2011 550i maintenance service plan or not?

[3point6]

Hello forum members, I'm new to this forum and I apologize in advance if someone already post a similar subject, I've just purchased this gorgeous 2011 550i, I'm not new to the brand since I've got the blessing and opportunity to own other bimmers in the past (e30 m3, e39 m5, 528i T, 318 ti and a couple of newer m3's), however this will be my first 8 cylinder 5 series and after reading some comments from other forum members I'm a little concern about issues with this particular model and the cost of ownership and service..too late I guess since I couldn't resist the call of that beautiful shape and interior, now I'm struggling with the offer of an extended service maintenance plan from the dealer ($2800 for up to 100k miles or 5 years, this car is a CPO so I do have another 2 and a half years under warranty but my last service included in the deal is coming in about 6 months or so, I've been told that just a brake service will run close to $1200, do you think it will worth the money to get that service plan or will be less expensive to pay for the services as they're required? Any feedback will be greatly appreciated, thank you!

 

[Giannis]

Judging by your use of monetary units ($), I assume that you are located in the US. From what I understand, german car ownership comes with some very high service bills, unlike what's common charging in Europe.

do you think it will worth the money to get that service plan or will be less expensive to pay for the services as they're required?

If I were you I'd get myself that service plan if I were to service my car at the dealership. I believe (though I can't guarantee it) that it makes financial sense.

Then again, I'd prefer to service my car outside the official dealership, try to identify the supplier of the parts, purchase them directly from the importer and have them fitted at a local repair-shop that I trust. Changing brake pads doesn't require a degree in nuclear physics (I've done this procedure a couple of times in my garage myself), and unless they are made from unobtainium or cryptonite, I can't see why they should cost 1200$.

But that's just an example.

If you approach this as inconvenience, then get the service plan, by all means.

 

[Centurion]

Changing brake pads is easy as lego to change and takes no longer than 1-2 hours for someone who's never done it. However your car is the most expensive 5-Series beneath the M5 and if you can pay $2800 for the peace of mind of having every service interval taken care off for 5 years then I would say that's an acceptable sum for such a high-end car.

 

[3point6]

Thank you for your replies, I do agree with both opinions, I know a more refined engineering requires a higher cost of ownership, even though I like to work on simple things on my car (certainly a rewarding experience..) I'm too busy at work with little time for that and it seems like current car technologies requires a little more than a set of wrenches..on the other hand, I like to drive and enjoy my car but don't keep them for long, maybe a year or two so not sure how many times I'll need to service my car during that period of time to justify those $2800 the dealer is asking for a 5 year term..confusing enough?

 

[Centurion]

If you don't cover anything close to 10-20k miles a year then the service plan could be overkill. However you can pass the cost on to the next owner if you sell it privately, but if you use it as a trade-in then the service plan will account for nothing.

 

[3point6]

I've got that sense too, I'm usually trade-in when I'm in the market for a replacement vehicle so no expected savings here..I may ask if you know how long brakes typically last on this model, I know is a subjective question since everybody drives differently but assuming on a civilized adult normal driving conditions and considering the extra weight of that V8 engine..