Owning a BMW is not just about having a luxury vehicle; it’s about maintaining it in a way that keeps it running like the masterpiece it is. However, maintenance costs for luxury cars like BMWs can add up quickly. Thankfully, BMW offers an extended maintenance plan that helps alleviate some of the financial burden of keeping your car in top shape.
In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about the BMW extended maintenance plan, the options available, costs, benefits, and whether it’s really worth the investment for BMW owners. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision, allowing you to take control of your vehicle’s maintenance needs and costs.
What Is a BMW Extended Maintenance Plan?
A BMW extended maintenance plan is an option for BMW owners to extend their vehicle’s factory-recommended maintenance services beyond the standard coverage period. After the initial maintenance plan expires, this extended plan ensures that your BMW continues to receive regular upkeep, such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and other essential services that keep your car performing at its peak.
BMW’s factory maintenance plans are generally included with all new and Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, but once the initial plan ends, BMW offers extended maintenance options. These plans are designed to help manage the cost of routine services and can add significant value to the ownership experience.
Key Features of the BMW Extended Maintenance Plan
Before deciding whether or not to invest in an extended maintenance plan, let’s examine its core features. Understanding the details will help you decide if it fits your needs and whether it’s worth the cost.
Coverage
The BMW extended maintenance plan covers a wide range of maintenance services that are crucial for your vehicle’s longevity. This includes routine services like:
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Engine oil and filter changes
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Brake fluid replacement
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Brake pad and disc replacement
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Tire rotations
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Wiper blade replacement
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Cabin filter replacement
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Multi-point inspections
These services are typically scheduled at specific intervals, and the extended plan ensures that the cost of these services is covered, as long as they adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Authorized BMW Service Centers
One of the main benefits of the BMW extended maintenance plan is that all services must be carried out by authorized BMW service centers. This ensures that your car is serviced by professionals who are trained to work on BMW vehicles and use only genuine BMW parts. This is a major selling point because it guarantees the quality of the work and parts used on your vehicle, which independent shops may not be able to provide.
No Additional Costs
When you purchase an extended BMW maintenance plan, the price is locked in for the entire term of the plan. This means that even if labor rates and the cost of parts increase over time, you’ll still pay the same amount for your maintenance services. This can be a huge relief, especially as prices for vehicle maintenance tend to rise due to inflation and rising labor costs.
Types of BMW Extended Maintenance Plans
BMW offers several different extended maintenance plans to cater to various needs. Depending on your car’s model and your specific preferences, you may want to explore these options.
BMW Ultimate Care+
BMW’s Ultimate Care+ is the main extended maintenance plan that follows the initial factory coverage. This plan extends your maintenance services for an additional period, typically offering coverage for up to 7 years or 125,000 miles—whichever comes first. Ultimate Care+ includes all the same services as the original maintenance plan, covering everything from oil changes to brake services.
The BMW Ultimate Care+ plan comes in different terms, allowing you to choose how many additional years or miles of coverage you want. The typical term for this plan is 2-4 years, and it can be purchased anytime while your car is still under the original coverage.
Additional Coverage Options
Beyond the standard Ultimate Care+ plan, BMW also offers additional coverage options that can be bundled together or purchased separately. These include:
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BMW Tire and Wheel Protection: Covers tire and wheel damage due to road hazards.
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BMW Windshield Protection: Provides repairs for windshield chips and cracks.
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BMW Dent Protection: Repairs small dents up to four inches in diameter.
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BMW Lease-End Protection: Helps cover any fees for wear and tear when returning a leased vehicle.
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BMW Key Protection: Covers the replacement of lost or stolen keys.
These plans help BMW owners cover additional maintenance needs that often arise during vehicle ownership. Adding these to your package can ensure that you’re not caught off guard by unexpected costs.
Is a BMW Extended Maintenance Plan Worth It?
Now that we’ve covered the basics, the big question is: Is it worth it? The answer depends on your driving habits, how long you plan to keep your BMW, and your preferences for convenience and peace of mind. Let’s explore the pros and cons.
Benefits of the BMW Extended Maintenance Plan
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Prepaid Maintenance: Locking in the price for routine services can save you money in the long run if labor rates increase.
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Convenience: Having your maintenance costs covered takes the stress out of scheduling and paying for routine services.
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Peace of Mind: BMW owners know that their car is always in the hands of trained experts using original parts.
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Resale Value: Having a fully covered maintenance history can make your car more attractive to future buyers, especially if they value the use of authentic parts and factory-trained technicians.
Drawbacks of the BMW Extended Maintenance Plan
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Initial Cost: The upfront cost of purchasing an extended BMW maintenance plan, which can range from $2,000 to $3,000 depending on the length of coverage, might not seem worth it for some owners, especially those who may not drive frequently or are planning to sell their car soon.
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Limited Scope: While the plan covers a wide range of routine services, it does not cover unexpected repairs or damages. For those who want comprehensive coverage, including repairs after a breakdown, an extended warranty might be a better fit.
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Independence: BMW’s requirement to service the car at authorized dealerships can be limiting if you prefer to take your vehicle to an independent mechanic.
Cost of a BMW Extended Maintenance Plan
The cost of the BMW extended maintenance plan varies significantly depending on the model of your car, the length of coverage, and the dealer. On average, you can expect to pay around $2,500 to $3,000 for an additional two to four years of coverage.
In comparison to the individual cost of services (which can quickly add up to the same or more), the extended plan can be a cost-effective solution. However, it’s important to compare the plan with the cost of service at independent repair shops. Independent mechanics may offer similar services at a lower cost, but with less assurance regarding quality.
Final Thoughts
The BMW extended maintenance plan is a solid investment if you value peace of mind, convenience, and guaranteed service from authorized BMW technicians. If you plan to keep your car for a long time and want to avoid unexpected maintenance costs, it can provide excellent value.
However, if you don’t mind independent service centers or have a low annual mileage, the plan may not be necessary. Carefully consider your driving habits, how long you plan to own the vehicle, and your overall preference for luxury and convenience when deciding whether to invest in an extended maintenance plan.