DCT Blues & The BMW Extended Warranty

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

Well I told you a couple of weeks ago about my DCT leaking oil. A gasket was replaced on a cover on the passenger side of the transmission. At the same time, I had them replace the Mechatronics Sealing Sleeve and two rubber O-rings. The transmission had to be removed for both of these items.

Today I took it back in for an inspection and all was OK. If you like mechanical porn, the underside of the 135i with the DCT is a good place to look. Anyway, my warranty will end in a couple of weeks, and I have to make a decision about an extended warranty. The DCT transmission isn't something that an independent shop can work on. Actually, neither can a BMW dealer. If it clunks to a halt, the whole unit has to be replaced to the tune of $10K.

If it weren't for the DCT, I wouldn't consider an extended warranty. Reading the travails of others with the DCT, it is quite likely to leak again. Incidentally, BMW doesn't warrant any repairs done under the factory warranty. It does only when you pay for them. You might notice that the DCT wasn't available for the Two, only the M edition cars got it! That kind of tells me something but not sure what!

So I've been shopping around for an extended warranty. In four years, I've only racked up 28K miles, so Gold 7 year/75K miles is the one for me. I visited a local dealer who wanted list or $3,819 but was willing to discount it $300 or $3,519. I talked to a couple of others who wouldn't budge on price until I found one who'd do it for $3,319 or a $500 discount. I believe I could find one who'd do three grand, but I'm running out of time.

I kind of wish I had gotten a manual, but the DCT is so damn good I'm spoiled to the point I never want to shift another gear.

[greenthumb]

I decided not to buy an extended warranty and am currently kicking myself for it because I've since had to do window regulators and the oil filter housing gasket. I got the Mechatronics sleeve done under warranty so I hope my DCT stays happy for a while.

[Havocsteve]

Why not invest some of that money used into tools? Between my dad's garage and the next door neighbor, we could open a shop. Only missing a lift honestly now lol. Not to mention, you'll learn the car and can be fun. Get a friend who is knowledgeable to help out if they like to do that. Between my old E30 and this E82, I've gotten a bunch of tools that euro cars need/use.

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

Originally Posted by Havocsteve

Why not invest some of that money used into tools? Between my dad's garage and the next door neighbor, we could open a shop. Only missing a lift honestly now lol. Not to mention, you'll learn the car and can be fun. Get a friend who is knowledgeable to help out if they like to do that. Between my old E30 and this E82, I've gotten a bunch of tools that euro cars need/use.

I've got a lift, a ton of tools, and years of experience working on collectible cars, mostly German. I even have a fair amount of diagnostic equipment.

With all that, I wouldn't consider the 135i much of a pleasure to work on. For one thing, if the DCT failed, I couldn't fix it. Also the engine compartment is tight and a PITA to get at things. I also wouldn't save much money due to OEM parts are expensive.

Young men think getting all dirty working on their cars is fun. I don't! I prefer sitting in the shade with a glass of wine!

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

Originally Posted by greenthumb

I decided not to buy an extended warranty and am currently kicking myself for it because I've since had to do window regulators and the oil filter housing gasket. I got the Mechatronics sleeve done under warranty so I hope my DCT stays happy for a while.

I'd take of the transmission cover off from time-to-time to check for leaks from the pan or the side plate gasket. If it loses too much oil, it dies!

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

Originally Posted by greenthumb

I decided not to buy an extended warranty and am currently kicking myself for it because I've since had to do window regulators and the oil filter housing gasket. I got the Mechatronics sleeve done under warranty so I hope my DCT stays happy for a while.

How much money have you spent so far for repairs?

[captain slowly]

$3500 for 7/70 doesn't sound all that bad, since we both know you will spend more than that fixing stuff over the next 7 years. What company is the warranty with? Mine is with First mile, which is owned by AMSI, which owns about 140 dealerships (some BMW), so a pretty large group. I would also consider JM&A otherwise known as Fidelity. When I worked for VW, they were our OEM company, and they always paid. No drama.

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

Originally Posted by captain slowly

$3500 for 7/70 doesn't sound all that bad, since we both know you will spend more than that fixing stuff over the next 7 years. What company is the warranty with? Mine is with First mile, which is owned by AMSI, which owns about 140 dealerships (some BMW), so a pretty large group. I would also consider JM&A otherwise known as Fidelity. When I worked for VW, they were our OEM company, and they always paid. No drama.

The warranty is the BMW 7/75 Gold for $3,319. It extends the factory warranty for 3 more years.

The car is entering the sweet spot for repairs. I expect the oil filter housing gasket repair, the water pump, maybe the DCT again, and God who knows what else?

However, the coach work is perfect without a squeak or rattle, the upholstery is top notch, the engine runs like a rocket but quietly and smoothly, the DCT shifts like a mad bastard on drugs, the suspension and steering are about as perfect as any car ever made (and I've driven them all), even the radio works great!

[HomoPirate]

Other than oil filter housing gasket replacement, water pump, DCT leaks.

You should also expect HPFP, the HPFP is warranted here in California due to emission law. For other state, your might have get it done out of your pocket. The dealer told me it's a $1700 job.

And the a/c evaporator leaks. It happened in my car @53k miles and it's a popular issue related to the ac system in bmw.

That's how I gone thru the ownership of my 135i.

I hate how my car in and out dealership so often but it's so pleasure to drive every time I get it back.

I suggest you to get the extended warranty. It will buy back itself when those repairs come.

[captain slowly]

Originally Posted by Mr Rooty Von Tooty

The warranty is the BMW 7/75 Gold for $3,319. It extends the factory warranty for 3 more years.

The car is entering the sweet spot for repairs. I expect the oil filter housing gasket repair, the water pump, maybe the DCT again, and God who knows what else?

However, the coach work is perfect without a squeak or rattle, the upholstery is top notch, the engine runs like a rocket but quietly and smoothly, the DCT shifts like a mad bastard on drugs, the suspension and steering are about as perfect as any car ever made (and I've driven them all), even the radio works great!

its underwritten by someone, but that's irrelevant to you. If BMW brands it, you're good to go. $3300 is a good price. Buy it.

[rob24ert]

Im stuck in the same situation!

Dont know whether to shell out for the extended. Its a 2011 with the 6 year / 160,000KM ext warranty. Im at half the KM. I can get 7 year / 160,000KM but its $1699 + tax CDN.

Worth it??

[Matticus91]

Warranty Solutions, lifetime unlimited miles, bumper to bumper, less than $4k so far paid significantly more than that, including a new trans.

[Havocsteve]

Originally Posted by Mr Rooty Von Tooty

I've got a lift, a ton of tools, and years of experience working on collectible cars, mostly German. I even have a fair amount of diagnostic equipment.

With all that, I wouldn't consider the 135i much of a pleasure to work on. For one thing, if the DCT failed, I couldn't fix it. Also the engine compartment is tight and a PITA to get at things. I also wouldn't save much money due to OEM parts are expensive.

Young men think getting all dirty working on their cars is fun. I don't! I prefer sitting in the shade with a glass of wine!

I get you, I'm the same. It's my only car and travel to my parents place is about 30 minutes to do any work. But the cost savings and learning things yourself far outweighs thousands in labor fees. OEM parts aren't that expensive, my dad's hotrod parts cost more. Damn, his oil change doing it himself costs over $200 (it's also a big block 494). I understand the tranny is expensive and such but honestly, a few buddies that know some things and youtube videos go a long way. Btw, I'm not really that young, I'm catching up to 30 soon

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

Originally Posted by Havocsteve

I get you, I'm the same. It's my only car and travel to my parents place is about 30 minutes to do any work. But the cost savings and learning things yourself far outweighs thousands in labor fees. OEM parts aren't that expensive, my dad's hotrod parts cost more. Damn, his oil change doing it himself costs over $200 (it's also a big block 494). I understand the tranny is expensive and such but honestly, a few buddies that know some things and youtube videos go a long way. Btw, I'm not really that young, I'm catching up to 30 soon

Some of my buddies are dead, some don't know a damn thing, and the rest I won't let in my yard!

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

Originally Posted by captain slowly

its underwritten by someone, but that's irrelevant to you. If BMW brands it, you're good to go. $3300 is a good price. Buy it.

The BMW warranty is underwritten by BMW, but it is administered by a 3rd party! Doesn't make any difference. The only extended warranty to buy for a BMW is a BMW, gotta keep it all BMW!

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

The BMW extended warranty is pro-rated. Suppose you buy it for 3 years, and you sell or wreck the car a year later? BMW will give you back the cost for 2 years. Of course, they'll use some formula, but you get the idea.

[captain slowly]

Originally Posted by Mr Rooty Von Tooty

The BMW extended warranty is pro-rated. Suppose you buy it for 3 years, and you sell or wreck the car a year later? BMW will give you back the cost for 2 years. Of course, they'll use some formula, but you get the idea.

So will everyone else. The formula goes something like this- amount of time/miles left, claims paid, and you get a few dollars back. As I said, buy it. Its worth it even at $3300. If you think you might sell the car, it would make it much more attractive if the warranty went with the car.

[greenthumb]

Originally Posted by Mr Rooty Von Tooty

How much money have you spent so far for repairs?

$2,507 total for the oil filter housing gasket, 2 window regulators, and 2 window motors. And that's just in 1 year out of warranty.

[Havocsteve]

It's a car =\ Shit breaks, gets old, doesn't function as it once did. If your honestly that worried or can't afford. I'm sorry, but you picked the wrong vehicle. I know BMW has a persona and a feel to it, but if you can't handle the finances and worried about prices ect, this isn't a brand your wallet will like. OP, you need to lease. Honestly your best bet as your worried about the cost of everything. Everything is covered, and after 4 years, trade it in for another one. Probably the best advice for you.

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

Originally Posted by Havocsteve

It's a car =\ Shit breaks, gets old, doesn't function as it once did. If your honestly that worried or can't afford. I'm sorry, but you picked the wrong vehicle. I know BMW has a persona and a feel to it, but if you can't handle the finances and worried about prices ect, this isn't a brand your wallet will like. OP, you need to lease. Honestly your best bet as your worried about the cost of everything. Everything is covered, and after 4 years, trade it in for another one. Probably the best advice for you.

Eh? I always thought Canadians were jerks, but this guy proves it.

[captain slowly]

Originally Posted by Mr Rooty Von Tooty

Eh? I always thought Canadians were jerks, but this guy proves it.

I think its more a reading comprehension issue. Discussing the merits of buying an extended warranty does not mean a person can't afford the repairs.

[WDE82]

Originally Posted by Havocsteve

It's a car =\ Shit breaks, gets old, doesn't function as it once did. If your honestly that worried or can't afford. I'm sorry, but you picked the wrong vehicle. I know BMW has a persona and a feel to it, but if you can't handle the finances and worried about prices ect, this isn't a brand your wallet will like. OP, you need to lease. Honestly your best bet as your worried about the cost of everything. Everything is covered, and after 4 years, trade it in for another one. Probably the best advice for you.

Do you have collision or comprehensive insurance? Yes? You must be some kind of poor to not be self insured.