tww wrote:
> The local BMW dealer has been advertising maintenance coverage on new BMWs
> that extends to everything from oil changes to brakes up to 50k miles. I
> assume this is rather like an extended warranty that you pay for over and
> above the cost of the car. Since I am not a BMW owner -- not wealthy
> enough -- it seemed unlikely to me that BMW would cover everything for
> nothing. Am I right?

You're wrong. The "not wealthy enough" is exactly why BMW extends full
maintenance on their cars - and they also hope some maintenance is done
so they can resell the car at the end of the lease (over 50% of new BMWs
are leased..) It is provided at no additional cost (which probably isn't
the same as no-cost - it's factored into the wholesale price of the car..)

It basically covers everything except tires. It makes the cost of a
lease the actual cost, not the lease cost plus maintenance costs. AFAIK
- BMW is now the only luxury car maker providing this. Mercedes used to
and they quit doing it.

Watch for the killer lease offerings you see on TV - then visit a dealer
and ask about leasing a BMW. You may find that you can lease a BMW for
the same $$ or less than a lesser car. And the expenses won't eat your
lunch.