
BMW extended warranty is necessary as it ensures regular inspection and maintenance of the engine, transmission, and turbo. However, if the vehicle is not used intensively, an extended warranty may not be needed. Taking the 2021 BMW 525 as an example, it falls under the mid-to-large-size car category with body dimensions of 5106mm in length, 1868mm in width, and 1500mm in height, a wheelbase of 3105mm, a fuel tank capacity of 68 liters, and a curb weight of 1705kg. The 2021 BMW 525 features a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. It is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine delivering a maximum horsepower of 184PS, a maximum power of 135kW, and a maximum torque of 290Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

As a long-term BMW driver, I feel that extended warranty is quite necessary. Although BMWs are fun to drive, repairs can be expensive, especially when major components like electronic systems and transmissions fail—costs can easily start at tens of thousands. An extended warranty provides peace of mind, covering hefty expenses if the car ages or is driven frequently and becomes prone to breakdowns. I have friends who skipped this expense and ended up selling their cars due to unbearable repair costs. Of course, consider the cost: the warranty fee of a few thousand per year is trivial compared to BMW’s average repair expenses. I recommend considering it soon after the new car period ends, rather than regretting it when problems arise. This insurance is as practical as car insurance.

When I was younger, I saved up to buy a BMW and hesitated about extending the warranty. To be honest, whether it's worth it depends on the individual: BMW repairs are expensive, but the warranty isn't cheap either—you have to do the math. If the car is new, well-maintained, and not driven much within a few years, you might just be wasting money; on the other hand, for an older car or high-mileage use, an extended warranty will definitely pay for itself. Additionally, BMWs have many electronic issues, and the warranty can save you from going bankrupt over one major repair. My advice is to study the contract details carefully and don’t get fooled by sales pitches. Saving the money or using it for regular maintenance might offer more flexibility.

From my experience with BMWs, extended warranties are a gamble on probability. BMWs have a high probability of issues like transmission failures in later years, where a single repair can cost as much as several years of warranty. The advantage is peace of mind and risk avoidance; the downside is that if the car is in good condition, it's purely a waste. It also depends on the coverage of 4S stores, as some may incur additional maintenance costs. Considering driving frequency and budget, it's worth buying for high usage rates.


