Expiring warranty and NYC independent dealer query

[denton]

Hi all:

I have a 2007 328xi MT and the warranty is about to expire (mid-Jan). Since I'm in NYC the car doesn't see a lot of miles, 26k as of right now. Have not had any major issues with the car, just a couple of check engine lights related to the gas cap.

I've received a notice from the dealer offering to extend the warranty, altho I have not gotten a price yet. In searching the forum, it seems the consensus is against purchasing it. Does anyone know, however, if the price varies according to mileage and history, or is it one price for all? If so with a low mileage car like this I really think I'd be better off not buying it if everyone gets the same price.

Somewhere also I've read (but can't find in the forum) that it's a good idea to take the car to an independent mechanic to inspect the car and look for any issues before the warranty expires. True and do they know what to look for?

Finally, I'm wondering if I should look for an independent repair shop to maintain the car post-warranty, and if anyone has any recs in the area. Bay Diagnostics is listed at bimrs.org... anyone have experience with them or someone else?

[mryakan]

Price is fixed regardless of vehicle condition. It is based on duration of the warranty. It may vary from dealer to dealer though since they all tack on some profit on top of the cost of the warranty, they are really acting as a broker between you and the company offering the warranties.
You should visit the regional section to ask for local mechanic recommendations.

[denton]

ah, thanks, didn't realize there were regional forums.

[fun2drive]

Price is not fixed. It is up to the dealer to either stay with BMW guidelines or not. Since this is a manufacture warranty.
A couple of dealers including the one I bought my car from Euro Delivery have offered the extended warranty for less that the dealers I take my car to.

Same warranty but again the discretion of the dealer.
I must say that I have only seen two dealers I am familiar with do this.

[mryakan]

Price is not fixed.
You should really read more carefully. The question was whether the price depended on the car mileage and condition when the warranty was purchased, and the answer to that was that the price was fixed from that perspective. You are right though that price may vary from dealer to dealer, but that was not what was being discussed.

[Georgere]

i've been out of BMW warranty since 08/2009 and did not opt for an extended warranty (although got some quotes but decided to save $3-5K I was quoted)

since then I put about 20K miles on my car, paid for new struts about $450 (material and labor), and now might need to do something with the heater blower motor (based on initial research)

so far it is way below the warranty cost and ~1.5 years later

whether the two items I had/have to fix were to be covered by warranty, I'm not sure but this is my example....