UK BMW warranties.....

I'm surprised at such a low figure. When the maker's warranty was about to run out on my E39 528, IIRC I was quoted the thick end of 1000 quid for one year, so I declined.

These things aren't charities. They are simply insurance - and as well as covering costs have to make a profit after administration, etc.

I'd say most independant ones are even poorer value. They pay out commission to the seller, and must make profits for the company. I've seen it in print that some only pay out 10% of their premiums in claims overall, so you'd have to be *very* unlucky with your car to come out ahead.

Just saw an article in a recent UK newspaper about this change. They didn't mention this cost increase, though. Amazing...

It affects the extended warranties only, IIRC.

DAS

For direct contact replace nospam with schmetterling

Welcome to the wonderful world of BMW extended warranties. You'll find similar increases across the board will the whole range. Especially galling for the M3 following a major engine "quality enhancement" which could only be effected by replacing some peoples engines!

I bought an E39 Touring under the Approved Used Car scheme in 2001 and have been since the AUC warranty expired in 2002 have been renewing. The price has risen steadily from around £500 to over £600 at the last renewal in December '04. Does this mean I am going to get a nasty shock come December '05?

As for alternatives- there are any number of independent insurance-backed warranties on the market but I've always chosed to stick with BMW as it is pretty comprehensive warranty and for the sheer convenience.

But have you found the extended warranty worth the money - ie what has gone wrong in the years since you've had it?

Well, a surprising amount. First off the windscreen washer jets failed. Then there was the saga of vibration at speed which was eventually traced to problems in the front suspension (all done under warranty). Also had a problem with squeaks and rattles from the tailgate plus the well-known abysmal AM radio reception (traced to the window aerial). Then the replacement of the near-side headlamp after moisture got in. Oh, and a prblem also occurred with the self-levelling rear suspension.

It sounds like the car is a lemon. Its not but I think BMW quality isn't quite what I believed it to be. I'd class these faults as niggles, annoying but not enough to make me contemplate getting rid of the car (yet).

To be fair the bulk of the problems occured in the first year I had the car but overall the "net" cost to me has been not too great. I wouldn't run a big, complex car like this without some kind of warranty and the BMW one is pretty comprehensive. I've also found dealers quite happy to not quibble over whether a repair can be classed as warranty work or not.