[BL328guy]

Hello,
I just recently purchased my first BMW. Ive got a 2013 328i sedan with Xdrive. I got it as a BMW certified pre-owned with 30,000 miles. After speaking to the finance guy at the dealership he got me really scared about maintenance on the car and statements like (oil leaks are normal) made it worse. I did purchase the extended warranty (hopefully a good idea). I was just wondering if anyone had any pointers or info I should know before making a stupid mistake.

I am thinking about

-What BMW warranty covers
-Should I buy extended maintenance plan
-Should the car always go back to BMW for maintenance or can I take it somewhere a bit cheaper
-General information or advice on how to keep the car running well (should I let the engine warm before driving etc.)


Thank you, I am just trying to get an idea about best practices and how to take care of my new Bimmer!

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by BL328guy

Hello,
I just recently purchased my first BMW. Ive got a 2013 328i sedan with Xdrive. I got it as a BMW certified pre-owned with 30,000 miles. After speaking to the finance guy at the dealership he got me really scared about maintenance on the car and statements like (oil leaks are normal) made it worse. I did purchase the extended warranty (hopefully a good idea). I was just wondering if anyone had any pointers or info I should know before making a stupid mistake.

I am thinking about

-What BMW warranty covers
-Should I buy extended maintenance plan
-Should the car always go back to BMW for maintenance or can I take it somewhere a bit cheaper
-General information or advice on how to keep the car running well (should I let the engine warm before driving etc.)


Thank you, I am just trying to get an idea about best practices and how to take care of my new Bimmer!

That's a lot of info you're looking for. I know, I was there once too. I would:

1. Go to every relevant subforum and read the stickies (and then some). Immerse yourself. Your car isn't going anywhere any time soon. Spend some time learning about it. You'll have an even greater appreciation for it. Everything you asked about has been covered elsewhere.
2. Post specific questions here once you've dug up some basic info

Other than that, my advice is drive it like you stole it and don't crash.

[2000Z3M]

for a cpo you should be good for 6 years or 100k. what warranty did you buy?

[BL328guy]

Thanks! Sorry to be so broad. I appreciate your help!

[RedKloud]

Remember to use your turn signals.
Just kidding ... have fun.

[wilbur_the_goose]

I'm on my 4th BMW, and I've yet to have an oil leak.

To be honest, my '99 Mazda Millenia (bought it new) had a LOT more problems.

The issue with BMW repairs is the cost of the repair at a dealer (it's also very high at my local Honda dealer). But you're covered by CPO for a long time, so get yourself a good relationship with a service advisor, and don't be afraid to shop around. I LOVE BMW of Reading (PA), and have had real issues at Otto's in West Chester PA. I go to Reading even though it's double the distance from my home.

I wouldn't bother with the extended maintenance plan. The most expensive maint. item is brakes, and you can get that done at many excellent independent shops. I'd visit the board here for your region (Arkansas), which I think is http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/for...prune=-1&f=409

[lo_xyooj]

Yes I am a new owner myself and I know the feeling OP. Curious what extended warranty did you buy since its a CPO you're covered 6yrs/100k, whichever comes first. With my purchase my dealer gave me an additional 1yr/25k maintenance extension to the standard 4yr/50k miles so that would initially cover brake services.

Before I made my purchase I called all my local "trusted" Independent shops for maintenance work and to be honest its not cheap but its not as expensive as BMW dealers. Start shopping and calling around is what I would recommend you do. Start talking to your local forums/facebook groups. Best of luck! Have fun and stop worrying!!!

[madmortar]

Congrats.

I bought a CPO 2013 328i m-sport a few months back with 33K on the clock. CPO warranty is 6 years 100K and I bought an extra year for like $2100 so im covered until July 2020. Basically like getting a new car.

My free maintenance only last 4 years so after July 2017 im on my own.

Likely, I will have anything engine related done at BMW but things like brakes ill do myself.

You bought a CPO so you didnt have to worry...so enjoy the car...and dont mod it unless your SA is willing to keep you covered under warranty..

[ATLBlue]

Congrats and welcome to the dark side

You should find everything you need to know to become a model BMW driver in this video:

[jmg]

Originally Posted by BL328guy

Hello,
I just recently purchased my first BMW. Ive got a 2013 328i sedan with Xdrive. I got it as a BMW certified pre-owned with 30,000 miles. After speaking to the finance guy at the dealership he got me really scared about maintenance on the car and statements like (oil leaks are normal) made it worse.

This is where the dealer can make A LOT of money off you. It's in their best interest to scare you into paying for an extended warranty.

Originally Posted by BL328guy

-Should I buy extended maintenance plan

My general rule of thumb is to never buy anything from the dealer except for the car itself. Generally, you will end up paying more for the plan than the actual maintenance. If you weren't then it isn't profitable for the dealer and they wouldn't be motivated to sell it to you.

Originally Posted by BL328guy

-Should the car always go back to BMW for maintenance or can I take it somewhere a bit cheaper

For simple maintenance, honestly, it was almost worth paying a tiny bit extra just for the luxury of a loaner BMW and not having to hitch a ride to and from a car rental agency. The price of the rental usually makes up for the price difference of a BMW oil change vs an independent shop.

Originally Posted by BL328guy

-General information or advice on how to keep the car running well (should I let the engine warm before driving etc.)

No. It's actually better to get the car moving right away. Just don't push it past 3-4rpm until it's nice and warm.

Originally Posted by BL328guy

Thank you, I am just trying to get an idea about best practices and how to take care of my new Bimmer!

Good luck!! This place is a great resource! and CONGRATS on your new BMW!

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by BL328guy

Hello,
I just recently purchased my first BMW. Ive got a 2013 328i sedan with Xdrive. I got it as a BMW certified pre-owned with 30,000 miles. After speaking to the finance guy at the dealership he got me really scared about maintenance on the car and statements like (oil leaks are normal) made it worse. I did purchase the extended warranty (hopefully a good idea). I was just wondering if anyone had any pointers or info I should know before making a stupid mistake.

I am thinking about

-What BMW warranty covers
-Should I buy extended maintenance plan
-Should the car always go back to BMW for maintenance or can I take it somewhere a bit cheaper
-General information or advice on how to keep the car running well (should I let the engine warm before driving etc.)


Thank you, I am just trying to get an idea about best practices and how to take care of my new Bimmer!

Congrats and welcome!!

Best advice would be to spend some time on this forum, it is full of useful info

[nicknaz]

congrats OP. Agree with the others, don't buy anything but the car from them. Definitely consider the factory backed extended warranty.

[kpgray]

The is only one problem with owning a BMW, nothing else comes close to the feel of one. Sometime soon you will venture into the abyss, drive another vehicle only to realize how great your car really is. This will most likely be the first of many BMW's for you! Welcome to the club.

[ErkanTR16]

Best of luck mate.