extended maintenance program

[Presley348]

Originally Posted by jeffreyb4me

Raymond, just occurred to me, what's the urgency in the extended warranty purchase, documented time limit??? or, does someone need some quick bonus money? just a thought, anyway, as I said in other posts, new models are prone to many little problems and the E60 is probably no exception. As for the warranty company, you personally won't deal with them, that's the 'service writer's' job.
DO MAKE SURE OF ANY FINE PRINT....review the new car warranty & the upsell warranty side by side with the salesmen, don't take anyone's word for anything ! ! but I'm sure you know that.
Have you gotten use to the 'crack in Bangle's butt'
visible from the side of the rear quater panel yet??
sorry, it's just, well, great car though......keep in touch............jeffb.

================================================== =======


Hi Jeff:

No, I do not think there is a time limit in the purchase of my extended warranty for my 530i, but I have read there is a mileage limit of 29,000miles, and each mile up to that mileage cut off point there is a price increase.

Although I just do not know how long I can buy that warranty for that almost cut in half price, and besides I will be able to sleep better knowing my Bimmer ($$$investment LOL) is now covered for 7/100,000miles than not to be.

Now I do realize all BMWs are excellent automobiles, but like all they are mechanical and will have some problems from time to time, especially if the preventive services is not performed: i.e. oil changes, tire rotations and balancing, etc.

I just wished BMW would come down on their maintenance's prices. I can save about half $$$ of what BMW dealer charges, now days performed at my trusted Kaufman tire dealer down the street with a more realistic price, but I see more and more BMW owners are going this route of either doing the work themselves or taking one in warranty to a certified mechanic and at their trusted and insured dealer these days.

By the way I am going to ask my BMW salesman for a copy of their Extended warranty Program covers, and see what it covers and does not, before I make the actual purchase, and like you said I am going to read "the finer print" (Thanks for the reminder).

Thanks for your reply,
Presley348

[Presley348]

Originally Posted by jeffreyb4me

AHhhhhh, huhh? I think this a great question for any owner in your current position and there's a few things, obviously, to think about.
I to am a Independent BMW tech of numerous years and Carl may have a good point. Their extended warranty policy is an excellent policy however, a full extension of the factory warranty.
I DON'T RECALL IF INCLUDES MAINTAINANCE !!!!
**YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS 1st **
IF it still includes all scheduled maintainance, I'd JUMP at the offer, as long as your COMPLETELY satisfied with the Dealers Service Department ! ! !
They'll be the ONLY people you'll be dealing with for the next THREE YEARS ! and your still covered by the new car warranty for another 14K or until 4 years since purchase.
LIKELY things to fail with-in 6yrs/100K
1] I'm not including maintainance services[which are few these days]
2] waterpump
3] belts
4] cam cover gaskets
5] expect 1 or 2 emission related failures, poss. $$$
6] expect 1 or 2 body/electrical failures
7] probably rear intake cover valve failure
8] these a just a few of the common ones on your model I see everyday, some cars less than others.

It maybe a wash dollar wise, may not, but to me, the most important aspect of all these things you'll have to deal with when [if] something goes wrong is the level of care you get, personally, from which
every establishment you chose.
Personally, I'd go with Carl. We Independents HAVE to try harder, spend the money for the diagnostic equipment and basically keep ourselves
up to date and 'trained'. It takes a lot of work and commitment to develop a great reputation. I certainly DO NOT speak for all or even most Independents but I've also worked in the dealer network for years and are fully aware of the reasons
so many of the best Technicians leave them.

For what it's worth, my nod goes to Carl.

================================================== ======
Hi Jeff!

A couple of questions:

1) Have you ever heard of a "Fidelity Extended Warranty Company?"
2) If so, are they any good?

My BMW salesman says the BMW does not sale an extended Warranty for their Bimmers, but how they only sale 5 star Premier independent extended warranty plans. They tell me the best one for BMWs is the only they sale, which is a company named "Fidelity"...

(I do not trust ANY saleman, even most Bimmer salesmen! But I understand that once you worked as a mech./tech. for a BMW dealer. Coming and knowing BMWs and the BMW dealers as you do, which Extended Warranty Company for 04 BMWs would you trust and use? Any advice you have would be helpful!)

Sincerely,
Presley348 (A 04 530i Owner)

[jeffreyb4me]

Hey again Ray, whowoh, what a great name!!....'Fidelity Warranty Company', with a name like that...........anyway, no, I'm not familiar since I haven't had to 'personally' 'deal' with these companies for a few years.......I have someone do that for me so I can concentrate on repairs but, here are a couple of thoughts:
a] check with a few other dealers and see who's company they sell for extended contracts [me thinks it'll be the same]
b] some of these compnaies can be a pain to deal with [ see "c" ] as even at the dealer I remember one which [at first] only would authorize replacement of the failed piston on a late M30 engine to correct a cold 'piston slap' complaint and I had to document the factory service procedures, for the service advisor, that the repair required replacement of all the pistons...which took a week I think, and other annoying 'rules' the warranty company phone personel follow if they only know what the 'book' or 'guide' tells them. these clerks rarely have any clue what they're actually taking about when it comes to the mechanics of it all.
c] you, I certainly HOPE ! !, won't have to deal with them personally. You've purchased this policy from the dealer your having it repaired at and IT'S THEIR JOB to get 'things' handled.
d] talk to the service advisors and see what they say about the company and any problems they've had..........try to catch them mid-mornng and DON'T tell the salesmen you'll be doing so. you might get a more candid responce that way, especially if there's some 'tension' between sales and service [ there often is ].
e] BEST TO YOU Ray................................jeffb.

[Presley348]

Originally Posted by jeffreyb4me

Hey again Ray, whowoh, what a great name!!....'Fidelity Warranty Company', with a name like that...........anyway, no, I'm not familiar since I haven't had to 'personally' 'deal' with these companies for a few years.......I have someone do that for me so I can concentrate on repairs but, here are a couple of thoughts:
a] check with a few other dealers and see who's company they sell for extended contracts [me thinks it'll be the same]
b] some of these compnaies can be a pain to deal with [ see "c" ] as even at the dealer I remember one which [at first] only would authorize replacement of the failed piston on a late M30 engine to correct a cold 'piston slap' complaint and I had to document the factory service procedures, for the service advisor, that the repair required replacement of all the pistons...which took a week I think, and other annoying 'rules' the warranty company phone personel follow if they only know what the 'book' or 'guide' tells them. these clerks rarely have any clue what they're actually taking about when it comes to the mechanics of it all.
c] you, I certainly HOPE ! !, won't have to deal with them personally. You've purchased this policy from the dealer your having it repaired at and IT'S THEIR JOB to get 'things' handled.
d] talk to the service advisors and see what they say about the company and any problems they've had..........try to catch them mid-mornng and DON'T tell the salesmen you'll be doing so. you might get a more candid responce that way, especially if there's some 'tension' between sales and service [ there often is ].
e] BEST TO YOU Ray................................jeffb.

================================================== ========

Thanks Jeff for your info.,

One more question! Their trying to sell me the extended schedule maintenance program for an additional $1,500.00. Is it worth it? (The BMW salesmen says I will probably never use my warranty, but it is in place just in case, but he says I will use my factory BMW schedule maintenance, and that alone with pay for itself, I am thinking to myself: What a sales pitch??? But is it worth or not)

Presley348

[jeffreyb4me]

Weeee....my, my, my.....from how many ways can they attack you from......watch your flanks! anyway
the scheduled maintenance on new BMW's or any make these days is pretty much oil changes and an air filter or two [check your manual] you don't reach the first 'scheduled' sparkplug change 'til 100,000 miles! HOWEVER, dealer 'Service Menu' pricing aside, DOES THIS 'Extended Scheduled Maintenance Progarm' include all the normal wear items; belts, brake pads, brake rotors, etc...??? IF SO it might be worth it [ I'm guessing because it's so driver dependent but the average might be three sets of brakes/rotors in 100K ]...........I'll be watching Ray..................jeffb.

[jeffreyb4me]

Raymond, BEAUTIFUL picture of your car ! Where did you take that? It's a wonderful area.........jeffb.

[Presley348]

Originally Posted by jeffreyb4me

Raymond, just occurred to me, what's the urgency in the extended warranty purchase, documented time limit??? or, does someone need some quick bonus money? just a thought, anyway, as I said in other posts, new models are prone to many little problems and the E60 is probably no exception. As for the warranty company, you personally won't deal with them, that's the 'service writer's' job.
DO MAKE SURE OF ANY FINE PRINT....review the new car warranty & the upsell warranty side by side with the salesmen, don't take anyone's word for anything ! ! but I'm sure you know that.
Have you gotten use to the 'crack in Bangle's butt'
visible from the side of the rear quater panel yet??
sorry, it's just, well, great car though......keep in touch............jeffb.

================================================== ========


Hi Jeff:

My parents are going to be a "Turn coat", (Jk LOL), and not buy a BMW, but a like new preowned 2003 Jaguar "S" type, v6, 3.0, , with 16,000 miles and the extended 6yr/100,000 miles warranty, that comes with the deal.

Now I realize your expertise is with BMWs, but I was wondering if you know anything good or bad about the Jaguars auto's, especially the 2003 "S type" v6 3.0 Jag's, that I can relay on to my parents to know and watch out for before they purchase it next week?

Thanks in advance,
Presley348


PS,
How much do the Jag. Dealers usually discount their preowned Jags, (if any?), that has been on their lot for over 60days now?

[jeffreyb4me]

Hi Ray, A friend of mine is considering a new one, mainly due to looks and price, thought it drove great [ he's driving a Buick right now ! !]. I did some research for him pre-roadtest as he also asked what I thought about them and I the 'S' didn't ring any bells. Soon found why, they're rather mundane [not a Jaguar of the past], just a fair entry level car who's reliability should be better than ones of previous years, which Ford probably insisted on.
As far as pricing and sales, the Jags have done fairly poorly which explains the new pricing for 2004. Have your folks considered a new one? I'd also check resale values BEFORE they buy, I don't think they're very strong [similar to the early E32's]
Best to you Ray!......................................jeffb.

[Presley348]

Originally Posted by jeffreyb4me

Hi Ray, A friend of mine is considering a new one, mainly due to looks and price, thought it drove great [ he's driving a Buick right now ! !]. I did some research for him pre-roadtest as he also asked what I thought about them and I the 'S' didn't ring any bells. Soon found why, they're rather mundane [not a Jaguar of the past], just a fair entry level car who's reliability should be better than ones of previous years, which Ford probably insisted on.
As far as pricing and sales, the Jags have done fairly poorly which explains the new pricing for 2004. Have your folks considered a new one? I'd also check resale values BEFORE they buy, I don't think they're very strong [similar to the early E32's]
Best to you Ray!......................................jeffb.

================================================== ==

Hi Jeff:

Thanks for the points you brought our on the Jag., but I still could not talk my parents into a Bimmer, but they decided to go ahead and take the plunge and buy a Jag..

They did not buy the 2003 like they were planning on, but went ahead and bought a new 2004 S type Demo with 5000 miles at an preowned 03 price! It looks nice, but I just hope it holds up as well as a BMW...

Presley348

PS,
The Jaguar Company recommends change the oil every 10,000 miles! I asked was it a synthetic like in my 530i, and the saleslady said no, just a regular oil. To me, that does not sound right, I am thinking on telling my parents to change it and the oil filter every 5000 miles, even though Jaguar recommends on their free service to their customers every 10,000 up to 50,000. I know this is the twenty-first century, but has US motor oil really advanced that much in quality over the years not requiring changing but every 10,000miles? Or is Jag just being a little cheap, because they pay for the first 50,000miles oil changes which is only five for free?

[jeffreyb4me]

Hey Ray, well, the 'S' Type is pretty, has Chris Bangle ever....................nevermind. I'm going to check thursday on Jag's oil requirements. A partial answer to your question, it's not the oils really, it's the engine management systems that have gotten so much better, but only to a point........I still feel these 'really' extended service intervals are a 'Sales Comparison' tool, one company bumped the interval to reduce advertised maintenance costs then they all got a little silly......................................talk to you soon, let me know how the "S" drives !!.......................jeffb.

[Presley348]

Originally Posted by jeffreyb4me

Hey Ray, well, the 'S' Type is pretty, has Chris Bangle ever....................nevermind. I'm going to check thursday on Jag's oil requirements. A partial answer to your question, it's not the oils really, it's the engine management systems that have gotten so much better, but only to a point........I still feel these 'really' extended service intervals are a 'Sales Comparison' tool, one company bumped the interval to reduce advertised maintenance costs then they all got a little silly......................................talk to you soon, let me know how the "S" drives !!.......................jeffb.

================================================== ==============

Hi Jeff:

Well, my parents got their 04 Jag S type delivered to them at their home today. I went there and tested it out, and WOW what a nice car! Of course it is not a Bangle BMW 5 series, but it is nice smooth Jag styling, it drives smooth, not as quick as my 04 530i, but it is quick in its own Jaguar S type 3.0 rights. It does handle well, but not near as good as the new BMW five series.

But you know if BMW was not around, I would have a Jag. in a second!

Got to go now.

Presley348

[jeffreyb4me]

thanks Ray, I'll pass your R/T notes to my friend considering one, just may be his cup of tea! [ he doesn't want to spring for a BMW either ].

[Presley348]

Originally Posted by jeffreyb4me

thanks Ray, I'll pass your R/T notes to my friend considering one, just may be his cup of tea! [ he doesn't want to spring for a BMW either ].

================================================== ================
Hi Jeff!

Long time, no hear! I hope your friend likes the Jaguar S type. Like I was saying earlier now I do not want to be a "Turn Coat", but I find myself borrowing and driving my parents new 04 Jag on dates, more than my new 04 530i! Now I still like to drive my 530i, but my girlfiend likes my parents Jaguar S type more, so you can understand why I like the Jag for, (LOL).

The reason I am contacting you is because I need to know why does BMW says put different air pressure in the front and rear tires of my Bimmer for?

The BMW Mechanic at a dealership here in Atlanta, (Nalley BMW), is advising me to run 32 (Front) and 34 (Rear). Does this sound right to you? Do you know the reason behind this for?

I ask him why for and of course he got another phone call, and said he would tell me later, (I am sure there must be a logical "Chris Bangle" (LOL), BMW reason behind the different pressures for, but what????).

I know this might sound like no big deal to some, but as you and I both know Bimmer's are big deals, especially if not serviced and maintain properly and if not, can run into big bucks down the road for us BMW owners $$$! And I have not got time "to play phone tag" with the Mechanic here at the Atlanta BMW dealership. SO I am thinking why not run 34lbs on all four tires like my parents Jaguar dealership says to run on their Jaguar?


Question, Jeff: What tire pressure do you advise me to run in my 04 530i? And should I run different pressures in my front tires, from my rear tires, or just run the same tire pressure on all four tires?

Well, thanks in advance and have a good day!

Your Atlanta GA 530i friend,

(raymond), "Eddie" Presley

[jeffreyb4me]

HELLO 'EDDIE' ! !

HELLO ‘Eddie’ ! ! !

No question on Jags sex appeal, once angina they’re building beautiful cars.

Greeeat question on Tire Pressure! ! All should be more informed on the subject. I’ll try to be simple and concise.

NOTE: these are only my opinions but I think they’re generally accepted.

1] Your BMW tech. is CORRECT. Spend a few minutes getting familiar with the ‘Tire Pressure/Load’ label on the left ‘B’ pillar [drivers door post].
2] The key to handling is balance! !
3] Manufacturers have to compromise between handling and ride quality, BMW has always biased towards handling. The factors, in order are, overall weight, weight bias, suspension geometry [complexity], spring rates, shock valving, roll control [anti-sway bars] and lastly Tire Pressure.
4] In simplest terms Understeer is when the front doesn’t steer enough, ‘plows’, you turn the wheels and the cars wants to keep going straight. Oversteer is when the front steers too much, ‘fishtails’, you turn the wheels and the front turns so much the rear looses grip and slides out of the turn. The more an axle slips, the greater it’s ‘slip angle’.
5] All other parameters now being fixed, tire pressure bias gets to play an important roll. Almost all BMW’s run higher rear T/P [tire press.]. Performance cars tend towards oversteer because a ‘well balanced’ excellent handling car at its limits of adhesion is steerable with the throttle. Might sound strange but a moments thought clears this up, going ‘fast’ can only be done with the right foot, the last input is the right foot, the last steering input should be the right foot.
6] Pressure corrections [since that’s all you have to work with]:
IF your car oversteers, Increase Rear T/P or Decrease Front T/P.
IF your car understeers, Increase Front T/P or Decrease Rear T/P.
Increasing ‘stagger’, using T/P in our case increases the tire’s footprint, contact and
traction, decreasing the slip angle, better ‘sticking’ one end of the car.
7] MAX. PRESS. stampings on the tire sidewall MUST be adheared to.
8] The vehicle manufacturer’s labels are the BEST starting point for adjustments.

I left a great deal out of this for simplicity but if you can find the time and place some weekend with an accurate gauge and a portable compressor, try playing with these numbers to feel the changes for yourself. Begin with extremes [15 psi bias] one way then the other, then ‘stock’, then maybe fine tuning to your liking. It’s a lot of fun and truly enlightening…………………….BEST TO YOU, hope to chat again soon…….jeff b.

[Presley348]

Originally Posted by jeffreyb4me

HELLO 'EDDIE' ! !

HELLO ‘Eddie’ ! ! !

No question on Jags sex appeal, once angina they’re building beautiful cars.

Greeeat question on Tire Pressure! ! All should be more informed on the subject. I’ll try to be simple and concise.

NOTE: these are only my opinions but I think they’re generally accepted.

1] Your BMW tech. is CORRECT. Spend a few minutes getting familiar with the ‘Tire Pressure/Load’ label on the left ‘B’ pillar [drivers door post].
2] The key to handling is balance! !
3] Manufacturers have to compromise between handling and ride quality, BMW has always biased towards handling. The factors, in order are, overall weight, weight bias, suspension geometry [complexity], spring rates, shock valving, roll control [anti-sway bars] and lastly Tire Pressure.
4] In simplest terms Understeer is when the front doesn’t steer enough, ‘plows’, you turn the wheels and the cars wants to keep going straight. Oversteer is when the front steers too much, ‘fishtails’, you turn the wheels and the front turns so much the rear looses grip and slides out of the turn. The more an axle slips, the greater it’s ‘slip angle’.
5] All other parameters now being fixed, tire pressure bias gets to play an important roll. Almost all BMW’s run higher rear T/P [tire press.]. Performance cars tend towards oversteer because a ‘well balanced’ excellent handling car at its limits of adhesion is steerable with the throttle. Might sound strange but a moments thought clears this up, going ‘fast’ can only be done with the right foot, the last input is the right foot, the last steering input should be the right foot.
6] Pressure corrections [since that’s all you have to work with]:
IF your car oversteers, Increase Rear T/P or Decrease Front T/P.
IF your car understeers, Increase Front T/P or Decrease Rear T/P.
Increasing ‘stagger’, using T/P in our case increases the tire’s footprint, contact and
traction, decreasing the slip angle, better ‘sticking’ one end of the car.
7] MAX. PRESS. stampings on the tire sidewall MUST be adheared to.
8] The vehicle manufacturer’s labels are the BEST starting point for adjustments.

I left a great deal out of this for simplicity but if you can find the time and place some weekend with an accurate gauge and a portable compressor, try playing with these numbers to feel the changes for yourself. Begin with extremes [15 psi bias] one way then the other, then ‘stock’, then maybe fine tuning to your liking. It’s a lot of fun and truly enlightening…………………….BEST TO YOU, hope to chat again soon…….jeff b.

================================================== ==========


Jeff:

Your expert information on BMW tire pressures seems to be right on target, and the reasons behind it is well written so even me, (A non BMW tech/mech.), can understand it, (THANKS). What you had said about: Oversteer then increase Rear T/P or Decrease Front T/P. and if it udersteer, then increase Front T/P or Decrease Rear T/P, etc. and I will try it soon when I get some time.

Also I am enclosing an article, (SEE BELOW), that was teken from a famous 2004 auto magazine comparing Mercedes E430. 2004 BMW 530i and the Jaguars, that I thought you might like to see:

Eddie


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"And while the E-Class Mercedes may be our favorite Benz of all time, especially the V-8 E430, the 5-series cabin is fresher than that of the Mercedes and also more masculine. Call us old-school, but BMW knows how to make cars for men that women will want to drive. Mercedes seems to aim right between gender lines instead. That's fine (Jaguars, by the way, are nearly always aimed at men looking to attract women, and by golly it works!), but the BMW philosophy is the most visceral to us. Sit behind the wheel of the 530i and we think you'll understand exactly who this car is aimed at."


NOTE:
Above INSERT was taken from 2004 Magazine testing the 04 530i from the www

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