ok - here's my f/u to the xtnd contracts -

turns out my service/maintenance contract expired (2005 mcs - first in service 10/04), but warranty expires this month.

at Assael bmw/mini in Monrovia CA i received this info:
extended maint/serv contract can be purchased for ~$2500 but only good through oct 2010. i wouldn't take car in for oil chgs- too far to drive (50miles one way) for that so it would be used for brakes or cluth.

extended warranty good for 36mo/61000 miles from date I purchase the xtnd contract -$2500.

it would be nice to not have to worry about cost of new brakes or cluth (really the clutch) altho i've never had to replace a clutch in one of my cars - altho my fiance's 2002 A4 needed a new clutch when we bought it from my friend (orig owner - 101000 miles on it). but at $2500 i may not getting any use out it - i've only put 13000 miles on the car in 13 months of ownership. the warranty may be more advantageous. as it turns out, Assael discovered leaky gaskets that needed to be replaced (doesn't surprise me as orig owner only put 6500 miles on car in 3 years of ownership so the gaskets probably dried up).

opinions???? the prices are double what i expected it - altho i'm surprised to learn that i can buy an extended warranty thru mini

 

I was sorry I got it after the fact. I had a major service at 40K,the xtended ran out at 50K and my next major service was at 55K. Made me feel stupid.

In addition, you are not going to want to use OEM brake pads as replacements, so as to get rid of the dust. (I couldn't stand the OEM PADS because they are so dirty!!)

The clutch OUGHT to last past 50000 anyway. And, when you do replace it, you will want to use an FX 2 or some such upgrade, anyway.

I think x-10-dead service / warranties are bogus uses of $$'s. I will not do it again.

 

yeah - i don't think i'll be going for the service contract (especially at that price) and i agree that next brakes will either be green stuff or a big brake kit. as for the clutch, for $2500 (the cost of the maint pkg) i could put in a damn nice clutch.

i'm torn about the warranty tho. it's nice to know i can xtnd it thru mini - but $2500 is dbl what any of the aftmkt warranties cost (disclaimer - i'm not looking at buying an aftrmkt warranty - too many risks imo). i feel sketchy about having an 05 with only 19k miles that is now out of warranty - but $2500 buys a bunch of other stuff and since i'm still on the bottom of the food chain in the medical hierarchy - that's still alot a $$$$