Hi, I just got back from the dealership for repairs on my mini. I had to get the water pump and timing chain replaced. It really left a hole in my wallet. The service rep wanted me to buy the extended maintenance contact for $1895.00. It is to do the followings Standard Scope - what is this? engine oil - can do this myself rear barkes vehicle check - what is this? brake fluid statutory vehicle inspection - what does it entails? intake silence - fancy name for air filter, correct? microfilter It is really worth $1895? Is there a good & honest Mini auto shop in the Montgomery County area? Does a bmw shop also works? Any recommendations is greatly appreciated JC

 

Ok... The extended MAINTENANCE contract, just extends the factory maintenance program, (what little of that they do), This includes all the services that you mentioned. BMW/MINI use a computer based service program to tell them when they HAVE to do things, not when they really should do them. All that BMW/Mini really wants to do is get the vehicle out of the warranty period in one relatively whole piece. They really don't care, or want, it to last any longer than that.

It's not what they are going to charge you to actually DO that maintenance.

Extended warranty and maintenance contracts are a really REALLY BIG money makers for the dealers. Most people NEVER get the full value out of them unless there is a really big problem.

You figure that even at 100K miles you probably are going to get 4-5 oil changes, and maybe 1-2 brake jobs, and a couple of filters and fluids. And only when the CBS computer in the car says you need them. Yes, it convenient not to have to pay at the time of service, but you can have an INDY do it, or do it yourself for far less.

 

Thanks Richard... I have been reading all day at this forum and it really has been helpful. I also forgot that the service manager makes a commission on pushing as much service repair work to the customer.

 

I bought my car from Scandinavian Service Center in Rockville. They do dealer quality work, and seem like very honest people. I've had an engine mount replace by them - it was covered under the extended warranty I bought from them. They kept me abreast of the situation every step of the way.

http://www.scandinavianimports.com/

That my car on their site :D