I hit 75k miles) that would add another $1600 or so and put me @ $3060. That said, I've owned two previous BMWs and have never needed new brakes before 5/60k miles. Of course my indy shop would do the 40, 50, and 60k mile services for less than $1460 but servicing at the dealer is definitely more convenient.

Basically if you could buy the 5/75k for around $1500 you'd break even (compared to the dealer) and you'd be a huge winner if you got brakes out of it. Anyway, sorry for the long post but just wondering if anyone else had thought this through and made a decision one way or another.

[Diaolos]

Originally Posted by CINCYFAN

I expect that the value of BMW Ultimate Care, whether or not to purchase, and shopping for the best deals has been debated extensively but I wasn't able to find anything when I searched the forums. My '19 X3 is the first BWM I've owned where all CBS maintenance isn't covered for the first 4/50k and I'm wondering if anyone has ever looked at the dealer service department pricing to figure out whether or not it makes financial sense. I guess the question is actually what's the break even point?

I wanted to compare the cost of cost of the 5/75k mile plan to the cost of going out of pocket at the dealership. Assuming you pay full price for UC, the 5/75k would be $2549 and based on my driving habits (12k miles a year) that would cover the following services (in addition to adding wiper blades, clutch, and brakes for the fist 36k miles):

40k mile service - vehicle check, vehicle scope, air filter, OFL, remote battery, micro filter, wiper blades - let's call it $525
50k mile service - OFL, scope, wiper blades - another $200
60k miles - OFL, scope, spark plugs, remote battery, micro filter, wiper blades - $735

The total is $1460 give or take and IF I would need front and rear brakes within five year (the plan will expire before I hit 75k miles) that would add another $1600 or so and put me @ $3060. That said, I've owned two previous BMWs and have never needed new brakes before 5/60k miles. Of course my indy shop would do the 40, 50, and 60k mile services for less than $1460 but servicing at the dealer is definitely more convenient.

Basically if you could buy the 5/75k for around $1500 you'd break even (compared to the dealer) and you'd be a huge winner if you got brakes out of it. Anyway, sorry for the long post but just wondering if anyone else had thought this through and made a decision one way or another.

put 75$ a month in an account for maintenance that you may need down the road. Save your money

[CINCYFAN]

Yeah, I agree it's not worth it if you're spending $2400+ for the 5/75k Ultimate Care and know you won't need brakes. I was more curious about the break even point which is probably $1500 or so...basically, if I found the 5/75k for $1500-1600 it would be worth considering.

What I think I have a good handle on but am not entirely certain about is what services are CBS required @ 40, 50, & 60k miles. The X3 brake fluid and filter intervals are definitely longer than either my E90 or F30 3 series sedans.

Oh well, I expect I'll just be paying out of pocket once I get to the three year mark and the covered services expire.

[dinan5m3]

Originally Posted by CINCYFAN

... and IF I would need front and rear brakes within five year (the plan will expire before I hit 75k miles) that would add another $1600 or so

X3 xDrive30i front and rear pads replacement cost $1,600?

I wonder what X3 M40i would run me to have front and rear pads replaced.

I recall the BMW Ultimate Care+ covers just the pads.

[BigJake]

I don't think it is worth it.

My last car had the better plan, and I had them replace all brakes and rotors at 33k(they were worn) Would have cost me ~$1500.

I'm taking my chances now.

[tonyb15re]

why are you replacing Brake disks (rotors in US Speak) after only 33k are they made of butter?

[darrylo]

BMW rotors on new cars are pretty thin, to save on weight. Because of this, it's often recommended to replace the rotors (disks) along with the pads.

[BigJake]

^ What he said. Dealer said they were below spec.

[MediaMan]

Originally Posted by BigJake

^ What he said. Dealer said they were below spec.

Well, he would say that, wouldn't he?

[darrylo]

A little googling shows a few hits like these:

https://www.quora.com/Why-do-German-...-the-same-time

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...fact-myth.html

[Marty in NY]

If you choose not to buy the scheduled maintenance up front and you perform your own scheduled maintenance and lets say you keep accurate records of where you bought your parts, the mileage at which you did each scheduled step, etc, etc.
Then you have an issue and take it in to the dealer while its under warranty and they come back to you and say you need a new engine or engine work, or new this or new that, etc and warranty will not cover it because you did not follow the scheduled maintenance according to their records.

You explain that you did your own maintenance, you show them your records, etc. Will they believe you? Will that be enough to have your repair done under warranty?

Thoughts?

[Tenac]

Originally Posted by Marty in Bgm

If you choose not to buy the scheduled maintenance up front and you perform your own scheduled maintenance and lets say you keep accurate records of where you bought your parts, the mileage at which you did each scheduled step, etc, etc.
Then you have an issue and take it in to the dealer while its under warranty and they come back to you and say you need a new engine or engine work, or new this or new that, etc and warranty will not cover it because you did not follow the scheduled maintenance according to their records.

You explain that you did your own maintenance, you show them your records, etc. Will they believe you? Will that be enough to have your repair done under warranty?

Thoughts?

In the NA you cannot be turned down for warranty work if you performed your own maintenance, Its law. (Right to Repair Act) and there is another for warranty, (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act). That being said they can fight it but would have to prove the work performed caused the problem. Also you do not have to follow recommend maintenance either, heck BMW doesn't even do that anymore its based of vehicle feedback now. No mileage limits or anything.

[dinan5m3]

Originally Posted by darrylo

BMW rotors on new cars are pretty thin, to save on weight. Because of this, it's often recommended to replace the rotors (disks) along with the pads.

Does the BMW Ultimate Care+ cover the rotors (disks) ?

I recall BMW Ultimate Care+ only covers pads and wipers replacements.