[bmwx389]

Hi everyone,

For the first time, I bought a pre-owned, certified BMW X3 xDrive30i. I also purchased all the dealer-recommended warranties, including tire coverage. However, after today’s visit to the dealership for service, I was given a quote of over $2,000 for the following three services:
• Two front tires: $850+
• Tire alignment: $250+
• Front brake pads: $1,000+

I feel cheated because, when I bought the warranties, the dealer assured me that everything would be covered and I wouldn’t have to pay anything out of pocket. But now, these warranties seem useless to me, and I feel like I wasted nearly $4,000 on unnecessary services. It has been a hard lesson to learn.

Additionally, the dealership doesn’t clarify whether certain issues are covered under the warranty. For instance, I mentioned that the moonroof sometimes doesn’t open properly, and they told me I’d need to pay a $250 diagnostic fee to find out if it’s covered. I wish I had known about these tricks beforehand.

Sorry for the rant, but I needed to get this off my chest.

Can anyone recommend whether it’s worth going to BMW to get the three issues fixed, or should I look for alternatives? For example, should I buy tires from Costco or somewhere else?

Front tire description:
Dueler H/P Sport
245/50R19 105H M+S RSC

I don’t have much knowledge about cars, so I’m reaching out to the community for advice on the best options.

[MaxVO2]

Originally Posted by bmwx389

Hi everyone,

For the first time, I bought a pre-owned, certified BMW X3 xDrive30i. I also purchased all the dealer-recommended warranties, including tire coverage. However, after today’s visit to the dealership for service, I was given a quote of over $2,000 for the following three services:
• Two front tires: $850+
• Tire alignment: $250+
• Front brake pads: $1,000+

I feel cheated because, when I bought the warranties, the dealer assured me that everything would be covered and I wouldn’t have to pay anything out of pocket. But now, these warranties seem useless to me, and I feel like I wasted nearly $4,000 on unnecessary services. It has been a hard lesson to learn.

Additionally, the dealership doesn’t clarify whether certain issues are covered under the warranty. For instance, I mentioned that the moonroof sometimes doesn’t open properly, and they told me I’d need to pay a $250 diagnostic fee to find out if it’s covered. I wish I had known about these tricks beforehand.

Sorry for the rant, but I needed to get this off my chest.

Can anyone recommend whether it’s worth going to BMW to get the three issues fixed, or should I look for alternatives? For example, should I buy tires from Costco or somewhere else?

Front tire description:
Dueler H/P Sport
245/50R19 105H M+S RSC

I don’t have much knowledge about cars, so I’m reaching out to the community for advice on the best options.

****You can get the tires you need significantly cheaper from places like Tire Rack,or Costco and have them delivered to a good independent mechanic/dealer with familiarity working on BMW's, or just have Costco do all the work if they can handle it. The brakes are not a difficult job if it is just pad replacements, and Costco, at least in my area has some pretty high dollar alignment machines and competent people working them, as they do for tire mounting and balancing. They do a LOT of business in my area for tires and alignments and have a great warranty/stand behind their work.

An X3 is not an uncommon vehicle so it is likely Costco is familiar with the model and can handle the tires, brakes, and alignment, balancing, etc...

The prices quoted by your dealership seem remarkably high to me. An independent mechanic with familiarity with BMW can handle the moonroof issue, and give you an estimate probably without a $250 diagnostic fee...

Good luck.

[IDBGOD]

Tire and wheel typically just covers road hazard (pothole, puncture, etc) and does not include wear.

The other warranties you purchased cover other components but not wearable maintenance items (tires, alignment, brakes, pads, etc).

You could shop these prices around. Not much markup in tires so not sure how much you would save on those. Brake pads, labor, and alignment you could probably get done at an independent for less.

Sunroof should be covered either by the standard warranty, CPO, or the extended you purchased less whatever your deductible is. The $250 diagnostic will typically be waived if covered under warranty.

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by bmwx389

I bought a pre-owned, certified BMW X3 xDrive30i. I also purchased all the dealer-recommended warranties, including tire coverage. However, after today’s visit to the dealership for service, I was given a quote of over $2,000 for the following three services:
• Two front tires: $850+
• Tire alignment: $250+
• Front brake pads: $1,000+

I feel cheated because, when I bought the warranties, the dealer assured me that everything would be covered and I wouldn’t have to pay anything out of pocket.

Did you read the actual warranties before buying?
If not, why not go and read them now to see what you had bought!

Originally Posted by bmwx389

But now, these warranties seem useless to me, and I feel like I wasted nearly $4,000 on unnecessary services. It has been a hard lesson to learn.

1). Tire wear is never covered under any warranties, including BMW original one if you had bought the car new.
2). You may be able to cancel and get refunded for some of the warranties - read the fine print!
3). A set of front brake pads will cost you ~$100 from most stores (e.g.: tirerack.com). DIY installing them should take ~15 minutes per side, assuming you have the right tools and are mildly handy.
4). If #4 scares you, joing your local BMW CCA (Car Club of America) chapter, and start learning!

Originally Posted by bmwx389

Additionally, the dealership doesn’t clarify whether certain issues are covered under the warranty. For instance, I mentioned that the moonroof sometimes doesn’t open properly, and they told me I’d need to pay a $250 diagnostic fee to find out if it’s covered. I wish I had known about these tricks beforehand.

BMW CPO / VSC warranty has various deductible points - why one did you buy?

Read here to find out for yourself: BMW CPO warranty.

Originally Posted by bmwx389

Can anyone recommend whether it’s worth going to BMW to get the three issues fixed, or should I look for alternatives? For example, should I buy tires from Costco or somewhere else?

Tires and brake pads can be procured from anywhere, including Costco. No need to go to the dealer for that.

Sunroof issue may require dealer intervention.

HTH,
a

[No one]

Replace tires from dealer or outside ?

"Outside!" A reputable tyre shop should do it better than a service mechanic who does not do much of this work usually. They can have better equipment too (I saw a very battered, likely dead tire machine at an official BMW service) as well as lower prices. Just make sure TPMS (you likely have it) is no issue (see the car's manual at least).

Originally Posted by bmwx389

after today’s visit to the dealership for service, I was given a quote of over $2,000 for the following three services:
• Two front tires: $850+
• Tire alignment: $250+
• Front brake pads: $1,000+

You don't need to replace brake pads until the car's computer tells you to (there is a brake pad wear sensor, when it's triggered you'll have the corresponding message displayed). You should also have them prove the tyres need replacement (there should be wear indicators, see the car's manual or ): tyre shops love to tell you your brand new tyres are worn out.

Originally Posted by bmwx389

Front tire description:
Dueler H/P Sport
245/50R19 105H M+S RSC

Did you omit "Bridgestone"? But Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport is "AS", not available as "M+S".

[POBEP]

I use Costco exclusively for tires.
I came today with a nail, tires were installed 5 years ago.
While the nail was short (did not go through), they took tire out, checked, put back and re-balanced.
They torqued wheels by hand (no impact), covered both seat and steering wheel with plastic.
They handle installation by the book and NEVER left even a tiny ding on any of my rims.
The technician went all 4 corners with torque wrench, even he took only 1 wheel out.
Final bill - $0

Two Michelin - Pilot Sport All Season 4 (which are awesome AS tires, and by far better than Dueler's, imo) will set you back at $635.96 + Tax
Costco Item #1441377


For alignment, I would recommend asking (this) community for a good shop in your area.

Rotors & pads are DIY for me, but any reputable shop can do those too.

I avoid dealer visits at all costs, except must-have recalls and engine oil (which is priced very competitively in my area).

[POBEP]

Originally Posted by No one

But Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport is "AS", not available as "M+S".

They are M+S, Costco Item # 1204537

[MJBO]

Sorry OP but it doesn’t sound like you read any of the documentation that would have been supplied before signing up for the warranty.

As others have said, wear items like brakes and tyres won’t be covered by any vehicle warranty (OEM or 3rd party), and deductibles and other fees are all too common with aftermarket warranties.

As for the items on your list, the tyres doesn’t sound too out there (I paid similar money per tyre for a 20 inch P ZERO RFT for my wife’s 2020 X3 a few years ago from a tyre shop), not sure about brakes as I haven’t had to do them on a car in forever.

[tracer bullet]

Off the top, those two tires plus installation and being put back on the car aren't far off, I'd have guessed $600 - $750 ($250 - $300 per tire and another $100 - $150 to do the two of them).

Alignment would be $150-ish for 4 wheels, $100 for just the fronts. But have to ask if you need it to begin with.

Brake pads alone $100 for us so $150 at the dealer. $400 with rotors so $500 there. Installation in an hour if that for another $150.

But it's 2025, NJ may be higher across the board, and it is a dealer that might not be trying to cut you a good deal at all, which are all factors.

[John in VA]

Originally Posted by bmwx389

Hi everyone,
For the first time, I bought a pre-owned, certified BMW X3 xDrive30i.

You don't state when you bought the X3 or how many miles you've put on it. If it's just days/weeks there should have been plenty of tread on the tires to pass CPO inspection/certification. The moonroof should also have operated properly.

Rather than "ranting" here you should have this exact conversation with the service or warranty manager where you purchased the X. Good luck!

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by John in VA

You don't state when you bought the X3 or how many miles you've put on it. If it's just days/weeks there should have been plenty of tread on the tires to pass CPO inspection/certification. The moonroof should also have operated properly.

Rather than "ranting" here you should have this exact conversation with the service or warranty manager where you purchased the X. Good luck!

Excellent points!!!

Maybe I am crazy, but as long as the car is under the CPO warranty shouldn't the moonroof repair should be covered?

Also, the OP has to be careful if he replaces the tires elsewhere as the tire and wheel plans usually have fine print that says they cover the exact brand/ model of tire that was originally on the vehicle when it was sold. In my case I have Michelin PSS BMW * tires and if I replaced them with a different brand or model of tire I wouldn't be covered if I had a puncture, etc.

[Colemme]

Wear & tear on tires and brakes are normally not covered under extended warranties, with the exception of road hazards/curb rips/punctures/nails...etc. As stated by others, you want to replace the tires with OEM or matching tire sets. You can buy the same tires from tire rack, discount tire or equivalent tire retailers, but they must be put on by an authorized tire installer. If not, you could potentially void your warranties.

You can also save a little bit, by ordering from a outside tire retailer and have the tires sent directly to your dealership for installation. That would be cheaper and not void any insurance coverage.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by Colemme

You can also save a little bit, by ordering from a outside tire retailer and have the tires sent directly to your dealership for installation. That would be cheaper and not void any insurance coverage.

If it is the same tire that they sell, I seriously doubt that a dealer would do this.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

Excellent points!!!

Maybe I am crazy, but as long as the car is under the CPO warranty shouldn't the moonroof repair should be covered?.

CPO is not as complete as the original 4 year warranty. I don’t remember all the details. It is pretty good on the drivetrain and not so good on the interior/electrical as I recall.

I agree with staying away from the dealer if you can find a good independent in your area. I DIY almost everything, but the new cars can be challenging to work on.

The general recommendation on extra warranties is to save the money anbd self insure. But if that is going to give you high blood pressure or anxiety, since there is still a risk the repairs could cost more than the warranty, then you should buy or lease new cars and turn them in after the lease or sell them after the warranty ends. Or pay extra for extended warranties and hope whatever happens is covered.

I have bought extended warranties of various types a couple of times and maybe once broke even or came out ahead. The more recent time I lost money. I don’t intend to buy any again. The salesmen are good and get you when you are tired from the car shopping process. They break the big costs down into small additional monthly payments to make the costs seem minor.

[MaxVO2]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

If it is the same tire that they sell, I seriously doubt that a dealer would do this.

****Yea. Mine will not. They want to sell you the tire from their inventory - perhaps for the markup, but also perhaps for warranty reasons and insuring the tires you get aren't old stock with potential problems that would have to be covered should something happen.

It's a type of chain of custody thing. The dealer knows where the tires came from when they order them through their channels.

[pbonsalb]

They can read the date codes on the tires and write warranty limitations on the work order. They simply don’t want to be involved in the hassle of customer provided parts that offer them no markup. Often the customer screws up the order — maybe standard Michelins instead of Star marked, and then they have to help the customer figure things out and facilitate the return. Some dealers will install mods for customers and maybe a few are desperate enough for work to install discount shop tires.

[alex2112]

Rule number 1 of owning a pre-owned BMW is stay away from the dealer. Unless something is covered explicitly under an extended warranty or CPO, get everything done at an independent, reputable shop.

[Colemme]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

If it is the same tire that they sell, I seriously doubt that a dealer would do this.

The dealerships I have dealt with (in NJ) buy their tires from Tire Rack. I have had OEM tires sent to the dealer for years and they would just charge me for mounting, balancing and alignment. I have never had an issue. Maybe it's different where you are?!?!?

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by Colemme

The dealerships I have dealt with (in NJ) buy their tries from Tire Rack. I have had tires sent to the dealer for years and they would just charge me for mounting, balancing and alignment. I have never had an issue. Maybe it's different where you are?!?!?

I have Michelin PSS BMW * tires, which I could order from Tire Rack. My dealer stocks those tires.

I have no doubt that by the time they added on their labor for balancing and mounting it would be almost the same price plus I don’t have to wait for the tires to be shipped by Tire Rack to my dealer.

If I were replacing two front tires, I would align the car which really has nothing to do with comparing the pricing on the tires.

[Colemme]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

I have Michelin PSS BMW * tires, which I could order from Tire Rack. My dealer stocks those tires.

I have no doubt that by the time they added on their labor for balancing and mounting it would be almost the same price plus I don’t have to wait for the tires to be shipped by Tire Rack to my dealer.

If I were replacing two front tires, I would align the car which really has nothing to do with comparing the pricing on the tires.

I thought the question was regarding "replacing tires from the dealer or outside?"

We could go back and forth on this. Dealerships buy from whatever discount retailer house they use, (In NJ, I have found they have accounts mostly with Tire Rack, because the tire is there the following day). Then, the tire is marked up x%. As long as you are placing the same tire, there are savings, and I said, "a little bit." They have already given you the price for labor, so that price is locked. Whether they have it or you send it, as long as it is there on your appointment date, the authorized dealerships (BMW, Audi, Porsche, Mercedes), I have dealt with will install the OEM tire. My experience has been different. Respectfully

[Merv from Oz]

Was sold a $4k extra Warranty Package in Australia on a Rangey (Range Rover) and after I had sold it, I was notified that I had been included in a Warranty Insurance Class Action by default, as the Dealer and Insurance Company selling the product were required to disclose info to Australian Court. After 4 years, it looks like I'm getting $750 back of my 'Non claimable Warranty'. Of the Aus $190 million settlement, I think the Lawyers get $40m (Probably same thing happens in US).

Didn't sign up for any after sale stuff for my New i5 and was very happy with my BMW Dealership in Melbourne. I have a habit of sourcing model specific tyres, from reputable tyre fitting businesses. Don't mind the dealer doing servicing though, especially with all that technology in the cars now.

This forum and youtube will assist me the best for my other queries.

I have a couple of BMW Motorcycles, one electric CE04 (which gets serviced at a BMW Motorrad Dealer, again because of the Technology) and an Air Head (which I service myself).