[-=Hot|Ice=-]

Originally Posted by AutoBlog

These days, all new BMW models sold in the United States are delivered with "BMW Ultimate Service." The package includes the BMW Maintenance Program, Roadside Assistance, and the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. In a nutshell, it means that fuel and tires are the only service costs owners of new BMW models pay for during the first 4 years/50,000 miles of ownership. In the past, BMW has allowed owners of certain models to "upgrade" and extend the term of the program, but not all vehicles were eligible.

As of today, the German automaker has announced that a "Maintenance Program Upgrade" will be offered for all BMW models (except the ALPINA B7). The program generously covers factory scheduled services and most wear items for up to 6 years/100,000 miles. However, it doesn't come cheap. The announced MSRP of the extension ranges from $1,395 to $2,995, depending on the model.

"BMW's Maintenance Program keeps vehicles well cared-for and more valuable in the pre-owned marketplace," says Alan Harris, Vice President of Aftersales for BMW of North America. "Our decision to make the six-year Maintenance Program Upgrade available to purchase for all BMW models makes it possible for more vehicles to remain under the care of an authorized BMW Center for a longer period of time." Reading between the lines, this an excellent way to guarantee consumers comply with the factory maintenance – keeping BMW's warranty repair costs low, and resale values high.

Press Release:

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - March 31, 2009... BMW of North America announced today that all BMW models are now eligible for purchase of a Maintenance Program Upgrade which extends BMW's standard Maintenance Program period to 6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first (excludes ALPINA B7). Vehicle owners may purchase the two-year Maintenance Program extension from an authorized BMW Center during the first four years after the vehicle's in-service date or 50,000 total miles, whichever comes first. MSRP for the extension ranges from $1,395 to $2,995, depending on the model. For a small surcharge, the period to enroll a vehicle is extended through the fifth year of vehicle age or 60,000 total miles. Most recently BMW made the M3, M5, M6, and Advanced Diesel models eligible for Maintenance Program extensions.

"BMW is committed to helping North American owners maintain their vehicles properly," said Alan Harris, Vice President of Aftersales for BMW of North America. "BMW's Maintenance Program keeps vehicles well cared-for and more valuable in the pre-owned marketplace. Our decision to make the six-year Maintenance Program Upgrade available to purchase for all BMW models makes it possible for more vehicles to remain under the care of an authorized BMW Center for a longer period of time, and that's the best way to ensure longevity for each vehicle."

Purchasing a Maintenance Program Upgrade is simple: a BMW owner visits an Authorized BMW Center to enroll any BMW during the first five years or 60,000 miles of its service life. Starting in April, BMW shoppers can also visit BMWUSA.com and utilize the Build-Your-Own module to include the Maintenance Program extension as a vehicle accessory; once completed they can either send this information directly to a BMW Center or print it for their convenience. Once enrolled by the center, Maintenance Program coverage is extended on the vehicle through the sixth year of service or 100,000 total vehicle miles, whichever comes first. Maintenance Program coverage stays with the vehicle (rather than the buyer), so a BMW's second or even third owner may benefit from the coverage.

BMW Ultimate ServiceTM:

Providing owners with incredible value and peace of mind
All 2009 BMW passenger vehicles feature BMW Ultimate ServiceTM, a suite of services that includes the BMW Maintenance Program (formerly called Full Maintenance), Roadside Assistance and the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. BMW AssistTM with TeleService is part of the optional Premium Package or can be ordered separately as a stand-alone option.

BMW Ultimate ServiceTM includes:
The BMW Maintenance Program is the only no-cost maintenance program in the industry that covers wear and tear items like brake pads and rotors for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. BMW owners pay nothing for all scheduled inspections, oil changes, brake pads, wiper blade inserts and other wear-and-tear items.

BMW Roadside Assistance is one of the industry's most comprehensive plans available. Not only is it no-charge for the first four years, but there is no mileage limit. BMW drivers enjoy the assurance of on-the-road help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, anywhere in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. This includes everything from flat tire changes, emergency gasoline and lock-out assistance, to towing, alternative transportation and even trip-interruption benefits. This service also includes valuable trip routing advice.

BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty: All 2009 BMW passenger vehicles are covered by BMW's excellent Limited Warranty, which includes:
• New-vehicle warranty – four-year/50,000-mile coverage of the vehicle.
• Rust-perforation warranty – 12-year/unlimited-mileage coverage.

BMW AssistTM provides the driver with services that enhance on-the-road security and convenience, for added peace of mind. The BMW Assist and Bluetooth® System is included in the Premium Package or available as a stand-alone option. BMW includes the Safety Plan for 4 years at no additional cost. BMW is the only manufacturer that offers this duration of service as other manufacturers only include the first year of service. The BMW Assist Safety Plan is a subscription based service that is subject to certain limitations.

The in-vehicle equipment for BMW Assist includes GPS technology and hands-free communication functions to deliver emergency and other services, accessed via buttons in the overhead or center console. The BMW Assist system transmits the location and vehicle information to the BMW Assist Response Center. A response specialist speaks with the vehicle occupants to coordinate dispatch, notify emergency contacts on file, and link BMW Roadside Assistance or emergency services as needed and/or requested. A severe accident automatically activates the Automatic Collision Notification function. The BMW Assist Safety Plan also includes Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery services, which can save the owner time and money. New to BMW Assist is MyInfo, which allows users to send business listings and street addresses with associated phone numbers from the internet, directly to their BMW.

TeleService automatically notifies the BMW center when a vehicle will need service. A service advisor then proactively calls the customer to set up a convenient appointment and have the needed parts ready.

BMW Assist subscribers can also enroll in the BMW Assist Convenience Plan (available at an additional cost of $199 per year) to avail themselves of many BMW Assist concierge services, from finding the lowest fuel price or the best French restaurant in the area to information on flight arrival gates or times, as well as receive directions, and traffic and weather information. On 2007 and later models, a selected destination and its phone number can be sent directly to the BMW Navigation system (if so equipped) and the customer's Bluetooth linked mobile phone, after a push of the Concierge menu option. New for 2009 is BMW Search, which allows those vehicles equipped with both the BMW Navigation and BMW Assist system to gain online access to the Google Maps database inside the vehicle to quickly find a desired business with just a key word. The Convenience Plan also includes Critical Calling, a service that can connect the driver to a requested party via a response specialist in case their mobile phone is not in the vehicle or its battery is discharged.

Lastly, the BMW Assist system includes Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity with phonebook access and speech recognition for dialing by name or number via the steering wheel controls. Use of this feature requires a customer-provided compatible Bluetooth mobile phone. To learn more about BMW Assist, please visit www.bmwassist.com.