[RCx03]

Hey everyone. Currently eyeing a used 2020 M2C with ~12K miles and about 1-1/2 year left on factory warranty. My local BMW has offered an extended warranty for 6yr/60K Miles for $4.8K for the BMW Platinum Care. I know modern bmws are more reliable than their earlier counterparts but I wanted to get a feel from other members here about their experience. In your opinion is it worth the extra cash? Why or why not?

[BigKutta]

I never buy these, because its obviously designed to make the seller money. You have hardly any miles on this car and most likely you wont use it, but there's always that off chance.

Just once I did bite on a maintenance program when I recently bought my CPO G20, It gave me free maint for 2 years for something ridiculous like $600. I took it...that was a no brainer

[DanG]

I am one that always self insures. I never have had a BMW that repairs exceeded the warranty costs.

[happyjack]

Originally Posted by DanG

I am one that always self insures. I never have had a BMW that repairs exceeded the warranty costs.

exactly...the S55 and the F87 platform in general has proven to be extremely reliable. put away $400-$500/month for maintenance and major repairs and i think you'll find that you instead have enough cash for a sizeable down payment when you buy your next car in 5 years.

Originally Posted by BigKutta

Just once I did bite on a maintenance program when I recently bought my CPO G20, It gave me free maint for 2 years for something ridiculous like $600. I took it...that was a no brainer

maintenance plan is generally a solid deal if the car is a daily driver that racks up miles. i made out like a bandit on my F22 when i was commuting 100-miles daily.

[m2ss]

Originally Posted by DanG

I am one that always self insures. I never have had a BMW that repairs exceeded the warranty costs.

Same here.

[captain slowly]

I'm not against warranties, but it depends on the car. For example, when we bought my wife's GTI back in the day, the extended warranty was something like $1500 so I bought it. While the GTI isn't known as an unreliable car, the warranty did pay over $5000 so there is that. The F87 S55 is reliable by BMW standards, but that doesn't mean much. For example, if the pcv goes bad, it usually takes out the rear main seal and that results in pretty nice bill, and isn't an if but a when. Everyone is different when it comes to risk tolerance, so its your decision. For what its worth, I did not buy the extended warranty.

[slashtom]

I did 7 year 75k miles for $4K. Granted it’s a 2020 with a 2019 service date and only has 13k miles.

[No_curebimmer]

Sure, the S55 platform has proven to be a very solid one…but I like extended warranty, especially for a decent cost. Back in Sept ‘22, I had my last in warranty visit at the dealer (4yr would have been up at end of Sept). I asked my SA for any ‘deals’ on extended warranties.

- got a quote from BMW similar to yours, over 4K for and extra 2 yrs or > 6 k for 4 yrs
- 2nd quote was via an insurance company they do business w/ (think it is Progressive or something similar)… 2,300 until 2028, bumper to bumper (like factory one), but w/ $200 copay.

Took the 2nd one since I like dealing with my dealer (they did a full swap on the VANOS motors min questions, had the infamous clicking sound upon unlocking the car). I figured, if something like a HVAC, add a window motor here or there, or anything electrical…it would more than offset my cost.

Ask your SA…there are options.

PS the deal was good because I had <10k miles and purchased it before the factory was up.

[SchnellerM2C]

As a shop owner and one who has dealt with getting customer repairs covered by extended warranty companies, I personally wouldn't buy an aftermarket warranty. The marketing materials sound all encompassing, but when it comes time to authorize a claim the language is very specific and much of what you think will be covered isn't.

So, bottom line read the contract.If you are not mechanically minded, get someone who is to look at what's covered & what isn't. Usually things that never fail are covered & items that have higher failure rates aren't. If there's an internal engine problem the customer has to pay for the teardown and have some machinist inspect the parts & document that a covered part caused the failure. It's a steep hill and I've never had a customer go through with a teardown, because there's no guarantee the warranty company will pay afterwards.

That being said, the warranty offered through BMW NA is better than most, but generally is designed to keep you at the dealer, and still doesn't cover all that you think it does.

Here's the rub...
Realize that the extended warranty is just an insurance policy - a bet if you will - that your car won't break (for the items they decide to cover). You're betting it will break, and that "everything" the marketing brochure implies is covered, actually is. The odds are however stacked in their favor for you to lose that bet - they have the data & know what fails - & what doesn't, and they worded their contract so they won't lose.

So, if you have $4K-$5K burning a hole in your pocket that you just can't wait to hand over to someone for safe keeping, might I suggest handing it over to yourself, putting it in some high yield account, forgetting about it & then when you need it, it'll be there for that rainy day.

[m2ss]

Originally Posted by SchnellerM2C

So, if you have $4K-$5K burning a hole in your pocket that you just can't wait to hand over to someone for safe keeping, might I suggest handing it over to yourself, putting it in some high yield account, forgetting about it & then when you need it, it'll be there for that rainy day.

[sycd]

I bought my low mileage M2 used and initially bought an extended warranty through my credit unit with whom I financed the car. It was in the same range. After mulling things over and reading through the contract in more detail, I came to the same conclusion as the folks above and cancelled the contract.

The only plan I'm considering to get from BMW is the upgraded and extended service plan. I think I've saved money with those on M cars between brakes, spark plugs and other service.

[No_curebimmer]

Despite my choice of picking up an EW…I recognize the sage advise given here!

[ChiTownM]

Lots of great advice here, you need to make the choice. Dealer warranty = easiest to deal with, you continue using your existing relationships and need to understand what you are buying, what would be covered vs. not.

3rd party, make sure your preferred dealer - if you have one - likes working with that company. Again read fine print.

Another option is to have a relationship with a good independent mechanic. There repair rates are typically lower and you can get more covered with the money you are saving by not buying a warranty.

I did buy a warranty when I bought my e36M3 and that was godsend, since I drove it for 70K miles and stuff needed to be addressed. Since then, I have not done so anymore since I do not drive my cars that much.

In addition, it goers a long way to create a strong bond with your preferred dealer. My e70 X5M was a money pit after the warranty was up, but much was covered through goodwill by BMW since my dealer went to bat for me, given our long standing relationship.

I also recommend BMWCCA membership, many dealers honor discounted part prices and other benefits.

[medphysdave]

Another data point. The instructors at the BMW performance center stated that the M2 is by far the most reliable cars they have. They can just beat on them and they keep going and going. Then there are the independent reviews of the 2 series saying they are the most trouble free bmws.

I think with proper maintenance the M2C is what I would consider a bullet proof platform. No frills to really go wrong and a reliable proven drivetrain.

[RCx03]

Hey y'all bit of an update!

Finally pulled the trigger and this thing has been absolutely wicked, loving the new drive. I did end up springing for the extended warranty as they dropped the price to $2.8K so for me it was a peace of mind purchase.

Thanks for all your input and feedback!