4 yr/50k - Decided not to extend warranty/maintenance

[marvinp]

Originally Posted by NickyC

As far as BMWs go, these cars appear to be tanks and I've really had nothing but good luck with BMWs for well over 15 years now (never mind those pair of early S54s I had which blew the rod bearings!)

I wouldn't say they are built like tanks. I own a 2009 135i that I bought new and it had its share of problems:

• 2 high pressure fuel pump failures (one left me in limp mode on the highway and the other caused the car to stall in the middle of an intersection)
• Entire radio died and had to be replaced
• One of the headlight lights is throwing a "bulb out" warning despite not being out. Dealer said they need to replace the entire headlight unit which I declined
• Water pump failure
• Some other failure that I'm forgetting but that cost thousands (under warranty)

I still love BMW though and bought an M3. I kinda feel that the 135i was a fluke and hope the M3 doesn't give me nearly as many problems (if any).

[m3rxn]

I'm at 4 yrs this October and won't be extending my warranty either. Car has been rock solid. Only has 12, 900 miles though. Dang I gotta drive her more!

[JoeFromPA]

Originally Posted by marvinp

I wouldn't say they are built like tanks. I own a 2009 135i that I bought new and it had its share of problems:

• 2 high pressure fuel pump failures (one left me in limp mode on the highway and the other caused the car to stall in the middle of an intersection)
• Entire radio died and had to be replaced
• One of the headlight lights is throwing a "bulb out" warning despite not being out. Dealer said they need to replace the entire headlight unit which I declined
• Water pump failure
• Some other failure that I'm forgetting but that cost thousands (under warranty)

I still love BMW though and bought an M3. I kinda feel that the 135i was a fluke and hope the M3 doesn't give me nearly as many problems (if any).

The person you quoted referred to the f30/f8x platform being a tank, but you referred to an early n54 e82 as being problematic and saying that's not a tank?

[JoeFromPA]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

I would never trudge along at 60mph on the highway but even if I did I don't think I would sniff 32mpg. But more power to you.

So I'm at 50k miles now and I've been returning ~28-32mpg highway since practically brand new. Here's my observations:

1. I own a lightweight, lightly optioned 6mt model. My only option is adaptive suspension. No idea the impact overall, just stating this.

2. When I'm doing lots of highway trips, which is frequent for me, I tend to cruise around 70-75mph and easily top 30mpg computer-calculated. I've tested my computer and it tend to be very accurate, so take it for what it's worth. This is predominantly in efficient mode and with normal swings in acceleration from 50 up to 80-85, but mostly cruising around 70-75mph

3. I don't use cruise control.

4. My windows are up and a/c is on most of the time

5. I'm usually the only one in the car when I get this.

6. Ambient temps are usually 30-80 degrees. I notice a decline above 80 ambient. I still get 30mpg highway on winter fuel.

7. We tend not to be hilly 'round here. I drive from SE PA to Delaware beaches and up to north jersey frequently. Mostly flat.

...


I don't know why I get the mileage I get compared to some others. For 4 years I've seen plenty of people claim they can't get above 28mpg for any length of distance on their vehicle while mine takes no effort to climb to 29mpg, is easy to get up to 30mpg, and with a little effort gets 32mpg if I'm trying to see what it can do.

I have gotten 34-35mpg by cruising at 60-65, maintaining steady speed, using cruise control, and cycling A/C off more often. But that is not enjoyable and I've just done it as an experiment.

[georgere]

Originally Posted by hirev

I will bet rotors will last through a couple of pad changes, but i think 50k on a set of brakes would be awesome in any car.

I had original, albeit weakened, breaks on our Toyota R4 SUV when we returned it at lease end. It had 56k miles after 3 years.

M breaks are designed for truck duty, although not really gonna last a day but definitely if used on daily duty and in normal driving M3/4 breaks will last a long time...

[Red335i]

Originally Posted by JoeFromPA

So I'm at 50k miles now and I've been returning ~28-32mpg highway since practically brand new. Here's my observations:

1. I own a lightweight, lightly optioned 6mt model. My only option is adaptive suspension. No idea the impact overall, just stating this.

2. When I'm doing lots of highway trips, which is frequent for me, I tend to cruise around 70-75mph and easily top 30mpg computer-calculated. I've tested my computer and it tend to be very accurate, so take it for what it's worth. This is predominantly in efficient mode and with normal swings in acceleration from 50 up to 80-85, but mostly cruising around 70-75mph

3. I don't use cruise control.

4. My windows are up and a/c is on most of the tim

5. I'm usually the only one in the car when I get this.

6. Ambient temps are usually 30-80 degrees. I notice a decline above 80 ambient. I still get 30mpg highway on winter fuel.

7. We tend not to be hilly 'round here. I drive from SE PA to Delaware beaches and up to north jersey frequently. Mostly flat.

...


I don't know why I get the mileage I get compared to some others. For 4 years I've seen plenty of people claim they can't get above 28mpg for any length of distance on their vehicle while mine takes no effort to climb to 29mpg, is easy to get up to 30mpg, and with a little effort gets 32mpg if I'm trying to see what it can do.

I have gotten 34-35mpg by cruising at 60-65, maintaining steady speed, using cruise control, and cycling A/C off more often. But that is not enjoyable and I've just done it as an experiment.

Good to know. I am seeing similar mpg with 84,700

[georgere]

Originally Posted by Red335i

Good to know. I am seeing similar mpg with 84,700

With that MPG you both should go to America Got Talant, and I m not joking. It is seriously very hard to keep mpg high when the car is so easy and happy willing to swallow all that gas

[M4Dutch]

I am averaging 21.6 mpg in my f83. The heavier body and a lot of open driving definitely makes my mileage worse than f80 drivers, but that difference is pretty big.

My warranty/maintenance will end in October. With those prices, I am for sure not going to extend. Car has been very solid so far, 29k miles, BM3 stage 1 tune with mpe and aa mid as only mods. No issues what so ever.

[marvinp]

Originally Posted by JoeFromPA

The person you quoted referred to the f30/f8x platform being a tank, but you referred to an early n54 e82 as being problematic and saying that's not a tank?

The person's sentence was: "As far as BMWs go, these cars appear to be tanks and I've really had nothing but good luck with BMWs for well"

No direct mention of M3/M4 built as tanks. They are referring to BMWs.

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by marvinp

The person's sentence was: "As far as BMWs go, these cars appear to be tanks and I've really had nothing but good luck with BMWs for well"

No direct mention of M3/M4 built as tanks. They are referring to BMWs.

The "these cars" in that sentence is referring to the M3/4, while also noting that he has good luck with BMW's in general.

[Antartic]

Originally Posted by marvinp

I wouldn't say they are built like tanks. I own a 2009 135i that I bought new and it had its share of problems:

• 2 high pressure fuel pump failures (one left me in limp mode on the highway and the other caused the car to stall in the middle of an intersection)
• Entire radio died and had to be replaced
• One of the headlight lights is throwing a "bulb out" warning despite not being out. Dealer said they need to replace the entire headlight unit which I declined
• Water pump failure
• Some other failure that I'm forgetting but that cost thousands (under warranty)

I still love BMW though and bought an M3. I kinda feel that the 135i was a fluke and hope the M3 doesn't give me nearly as many problems (if any).

He was referring to the F8x platform, but your comment pointed to a completely different car.

[marvinp]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

The "these cars" in that sentence is referring to the M3/4, while also noting that he has good luck with BMW's in general.

Originally Posted by Antartic

He was referring to the F8x platform, but your comment pointed to a completely different car.

Okay, fair point.

[Ian1973]

I put 20k miles on my car in less than 6 months. Nearly all highway. I travel 78-85mph typically. I don't have any weight gaining options other than the 19" wheels, but my snows were on a good portion of those miles and those are 18's. I averaged 23 mpg religiously. I have NEVER seen even close to 30mpg. I have a Mazda 3 manual now and can't manage more than 28 mpg at the same speed.

[JoeFromPA]

Originally Posted by Ian1973

I put 20k miles on my car in less than 6 months. Nearly all highway. I travel 78-85mph typically. I don't have any weight gaining options other than the 19" wheels, but my snows were on a good portion of those miles and those are 18's. I averaged 23 mpg religiously. I have NEVER seen even close to 30mpg. I have a Mazda 3 manual now and can't manage more than 28 mpg at the same speed.

Snow tires + very cold temps + winter gas and you AVERAGED 23mpg.

I don't AVERAGE 28mpg-30mpg. I get that in pure highway driving - literally when I drive 200-250 miles in a single day and it's almost entirely highway cruising with the usual slow downs for a bit of traffic, a little local driving, and tolls and such.

I average 23-24mpg in daily driving religiously, driving 15-20k miles per year right now.

[avex8]

Who cares about the mpg. If you want good miles go buy a Prius or Tesla. We drive a sports car, I don't give a damn if it gives 10mpg, I enjoy sports plus every second

[hirev]

So i drive in sport , have no adaptive suspension option, and comfort with the steering.
my mileage is great at 23-26 all the time. My also manual 335i, m sport 2014 averaged 24-27 mpg in sport also.

Now that i have an m car I see the difference in the way the dealer treats me, the quality of the little things that are better than other 3's, and the performance.

I don't think it is a valid point to compare a 1 or 2 or other 3's to the m cars.

Speaking of lemons....I have had two miata, 1990 was flawless for 50k and 5 years, without issue. The 2001 had to have a new short block (#4 bearing issue many had) a new gas tank, 4 sets of brakes...due to pad and rotor issues, 4 new clutches, in two years and 24k miles. I had a 1992 volvo 855t sportwagon, a real lemon, 6 batteries, a trans, several other issues..in 80k miles, then a 99 which lasted more than 10 years and had 140k on it, no issues. It's the luck of the draw, either a good car within the warranty period or crap and time to get rid of it no matter how much you enjoy it.
My car has had no issues, granted 18,000 miles, but the 335i had several things not work right by the time it had 10,000 on it....

[Spritztour]

Originally Posted by JoeFromPA

Hi all,

As I'm about 500 miles away from 50k miles, and I'm right at 4 years of ownership as of 8/22, I shopped extending my warranty and maintenance packages. For historical references, here were the prices I received:

Platinum 6/100k - $6100
Gold 6/100k - $5100
Maintenance 6/100k - $3500

In essence, this is 2 years/50k miles (which I wouldn't use) extension for those prices.

I've decided not to extend my warranties and wanted to share this information for others. My f8x has been perfect. I've had ZERO issues - no warranty related replacements besides, literally, my floor mat on the drivers side wore out at 40k miles and one rain gutter needed a fresh piece of double-sided tape under it to keep it stuck down firm.

And on maintenance: DIY oil changes run about $50-60, my brakes say the original pads will last till 140k front and 100k rear, so it's just brake fluid and spark plugs and maybe 3 oil changes....

Great car - fingers crossed I'll have another 50k of excellent experience. But even if I drop $4k on maintenance and a repair or two, I'll still come out ahead.

Rain gutter double side tape on my F80 as well -

[Ian1973]

Originally Posted by JoeFromPA

Snow tires + very cold temps + winter gas and you AVERAGED 23mpg.

I don't AVERAGE 28mpg-30mpg. I get that in pure highway driving - literally when I drive 200-250 miles in a single day and it's almost entirely highway cruising with the usual slow downs for a bit of traffic, a little local driving, and tolls and such.

I average 23-24mpg in daily driving religiously, driving 15-20k miles per year right now.

Still averaged that with the summer tires and summer fuel though. Until June when I got rid of it. I'm on pace for 42k miles a year. All highway except 10 miles a day of backroads.

[2015M4inCT]

I appreciate everyone's feedback on their 2015/16s with regards to reliability. I am about to pick up a 2015 M4 tomorrow with only 17,381 on the clock so have been debating the need for an extended warranty. The car looks pristine - only a couple rock chips on the front lip and the Silverstone interior is immaculate. I was quoted 3 years/45K "engine/drivetrain" extended warranty for 2950 and a full "bumper to bumper" for same length for $4900. Seems crazy expensive and with mileage so low...

Curious to hear more experiences. I know I am dealer warranty covered through state laws for 60 days/3000 miles so I am assuming I don't need to purchase this warranty when I purchase the car tomorrow? Can I shop around and continue to think about it or does it need to be purchased at time of sale/transaction?

[Xrygrl23]

This topic definitely confirms that I don't need extended warranty. Thanks OP

[BluM4]

Originally Posted by 340i6MT

I appreciate everyone's feedback on their 2015/16s with regards to reliability. I am about to pick up a 2015 M4 tomorrow with only 17,381 on the clock so have been debating the need for an extended warranty. The car looks pristine - only a couple rock chips on the front lip and the Silverstone interior is immaculate. I was quoted 3 years/45K "engine/drivetrain" extended warranty for 2950 and a full "bumper to bumper" for same length for $4900. Seems crazy expensive and with mileage so low...

Curious to hear more experiences. I know I am dealer warranty covered through state laws for 60 days/3000 miles so I am assuming I don't need to purchase this warranty when I purchase the car tomorrow? Can I shop around and continue to think about it or does it need to be purchased at time of sale/transaction?

If your existing BMW factory warranty has expired, you will not be able to buy extended warranty from pretty much all the good companies. If you want to buy it from your dealer, you would want to know the company who is backing the extended warranty. Do the research and make sure it has a good reputation on not rejecting claims.

[Alpine300zhp]

Originally Posted by 2015M4inCT

I appreciate everyone's feedback on their 2015/16s with regards to reliability. I am about to pick up a 2015 M4 tomorrow with only 17,381 on the clock so have been debating the need for an extended warranty. The car looks pristine - only a couple rock chips on the front lip and the Silverstone interior is immaculate. I was quoted 3 years/45K "engine/drivetrain" extended warranty for 2950 and a full "bumper to bumper" for same length for $4900. Seems crazy expensive and with mileage so low...

Curious to hear more experiences. I know I am dealer warranty covered through state laws for 60 days/3000 miles so I am assuming I don't need to purchase this warranty when I purchase the car tomorrow? Can I shop around and continue to think about it or does it need to be purchased at time of sale/transaction?

Based on my experience with my 2015 M4, I would forgo the extended warranty and put that money in the bank to draw from if a repair comes up.