Would you rather have RBs replaced or a warranty?

[-BEASTMW-]

My '11 M3 has 50k miles and I have an EasyCare PrimaryCare warranty that's good for 4 more years or 102k miles (I drive like 7k/yr, so age should hit first). This plan doesn't cover everything, but should cover RBs, A/C evap., etc. After needing both TAs replaced last year, which the warranty wasn't going to cover but the 7/70 CA emissions warranty did, the car has been flawless in the 13mos/8k I've had it.

This is where the plot twists. I can now get RBs replaced with BE bearings incl. all parts and labor locally for basically the exact same $ that I would get refunded if I cancelled the warranty. So in this case, which would you rather have - the RBs replaced with BE bearings by a reputable mechanic OR four years of warranty coverage on an '11 w/50k?

As background, I had planned to keep this car for a long time since they don't make 8,400rpm N/A manual sedans anymore, but that could change if we start a family and I decide a larger and more economical daily paired with a more focused fun car (Cayman, 911, etc) makes more sense. If I kept it, I'd do the RBs at the end of the warranty (making doing them now make more sense). But if I sell sooner, having a bit of warranty left and not spending the $ on RBs now makes more sense.

Final note: Not having a warranty would be nice mod-wise. Right now I'm paranoid to do anything and I've cleared an MPE with EasyCare, but it's impossible to find a used v2. Without a warranty, I wouldn't go crazy on mods but it would be nice to have freedom to do whatever exhaust, tune, etc. I want.

[kawstik]

I'm not sure why this its even a question. If your engine grenades due to rod bearings, you get a new engine. Period.

I also have an EasyCare warranty and it has paid for itself with just the TA repair, which they fixed no questions asked (as they have with every single claim I've made). Regardless of your coverage tier, the warranty clearly states for all four tiers *All internal lubricated parts* are covered.

You'd basically be throwing away the remainder of your warranty for something that may never go wrong, and even if it did, you're covered.

As far as modding goes, what's holding you back? I've done everything short of supercharging mine, and track the shit out of it. If it's aftermarket and breaks, your warranty obviously isn't going to cover it, but anything else that goes is on them. The dealership isn't in the business off talking themselves out of repair work. They will do everything they can to fight for you when it comes to working with EasyCare.

[MOTOMC]

I'm with you guys. I rarely buy extended warranty plans, but I did on my E92. Rod bearings had a lot to do with it. My logic was spending $2500 on fixing rod bearings, or spend similar money and have my entire s65 engine, dct trans and all power train, along with nav, ecm and computers, etc.... fully covered. Go through a drive thru, roll my window down and it doesn't come back up? No problem. Take it to bmw and get it fixed. Also, I pursued and purchased a low mile pedigree service history car for a reason. I just can't bring myself to open the bottom end of a 27k mile car. If I keep this car, I will consider the RB repair later on with many more miles on the clock. I do however understand why people with older, higher mileage m cars with no warranty do the RB repair. Both sides have a valid argument. Like kawstik said, I would keep my warranty if I was you.

[zipper228]

For me it came down to the mod issue you mention. Having read a ton of other threads and having some extended warranty experience in the past (non-auto), I am certain these companies will find any excuse to deny a claim, especially a 5 digit engine replacement. My e93 has a number of mods, nothing crazy (no SC), but enough that I'd worry about a claim being denied. Some of the replies above here seem to disagree, so I think it just comes down to trusting the warranty provider.

Combine that with the potential danger of having the engine go, inconvenience of having the car out of commission for and extended period, the fact that I'd be getting a refurbed S65, and the likely potential for nothing to go wrong during the warranty period and then still have to get the RBs done after (paying up twice), I went with replacement and now don't have to think about it.

[BanjoPaterson]

I replaced my rod bearings about six weeks before my three year extension to manufacturer's warranty ended. Unfortunately, due to age, I'd be spending $$$$ to buy a warranty that maxed any payout to a few thousand.

In this instance, money better spent on rod bearings.

However, for the time I had the car under warranty, I didn't do anything that would jeopardize it.

[GVIFlyer]

Warranty. I went with Zurich.

[kyippee]

I picked warranty. Car had 39k miles when I bought it and is 2011, price was $2834. Silver package with fidelity warranty services for 5 years / 60k miles

[Todd0131]

Went with mercury for my warranty. Will replace rb before I supercharge though. At that point I'll cancel the warranty

[GT3fan]

Are you guys purchasing the Easycare warranty privately or do you have to go through a dealer when purchasing the car?

[-BEASTMW-]

Originally Posted by AMG2M3

Are you guys purchasing the Easycare warranty privately or do you have to go through a dealer when purchasing the car?

I think it depends on the state. In CA you have to buy from a dealer, but in other states you don't.

[gazosnic]

anyone selling warrenties for cars out of warranty? I have an 08...

[-BEASTMW-]

Originally Posted by gazosnic

anyone selling warrenties for cars out of warranty? I have an 08...

Mine was out of warranty when I got it last year. But that was when it was 5-6yrs old. You might have trouble with a 9-10 year old one. You may get a quote but it'll probably be spendy.

[Solo_M_Tech]

If you blow your engine due to rod bearings or any other internal engine failure, the warranty company will simply claim you over-revved the engine and not cover you. If the don't use that excuse, they will find one. I've personally seen 335i turbo warranty claims denied because of up-sized tires... on stock wheels. They claimed the vehicle was modified.

Everyone claims their warranty company doesn't do business that way, but when 20k is on the line, they gotta look out for themselves. As shitty as that is.

[Prefontaine]

Originally Posted by Adenau

If you blow your engine due to rod bearings or any other internal engine failure, the warranty company will simply claim you over-revved the engine and not cover you. If the don't use that excuse, they will find one. I've personally seen 335i turbo warranty claims denied because of up-sized tires... on stock wheels. They claimed the vehicle was modified.

Everyone claims their warranty company doesn't do business that way, but when 20k is on the line, they gotta look out for themselves. As shitty as that is.

This.

Fix the actual problem, don't bank on someone else stepping up if things go bad. And you don't want to be left holding a ticking time bomb the day your warranty expires (assuming you're that concerned about RBs).

[Mvy]

After market warranties are a waste of money in my opinion. Replace your RBs, and take that extra money you would have spent on a warranty and put it in savings. Then there is no question that you have some cash set aside for repairs, and no one can deny your coverage. Getting a warranty and expecting if your motor blows up that they will fix it is a crap shoot. All of these companies make money not by paying claims, but by taking your premium payment.

[srmast1]

I went with a warranty from National sold by my neighborhood BMW dealer. The car had 49k miles on it when I added it 6 months ago. The warranty was $3700 and covers many things as stated above, and also some wear and tear/preventative maintenance. Warranty is good for 4 yrs or 60k miles. Brings me peace of mind.

[cgoldie187]

Warranty, for $3600 im covered on everything except wear and tear.

[Dr. Dre]

I had an extended warranty. I did the rod bearing and tried to get reimbursed for it. They told me to go pound sand. I really believe that if the engine had failed the warranty company would have found a way not to pay for it. Go rod bearings.

[kyippee]

Originally Posted by Dr. Dre

I had an extended warranty. I did the rod bearing and tried to get reimbursed for it. They told me to go pound sand. I really believe that if the engine had failed the warranty company would have found a way not to pay for it. Go rod bearings.

I'm not surprised that they'd turn down preventative rod bearings. For reference, which company?

A parallel ask would be asking your auto insurer to pay for new brake pads or replace your suspension so you have lower chance of collision claims. Not gonna happen.

[65fastback]

My 2013 zcp e92 with 33k on the clock got a check engine light and limp mode a few months ago... turned out i had a bad vanos solenoid "due" to metal shavings from RB's. ( so the shop said )...BTW my RB's looked ok only slightly worn.

My National platinum warranty covered replacing all 4 solenoid's & rod bearings although i still had to pay out of pocket for some fluids and a few other parts.

I plan to keep the warranty till it expires or i get a different car. I my case at the time... i did not have the spare cash to cover the repair so for me the warranty has paid for it self already.

[Teufel_Hunden]

Originally Posted by 65fastback

My 2013 zcp e92 with 33k on the clock got a check engine light and limp mode a few months ago... turned out i had a bad vanos solenoid "due" to metal shavings from RB's. ( so the shop said )...BTW my RB's looked ok only slightly worn.

My National platinum warranty covered replacing all 4 solenoid's & rod bearings although i still had to pay out of pocket for some fluids and a few other parts.

I plan to keep the warranty till it expires or i get a different car. I my case at the time... i did not have the spare cash to cover the repair so for me the warranty has paid for it self already.

That's a damn good result.

[Iyzmi]

Originally Posted by 65fastback

My 2013 zcp e92 with 33k on the clock got a check engine light and limp mode a few months ago... turned out i had a bad vanos solenoid "due" to metal shavings from RB's. ( so the shop said )...BTW my RB's looked ok only slightly worn.

That makes no sense. What was wrong with the VANOS solenoids? Did the plastic cover(s) come apart?