Extended Warranty, Are they needed?
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Extended Warranty, Are they needed?
I have a 2005 E500-4Matic with10K miles. I was wondering what you all think about getting an extended warranty and do you think they are really needed for my sedan. I don't think I'll drivre more than 75-85,000 miles in 10
years. Should like to hear your views. Thanks
years. Should like to hear your views. Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
The stuff on the MBUSA web site about extended warranties is confusing and contradictory (to me, anyway) but as I read it, I'm too late to buy an extended warranty even if I wanted to. I have an '03 delivered in 9/03, which means the warranty expires in 9/07. As I recall, I would have had to buy the extended warranty in the first year of ownership, or something like that.
In any event, given the startling cost of an extended warranty, I was wondering what kind of repairs people had done in the extended warranty period that made up for the cost of the extended warranty. If I'm too late, then I can just hope that my E500 (unlike, say, an iPod) doesn't get unreliable as soon as the original warranty runs out.
https://www.warrantydirect.com/calif...quotestep1.asp
In any event, given the startling cost of an extended warranty, I was wondering what kind of repairs people had done in the extended warranty period that made up for the cost of the extended warranty. If I'm too late, then I can just hope that my E500 (unlike, say, an iPod) doesn't get unreliable as soon as the original warranty runs out.
https://www.warrantydirect.com/calif...quotestep1.asp
Last edited by DWP; Dec 18, 2006 at 01:24 PM.
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From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
The 190D we drove for 17 years had one $75 item that an extended warranty would have covered.
The 300E that I'm currently driving for the 16th year didn't have an item that might have been covered by an extended warranty until the 12th year (head gasket).
The 300E has actually never had a problem in the first 12 years that even required the MBUSA warranty to cover.
As for the E320, almost everything done to it under the warranty were recalls.
I plan to drive the E320 for a long time and I won't be buying an extended warranty.
The 300E that I'm currently driving for the 16th year didn't have an item that might have been covered by an extended warranty until the 12th year (head gasket).
The 300E has actually never had a problem in the first 12 years that even required the MBUSA warranty to cover.
As for the E320, almost everything done to it under the warranty were recalls.
I plan to drive the E320 for a long time and I won't be buying an extended warranty.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 296
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From: New York
2003 E500
for pre-2005 cars you need to go 3rd party for an extended warranty after the first year of ownership.
the forums have good things to say about warrantydirect.com, although I would definitely like to hear from other folks as to what stuff they'd had done after the factory warranty expired which was then covered by the extended warranty.
the forums have good things to say about warrantydirect.com, although I would definitely like to hear from other folks as to what stuff they'd had done after the factory warranty expired which was then covered by the extended warranty.
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Also... How's your car been so far? Reliable? Repair free? No electronic failures? Itf so, its likely (law of averages) to stay that way. An extended warranty from any company is that company betting that the car will NOT need expensive service, against your paranoia that it will need expensive service. (Again, the law of averages).
They only make money on the sale of the warranty if the car doesn't need expensive service. ...and they are only in business to make money.
So base your decision on how your car has been so far, and how long you plan to keep it.
They only make money on the sale of the warranty if the car doesn't need expensive service. ...and they are only in business to make money.
So base your decision on how your car has been so far, and how long you plan to keep it.
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Extended Warranty
Gentlemen,
Thank you for your thoughts on buying an extended warranty. You all made some very good points. I should also like to hear, from the group, what major expense(s) anyone has incurred after their manufacture's warranty expired. I checked with Consumer reports and they were not in favor of getting an extended warranty....not worth the money. I leaning towards passing up the Ex. warranty. Thanks all for your comments....much appreciated.
My son has a '04 S55 and had one large expense, he had to replace the whole "instrument panel", which cost him about $1500. He just received a letter from MB stating that the "instrument panel" is under a recall and his dealer is trying to get his money back. $1500 is about 1/3 the price of the extended warranty being offered by Warranty Direct.
Thank you for your thoughts on buying an extended warranty. You all made some very good points. I should also like to hear, from the group, what major expense(s) anyone has incurred after their manufacture's warranty expired. I checked with Consumer reports and they were not in favor of getting an extended warranty....not worth the money. I leaning towards passing up the Ex. warranty. Thanks all for your comments....much appreciated.
My son has a '04 S55 and had one large expense, he had to replace the whole "instrument panel", which cost him about $1500. He just received a letter from MB stating that the "instrument panel" is under a recall and his dealer is trying to get his money back. $1500 is about 1/3 the price of the extended warranty being offered by Warranty Direct.
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Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 235
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From: Inland Empire, California
E430 , E500
You never know when are you going to need it...i would suggest that you take the extended...just one major problem would pay off the full amount of your extended warranty. But get the good one, like MB recommended..
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Canada
2004 E500 / 2001 C240
On this car, the cost to repair the items are much more then an older E class. Just imagine having to purchase any or some of the Airmatic system. I personally purchased the extended warranty.
All of the other items I have including all electornics, etc, I do not have an extended warranty.
The extended warranty on my wife's C class, I have used it 3 or 4 times already.
All of the other items I have including all electornics, etc, I do not have an extended warranty.
The extended warranty on my wife's C class, I have used it 3 or 4 times already.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 996
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From: Tampa, Florida
2017 E300W
After doing a detailed comparison, I went with warrantydirect.com. They seemed to cover more (like the phone that MB excluded). I called the service director at two dealers who, of course, said that the MB warranty was great. But they specifically said warrantydirect was excellent and that they never had a problem dealing with them. Both said they were the best 3d party. Considering the huge price differential, I went with warrantydirect.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 271
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From: Howard Co MD
'13 ML350 Bluetec for work, E550 for pleasure, & ML350 for my wife
I just looked on Warrenty Directs site to get a quote for my incoming E550.
Pasted below are the exclusions:
A. THE FOLLOWING PARTS: BATTERY; SHOCK ABSORBERS; MANUAL TRANSMISSION CLUTCH ASSEMBLY; FRICTION CLUTCH DISC AND PRESSURE PLATE; THROW OUT BEARING; MANUAL AND HYDRAULIC LINKAGES; GPS NAVIGATION SYSTEMS; SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEMS (INCLUDING AIR BAGS); GLASS; LENSES; SEALED BEAMS; LIGHT BULBS; BRAKE ROTORS & DRUMS; TV/VIDEO/ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS; WEATHER STRIPS; TRIM; MOLDINGS; BRIGHT METAL; CHROME; UPHOLSTERY AND CARPET; PAINT; OUTSIDE ORNAMENTATION; BUMPERS; BODY SHEET METAL AND PANELS; TIRES; WHEELS/RIMS; PHONE SYSTEMS; EXHAUST & EMISSIONS SYSTEMS.
So, if the airmatic suspension goes out, or the Nav / Comand goes, it looks like these would *not* be covered? That is how I interpret the above.
David, still waiting for my Mid-December now "late December" arrival.
Pasted below are the exclusions:
A. THE FOLLOWING PARTS: BATTERY; SHOCK ABSORBERS; MANUAL TRANSMISSION CLUTCH ASSEMBLY; FRICTION CLUTCH DISC AND PRESSURE PLATE; THROW OUT BEARING; MANUAL AND HYDRAULIC LINKAGES; GPS NAVIGATION SYSTEMS; SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEMS (INCLUDING AIR BAGS); GLASS; LENSES; SEALED BEAMS; LIGHT BULBS; BRAKE ROTORS & DRUMS; TV/VIDEO/ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS; WEATHER STRIPS; TRIM; MOLDINGS; BRIGHT METAL; CHROME; UPHOLSTERY AND CARPET; PAINT; OUTSIDE ORNAMENTATION; BUMPERS; BODY SHEET METAL AND PANELS; TIRES; WHEELS/RIMS; PHONE SYSTEMS; EXHAUST & EMISSIONS SYSTEMS.
So, if the airmatic suspension goes out, or the Nav / Comand goes, it looks like these would *not* be covered? That is how I interpret the above.
David, still waiting for my Mid-December now "late December" arrival.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 271
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From: Howard Co MD
'13 ML350 Bluetec for work, E550 for pleasure, & ML350 for my wife
I did select the "Luxury" option prior to clicking on the "view contract" ( or whatever) button. I was rather surprised to see these exclusions.
David, anxiously waiting on estimated 12/28 delivery date of E550
David, anxiously waiting on estimated 12/28 delivery date of E550
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Wisconsin
C240
Well i'm for Ex. Warranty and the same time i'm not.
I had bought Ex. Warranty from warranty direct on my E, but when the time came for them to shell out $$s, my heat wasn't covered. WTF, heat aint covered, and i had the major care, their second best. That totally pissed me off. Anyways, the way i see it, its a hit n miss thing. It pays off for some rips off others.
I had bought Ex. Warranty from warranty direct on my E, but when the time came for them to shell out $$s, my heat wasn't covered. WTF, heat aint covered, and i had the major care, their second best. That totally pissed me off. Anyways, the way i see it, its a hit n miss thing. It pays off for some rips off others.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,161
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From: Obama Land
K Car
The decision on whether or not to get an extended warranty really depends on your situation. If you are planning on keeping the car past the 4 year factory warranty period, and a repair bill of a few thousand dollars would really set you back, then it might be a good idea.
As for myself, I rarely keep a car past it's original factory warranty period. If I were to do so, I would buy an extended warranty, especially on a higher end vehicle. On my last two MBs, both have had relatively minor issues during the first 4 years that would have cost upwards of $2k each to fix were it not for the warranty.
I have heard good things about warranty direct. Always good to do some investigating though, and understand what you are buying.
As for myself, I rarely keep a car past it's original factory warranty period. If I were to do so, I would buy an extended warranty, especially on a higher end vehicle. On my last two MBs, both have had relatively minor issues during the first 4 years that would have cost upwards of $2k each to fix were it not for the warranty.
I have heard good things about warranty direct. Always good to do some investigating though, and understand what you are buying.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,161
Likes: 1
From: Obama Land
K Car
Well i'm for Ex. Warranty and the same time i'm not.
I had bought Ex. Warranty from warranty direct on my E, but when the time came for them to shell out $$s, my heat wasn't covered. WTF, heat aint covered, and i had the major care, their second best. That totally pissed me off. Anyways, the way i see it, its a hit n miss thing. It pays off for some rips off others.
I had bought Ex. Warranty from warranty direct on my E, but when the time came for them to shell out $$s, my heat wasn't covered. WTF, heat aint covered, and i had the major care, their second best. That totally pissed me off. Anyways, the way i see it, its a hit n miss thing. It pays off for some rips off others.
EDIT: I just noticed you said you had the "MajorCare" which is thier third coverage. This only covers what they call "Big Ticket" items. It is an inclusive coverage (meaning it only covers what's listed) versus an exclusive coverage (meaning it covers everything except what excluded).
Again, it pays to know what you are buying.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,161
Likes: 1
From: Obama Land
K Car
I just looked on Warrenty Directs site to get a quote for my incoming E550.
Pasted below are the exclusions:
A. THE FOLLOWING PARTS: BATTERY; SHOCK ABSORBERS; MANUAL TRANSMISSION CLUTCH ASSEMBLY; FRICTION CLUTCH DISC AND PRESSURE PLATE; THROW OUT BEARING; MANUAL AND HYDRAULIC LINKAGES; GPS NAVIGATION SYSTEMS; SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEMS (INCLUDING AIR BAGS); GLASS; LENSES; SEALED BEAMS; LIGHT BULBS; BRAKE ROTORS & DRUMS; TV/VIDEO/ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS; WEATHER STRIPS; TRIM; MOLDINGS; BRIGHT METAL; CHROME; UPHOLSTERY AND CARPET; PAINT; OUTSIDE ORNAMENTATION; BUMPERS; BODY SHEET METAL AND PANELS; TIRES; WHEELS/RIMS; PHONE SYSTEMS; EXHAUST & EMISSIONS SYSTEMS.
So, if the airmatic suspension goes out, or the Nav / Comand goes, it looks like these would *not* be covered? That is how I interpret the above.
Pasted below are the exclusions:
A. THE FOLLOWING PARTS: BATTERY; SHOCK ABSORBERS; MANUAL TRANSMISSION CLUTCH ASSEMBLY; FRICTION CLUTCH DISC AND PRESSURE PLATE; THROW OUT BEARING; MANUAL AND HYDRAULIC LINKAGES; GPS NAVIGATION SYSTEMS; SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEMS (INCLUDING AIR BAGS); GLASS; LENSES; SEALED BEAMS; LIGHT BULBS; BRAKE ROTORS & DRUMS; TV/VIDEO/ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS; WEATHER STRIPS; TRIM; MOLDINGS; BRIGHT METAL; CHROME; UPHOLSTERY AND CARPET; PAINT; OUTSIDE ORNAMENTATION; BUMPERS; BODY SHEET METAL AND PANELS; TIRES; WHEELS/RIMS; PHONE SYSTEMS; EXHAUST & EMISSIONS SYSTEMS.
So, if the airmatic suspension goes out, or the Nav / Comand goes, it looks like these would *not* be covered? That is how I interpret the above.
I did select the "Luxury" option prior to clicking on the "view contract" ( or whatever) button. I was rather surprised to see these exclusions.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 296
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From: New York
2003 E500
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 271
Likes: 2
From: Howard Co MD
'13 ML350 Bluetec for work, E550 for pleasure, & ML350 for my wife
I have not yet decided whether or not to get extended from MB. My car is due any day, and I most likely won't make the final decision until I am sitting in the settlement office closing the deal. I generally decline extended warrenties on new products, figuring most problems will surface while under the original warrenty. OTOH, I may likely keep my new car over 4 years, in which case extending through MB may indeed pay for itself in the long run.
Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 996
Likes: 16
From: Tampa, Florida
2017 E300W
You have up to 12 mos. to make that decision without MB's increased rates. And if you search here for "discount" and "warranty", you'll come across those MB dealers who discount about 20%.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 996
Likes: 16
From: Tampa, Florida
2017 E300W
http://www.mbusa.com/care/warranty/extended-limited.do
