Continental vs. BMW M550i

[brucelinc]

I keep hearing horror stories about BMW maintenance and repair costs. New BMWs come with 3 years maintenance included. After that, owners can also buy a 3 year maintenance package for $199. I prefer doing my own maintenance but $199 for 3 years is not bad. BMW recommends oil/filter changes every 10,000 miles. The 2nd and 3rd years include other things like brake fluid changes.

I changed the oil and filter myself at 5000 miles and it was as easy as any and really no more expensive than my Mustang. (Both take 10 quarts of synthetic oil.) I had the dealer do the 10,000 mile service since it was free. It was quite an experience. They provided me a video of the entire process with the tech, discussing what he was doing the entire time. By the way, the tech wasn't some kid in a fast lube lane. He was a middle aged professional BMW tech who was dressed more like a doctor than a mechanic. The video showed the underside of the car from front to back and the tech's process throughout the service. Very impressive! The service, of course, included all of the usual inspections with the tech talking about the tires condition, brake condition, etc. All fluids were checked and the washer fluid was topped off.

I am sure that repair costs are higher than those of many American cars. When the 4 year warranty is up, I will have to make a decision on what to do. However, until then, there is nothing about maintaining a BMW that should scare anyone.

 

[Action]

^^ That could work for 4 to 5 years of ownership.
Different owners are different.
I tend to keep vehicles a long time. Measured in decades not years.

Action

 

[silverydragon72]

I keep hearing horror stories about BMW maintenance and repair costs. New BMWs come with 3 years maintenance included. After that, owners can also buy a 3 year maintenance package for $199. I prefer doing my own maintenance but $199 for 3 years is not bad. BMW recommends oil/filter changes every 10,000 miles. The 2nd and 3rd years include other things like brake fluid changes.

I changed the oil and filter myself at 5000 miles and it was as easy as any and really no more expensive than my Mustang. (Both take 10 quarts of synthetic oil.) I had the dealer do the 10,000 mile service since it was free. It was quite an experience. They provided me a video of the entire process with the tech, discussing what he was doing the entire time. By the way, the tech wasn't some kid in a fast lube lane. He was a middle aged professional BMW tech who was dressed more like a doctor than a mechanic. The video showed the underside of the car from front to back and the tech's process throughout the service. Very impressive! The service, of course, included all of the usual inspections with the tech talking about the tires condition, brake condition, etc. All fluids were checked and the washer fluid was topped off.

I am sure that repair costs are higher than those of many American cars. When the 4 year warranty is up, I will have to make a decision on what to do. However, until then, there is nothing about maintaining a BMW that should scare anyone.

Hi Brucelinc,

I ended up going with their extended warranty platinum for 100k miles 7 year with mine for peace of mind. Ill also build up a sinking fund for repairs in the future but not too concerned as ill have it paid off in a couple months. Only note id make about the maintenance packages is there is a couple to choose from. I ended up going with the ultimate 6 year 75k miles which ill probably up to 7 yr 100k soon enough as some of those later visits can add up with a bmw. And the ultimate does cover about everything but wiper blades, tires, and brakes i believe.

 

[brucelinc]

^^ That could work for 4 to 5 years of ownership.
Different owners are different.
I tend to keep vehicles a long time. Measured in decades not years.

Action

I kept my 2001 Ranger for 21 years with no issues but it was a far simpler vehicle than today's cars. Parts may be more expensive on a BMW than a Lincoln but both are pretty complex machines and there are plenty of things to go wrong.

I have less concern with the BMW engine, ZF transmission or any other mechanical parts than I did with the Lincoln. The Ford transmission and the AWD system are not nearly as robust. The electronics and assorted technology would be a bit concerning for either one over a long period of time.

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[Action]

I have a ZF 6 speed transmission in my Navigator.
It was designed as not being serviceable.
I do not care for that design at all.

Action

 

[silverydragon72]

I kept my 2001 Ranger for 21 years with no issues but it was a far simpler vehicle than today's cars. Parts may be more expensive on a BMW than a Lincoln but both are pretty complex machines and there are plenty of things to go wrong.

I have less concern with the BMW engine, ZF transmission or any other mechanical parts than I did with the Lincoln. The Ford transmission and the AWD system are not nearly as robust. The electronics and assorted technology would be a bit concerning for either one over a long period of time.

Only note is follow zf schedule for maintenance and not bmw. Bmw says it's lifetime transmission fluid zf says change at 50k or 7 years.