Extended Warranty
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: LA LA Land
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by oinick
The overall concensus is that technically the extended warranty begins when the factory warranty ends, with time (48 months) or mileage (50K) and then, in the case of a seven year warranty, would run another 36 months or 50K miles, whichever comes first. In reality it is only a 7yr/100k warranty if your car turns over on 50K on the last day of your fourth year of ownership. If you roll over on 50K before that date, you've just got 36 more months and another 50K miles from whatever date that is. Conversely, if you are a low mileage driver and have only 30K on your car at the end of the fourth year, you will get 50K more miles in warranty for a total of 80K up to the end of the 84th month.
The net is that the additional term in years starts when the original warranty ends and adds no more than 36 months and 50K to what you've already driven. It is easy to see why folks are confused about this. It would be more accurate for MBUSA to sell the warranty stating clearly that it is good for up to 72 months and 100K miles, with a clear explanantion of what this means.
The wording in the contract has been lawyered-up to the benefit of MBUSA.
The net is that the additional term in years starts when the original warranty ends and adds no more than 36 months and 50K to what you've already driven. It is easy to see why folks are confused about this. It would be more accurate for MBUSA to sell the warranty stating clearly that it is good for up to 72 months and 100K miles, with a clear explanantion of what this means.
The wording in the contract has been lawyered-up to the benefit of MBUSA.
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
The wording in the contract has been lawyered-up to the benefit of MBUSA.
Oh yeah! There's that plausible deniability thing. Maybe the lawyers don't want them to know everything.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: South of the Mason Dixon, North of the Gulf
2007 GL 320 CDI, 2008 M5
I think it unlikely that the dealers are in the dark about this. It is more likely that they just don't want to explain it clearly because they know lots of people (like you) would not take the warranty with a clear explanation. The disappointing part is that they want to sell the warranty more than they want to please a customer buying an expensive car.
What's more disappointing is that the GM extended warranty is really what it's purported to be, 7 years/100k miles. (Or at least it was when I bought my 2003 Escalade.)
If these MB dealers want to be upfront about it, it takes a lot of time to get the customer to understand it. For most folks that the 7 year/100k deal is the best, but that assumes that the owner will keep the car for either the time or the miles. The complicating factor for the dealer is that they know most of us won't keep a car that long. I suspect this is why they offer the 5 yr/ 100k deal at a reduced price.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
Scotty,
I think it unlikely that the dealers are in the dark about this. It is more likely that they just don't want to explain it clearly because they know lots of people (like you) would not take the warranty with a clear explanation. The disappointing part is that they want to sell the warranty more than they want to please a customer buying an expensive car.
What's more disappointing is that the GM extended warranty is really what it's purported to be, 7 years/100k miles. (Or at least it was when I bought my 2003 Escalade.)
If these MB dealers want to be upfront about it, it takes a lot of time to get the customer to understand it. For most folks that the 7 year/100k deal is the best, but that assumes that the owner will keep the car for either the time or the miles. The complicating factor for the dealer is that they know most of us won't keep a car that long. I suspect this is why they offer the 5 yr/ 100k deal at a reduced price.
I think it unlikely that the dealers are in the dark about this. It is more likely that they just don't want to explain it clearly because they know lots of people (like you) would not take the warranty with a clear explanation. The disappointing part is that they want to sell the warranty more than they want to please a customer buying an expensive car.
What's more disappointing is that the GM extended warranty is really what it's purported to be, 7 years/100k miles. (Or at least it was when I bought my 2003 Escalade.)
If these MB dealers want to be upfront about it, it takes a lot of time to get the customer to understand it. For most folks that the 7 year/100k deal is the best, but that assumes that the owner will keep the car for either the time or the miles. The complicating factor for the dealer is that they know most of us won't keep a car that long. I suspect this is why they offer the 5 yr/ 100k deal at a reduced price.
I had the same experience as GM with my Fords. 5yr / 100K meant exactly that. There was no deception. We drove it 4 years, 11 mo, and 3 weeks and sold it with 10 days and 8,000 miles left on the warranty, which was transferrable. Kristen is so programmed, to work, to the gym, and back home every day, that her consistency allows us to know exactly which package fits best.
Funny thing about the 4 yr, 11 mo, 3 wk. I received the title to the Excursion in the mail on Friday afternoon before we picked up the GL on Saturday. I litterally had it in my hands for less than 24 hours. I wanted to keep it for two more years but when she first saw the GL, it was all over.
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
Just an update. The out of town dealer where I purchased my GL didn't get back to me for an update yesterday. However, I did contact a sales rep at a small dealership outside of Austin. Although I didn't purchase my vehicle from them, I have developed a good repertoire with him and will be taking my GL there for all my services.
He absolutely believes that the intent of the warranty is 5yr / 100K, period. He is going to arrange for me to come in and meet the manager of the dealership next week to get his perspective, since he is the former service manager.
He absolutely believes that the intent of the warranty is 5yr / 100K, period. He is going to arrange for me to come in and meet the manager of the dealership next week to get his perspective, since he is the former service manager.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6
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From: NJ
2008 GL 320CDI and 2008 ML320CDI
If you have Geico insurance, they have a 7yr/100,000 mile warranty, but it's only available for new cars under 15,000 miles. The price is very reasonable and cheaper than any factory or 3rd party warranty.
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 161
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2008 F-250, 2007 GL450
So Jen paid $1989 for 6yr/75k and $200 deductible and I heard $2300 for unspecified coverage. I think I’ll look into this – maybe try my insurance co. I asked at time of purchase just out of curiosity what an extra year would cost. They said $3800. Sounded like a bad deal then and now. Maybe there was no deductible. I certainly don’t mind a $100-200 deductible when the concern is getting slammed with a huge repair bill.
Looks like some of us would be interested in any info/experiences with 3rd party coverage.
Looks like some of us would be interested in any info/experiences with 3rd party coverage.
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 216
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From: Texas
'08 GL 320CDI
So Jen paid $1989 for 6yr/75k and $200 deductible and I heard $2300 for unspecified coverage. I think I’ll look into this – maybe try my insurance co. I asked at time of purchase just out of curiosity what an extra year would cost. They said $3800. Sounded like a bad deal then and now. Maybe there was no deductible. I certainly don’t mind a $100-200 deductible when the concern is getting slammed with a huge repair bill.
Looks like some of us would be interested in any info/experiences with 3rd party coverage.
Looks like some of us would be interested in any info/experiences with 3rd party coverage.
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2008 F-250, 2007 GL450
Hi GL Troll. Check out my posts in this thread (Nos.2 and 5). You may be referring to my coverage as the $2300 unspecified coverage. As I stated in number 2, mine is a total covererage of 7/75,000 w/$100 deductible for $2350. FYI...I also splurged and bought dent coverage for $300 and wheel protection (I have aftermarket chrome wheels), also for $300. Both of these coverages are for 5 years.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 282
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From: New Jersey
2013 GL 450
Geico charges me $66/year for my GL 550 for a 7yr/100,000 mile warranty that runs concurrently with the MB warranty. So I guess it's really a 3yr/50,000 of additional coverage. It has a $250 deductible (maybe you can pay to have it less, not sure) and seems to cover everything: engine, tranny, brakes (not pads), all electronics. I'm not sure if you need to be under 15k to add the coverage or not, they might just make you get the car inspected by one of their authorized stations. It is definitely worth exploring because it is so damn cheap.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
Hi everyone, sorry I took a long weekend to Las Vegas, but looks like I've spawned a good thread here. I saw a white GL, but was thinking I'd see Nevada Jack cruising the strip. 
For those that feel they got misled, my dealership told me the MB extended warranty is not transferrable and also not refundable.
I did buy an extended warranty on my GL, via the dealership and from a 3rd party. It's cancellable, refundable and transferrable. I'll have to post who it's from and how much it cost. The dealership recommended it because of the transfer/cancellation policy, plus it's good at nearly any repair shop - whether it's an MB shop or someone else if you have a breakdown somewhere.
It also seems to cover nearly anything. It mentioned it doesn't cover rattles and wind related noises. Of course it doesn't cover maintenance issues like brakes, bulbs, etc.
For those that feel they got misled, my dealership told me the MB extended warranty is not transferrable and also not refundable.
I did buy an extended warranty on my GL, via the dealership and from a 3rd party. It's cancellable, refundable and transferrable. I'll have to post who it's from and how much it cost. The dealership recommended it because of the transfer/cancellation policy, plus it's good at nearly any repair shop - whether it's an MB shop or someone else if you have a breakdown somewhere.
It also seems to cover nearly anything. It mentioned it doesn't cover rattles and wind related noises. Of course it doesn't cover maintenance issues like brakes, bulbs, etc.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
Jim you did spark a conversation. As you can see, the dealers around here have a whole different interpretation of the warranty than what you found. I will get an answer from the one that will do my services very shortly.
The warranty I purchased is transferrable but not refundable. See the attachment.
The warranty I purchased is transferrable but not refundable. See the attachment.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: New Jersey
2008 Ml350
Warrenty,
Being one of the people who bought the MB warranty, I have been following this thread. I bought the warranty based on the brochure the dealer has to show the customer. Ok, here it goes, the brochure says that the coverage is extended either +12 months/up to 100,000 miles, +24months/up to 100,000 miles or +36 months/up to 100,000 miles. I think any first year law student could effectively argue that the offer is being made to extend the existing warranty a additional year, 2 years, or 3 years, and up to 100,000 total miles, whichever occurs first. This is the program I bought. BUT,, and there is always a BUT, in the small print, the coverage begins at the end of the 4 year/50000 mile (whichever comes first) orig. warranty. The thing is I would advise not bringing the car back for warranty service with over 50,000 miles on the clock, unless you have owned it for 48 months from the date of delivery. But, I think the once again, the 100,000-mile limitation is very clear. the car will be out of warranty whenever the 100,000's is hit, I don't care if it happens in year 1, or year 2 etc. Once again, if the 100,000 is not hit, I think the warranty will be in effect until term is up, or 100,000 miles is hit. Sorry I am confusing myself also. LOL 
Last edited by philip12; Dec 19, 2007 at 01:22 PM.
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From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
For the service team at the dealership it's pretty easy to tell if your warranty is valid. They enter in a part number that needs replacing and the computer tells them whether its covered by warranty. It must be all automated because when they went to plug in my warranty they found the part (water pump in this case) wasn't covered and then looked to see my warranty had expired.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 297
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From: Bay Area CA
2014 GL 350 blue tec
Being one of the people who bought the MB warranty, I have been following this thread. I bought the warranty based on the brochure the dealer has to show the customer. Ok, here it goes, the brochure says that the coverage is extended either +12 months/up to 100,000 miles, +24months/up to 100,000 miles or +36 months/up to 100,000 miles. I think any first year law student could effectively argue that the offer is being made to extend the existing warranty a additional year, 2 years, or 3 years, and up to 100,000 total miles, whichever occurs first. This is the program I bought. BUT,, and there is always a BUT, in the small print, the coverage begins at the end of the 4 year/50000 mile (whichever comes first) orig. warranty. The thing is I would advise not bringing the car back for warranty service with over 50,000 miles on the clock, unless you have owned it for 48 months from the date of delivery. But, I think the once again, the 100,000-mile limitation is very clear. the car will be out of warranty whenever the 100,000's is hit, I don't care if it happens in year 1, or year 2 etc. Once again, if the 100,000 is not hit, I think the warranty will be in effect until term is up, or 100,000 miles is hit. Sorry I am confusing myself also. LOL
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
One would think so and all the dealership people I have spoken with so far agree, but JimBarnhart found out the hard way that there is a "Gotcha" in the fine print.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 297
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From: Bay Area CA
2014 GL 350 blue tec
We had extended warranty on our Yukon XL and GMC also has similar terms.
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
I guess I must be a little slow in understanding, I still don't see a "Gotcha" in Jim's case. He bought 5 yrs 100 k extended warranty, which translates to additional 1 yr and 50 K from factory warranty. Again the term or mileage condition applies which ever comes first.
We had extended warranty on our Yukon XL and GMC also has similar terms.
We had extended warranty on our Yukon XL and GMC also has similar terms.
Last edited by scottybdiving; Dec 20, 2007 at 03:27 PM.
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From: LA LA Land
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by scottybdiving
Read Jim's post #10 and you will see where all this came from.
I have been following this thread am also confused now.
JimB - what warranty did you get and from where? The 1 year clock from the first warranty claim is definitely a big gotcha. Can't say I have heard of it before.
Maybe I should organize a conference call so we can debate this in person
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
LOL I spend a good portion of my day on conference calls.
Philip12 said it best. I bought an MB extended warranty that gives me +12 months/up to 100,000 miles from the expiration of your factory (4/50)warranty.
My warranty always expires on miles, so I concentrated on that. I figured with a +12/up to 100K warranty I was covered for 100K miles. But that's not the case. You are covered for 12 months after the expiration of your factory warranty.
So in my case I hit 50,000 miles after around 3 years of age. The factory doesn't really know what day you hit 50,000 miles until you bring it in for service. When you get service after your car has over 50,000 miles (or 4 years), they expire your factory warranty and start the clock on your extended warranty. From that day you have +12 months or up to 100,000 miles on your extended warranty. If you drive your car to the 100,000 mile limit prior to +12 months, your warranty lasted 100,000 miles. In any other event your warranty expires in +12 months from the expiration of your factory warranty.
So Philip12 got it right - I purchased a +12 month/up to 100K mile extended warranty. I equated that to a 5 year/100K warranty, but they are not the same.
Philip12 said it best. I bought an MB extended warranty that gives me +12 months/up to 100,000 miles from the expiration of your factory (4/50)warranty.
My warranty always expires on miles, so I concentrated on that. I figured with a +12/up to 100K warranty I was covered for 100K miles. But that's not the case. You are covered for 12 months after the expiration of your factory warranty.
So in my case I hit 50,000 miles after around 3 years of age. The factory doesn't really know what day you hit 50,000 miles until you bring it in for service. When you get service after your car has over 50,000 miles (or 4 years), they expire your factory warranty and start the clock on your extended warranty. From that day you have +12 months or up to 100,000 miles on your extended warranty. If you drive your car to the 100,000 mile limit prior to +12 months, your warranty lasted 100,000 miles. In any other event your warranty expires in +12 months from the expiration of your factory warranty.
So Philip12 got it right - I purchased a +12 month/up to 100K mile extended warranty. I equated that to a 5 year/100K warranty, but they are not the same.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
Good eye, Scotty. Must be from all that diving
I have been following this thread am also confused now.
JimB - what warranty did you get and from where? The 1 year clock from the first warranty claim is definitely a big gotcha. Can't say I have heard of it before.
Maybe I should organize a conference call so we can debate this in person
I have been following this thread am also confused now.
JimB - what warranty did you get and from where? The 1 year clock from the first warranty claim is definitely a big gotcha. Can't say I have heard of it before.
Maybe I should organize a conference call so we can debate this in person
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,425
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From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
That's how we found out my warranty was expired - service manager called me with the bad news. They did work a compromise with me because they understood my frustration and didn't charge me anywhere near full price for my repairs. But thank the good Lord it was a water pump and not a transmission or something.
Remember warranties expenses are paid for my MB, not the dealership, so any concession the dealership gives you comes from their pocket.
Remember warranties expenses are paid for my MB, not the dealership, so any concession the dealership gives you comes from their pocket.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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2012 S350 ,2013 ML350,'08 C300
I agree with BJ021. I'am very hesitant to own my benzs past the factory warranty due to the advent of complex electronics that require expensive parts and service. I drove my 2002 S-500 till a week before warranty expiration and trade for my GL.
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
Here's the latest. Today when I took my 320 in for Service A, the service rep confirmed what Jim Barnhart has been saying. The funny thing is, every sales person in the dealership and the Finance Manager all thought they were selling 5 yr/ 100K warranties. They are going to bring it up at their next sales meeting.
The sales and finance people at the dealer where I purchased the 320 all believe the same thing. I am going to try to pursuade them to let me pay for the extra two years, but I am not very optimistic.
The sales and finance people at the dealer where I purchased the 320 all believe the same thing. I am going to try to pursuade them to let me pay for the extra two years, but I am not very optimistic.
