One thing I have noticed is that the e46 M3 seems to be pretty damn reliable and has very few issues. However, like all M cars, when something does come up it can be expensive. Let’s go through your list:

1.) 3k for the CPO warranty is a bit steep, not sure it is worth it as you might not recoup close to that in claims. Check the terms, more so for mileage limitations than time as you’ve got a low mileage car.

2.) Do not get the extended maintenance plan unless it is $500 or less. Period. $3000 is a joke.

3.) Tire protection plan. This is a new one. This is probably a bad one as well, especially at $1500. Check to see what the terms are of this plan, which tires are covered, etc. But I would say this is probably a no as well.

4.) No lojack. Chances are that if the car is stolen, you aren’t going to want it back after the perps have had their fun with it. If the lojack plan drastically reduces your car insurance it is worth looking into, otherwise don’t worry about it. If you live near the border of Mexico, definitely don’t get lojack. Last time I checked, the lojack signal drops if the car leaves the US. This may have changed, but getting a stolen car out of mexico is as fruitful as playing the lottery.

The big question is can you get an extended warranty for the car?? A warranty offered by a 3rd party insurance company? Check to see what is available, this is your better bet as more things are covered and the price and terms are usually more attractive. Give me a call if you have any questions and I’ll tell Carl hello for you.

Chris

I purchased a new 2006 BMW M3 coupe this weekend with 18k original miles. My new car has about 10 months left on the original factory BMW warranty. Since it is an M car and expensive to maintain and fix, should I purchase the following:

1) BMW CPO warranty
2) BMW extended maintenance plan
3) Tire protection plan
4) Lojack security system

I love the M3 coupe and have always wanted an M car since I had a 1996 BMW 328is coupe in the past. The BMW dealer wants 3k for the CPO warranty, 1500 for the tire protection plan and 3k for the extended maintenance plan.

Thanks
Ben Prusinski
ben@ben-oracle.com

PS: Say hello to Carl for me!

Glad you have found something of use in the blog! Thanks for your comments and keep on top of your 330i, they are great cars that will serve you well if properly maintained.

Take Care.

At that price you cannot go wrong provided it fits! The US front air dam is very hard to find and usualyl fetch over $500 alone. Great deal you’ve found and the car will look great. Thanks for checking out the blog and for your comments; much appriciated!!

Chris.

I just ran across your blog while searching for suggested maintenance advice for my 2002 330i. I couldn’t stop reading your blog until I finished from newest post to the first post. I appreciate the good information you provide — along with the humorous stories of cars that have been brought in.

Thanks again!
Mike

Great Blog, I have an 87′ 528e that I am obsessed with because they just do not make cars like this any more. I am never going to sell it so I am putting some accessories on it and was looking for some advice. I just found a nice air dam and trunk spoiler from a 535 for 200 bucks and was wondering what I should look for when I go to make the deal. I assume there is no problem mounting them on my e28 as they are the same cars as the 535’s. Any advice would help. Thanks Chris, your fans are growing in number.

Bob

Thanks for the quick reply. The CPO Limited Warranty covers a wide range of vehicle components, including the engine, powertrain,
electrical system, climate control and more. So basically the major engine components? The BMW Maintenance Program Upgrade ($1900) would cover the 60K service, brakes, oil over the 50K miles. Since I have not had a BMW before, are the mechanical service prices in line with the $1900 cost? You mentioned the extended warranty is recommended on the X3.

Thanks again.

It is important to look at the details of the warranty itself. Also, how long have they covered you under hte CPO warranty? If your CPO warranty covers you until 100k, I don’t see the need to get an extended warranty on top of that. If the $1900 warranty is the ‘extended service agreement’ DO NOT purchase it. Unfortunately the extended service agreement will only get you a few oil changes and a set of brakes.

Check what is covered under the CPO vs. the Extended Warranty and see if the gaps that are filled by the extended warranty make it a smart purchase.

Good Luck!

Chris

Thanks,