To warranty or not to warranty?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 164
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From: NY
'99 ML320, '06 E55
To warranty or not to warranty?
Is it a good idea to get a 2nd party warranty, if you buy a used car w/ plans on modding? From doing sum research I know that mechanical issues in these cars can really add up. I would hate to be stuck with a $4K + repair out of the blue and not have enough money to cover the repair (parts and labor). I hear many warranty companies try to get out of covering their policies quite often. Having mods can be an easy way for them to do that (if they can prove that the mod caused the issue) Many people here know their way around the toolbox as do I but I dunno if am mechanically inclined enough to handle major repairs on a E55 or E63, whichever I do decide to purchase in the future. Please chime in fellas, thanx in advance
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 164
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From: NY
'99 ML320, '06 E55
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
2004 E55 AMG
If the price is reasonable and they will cover everything, then absolutely. Most won't cover you and they ones that do, will charge you an arm and a leg. That being said, i just paid $4000 for repairs (parts and labor) on my e55.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,066
Likes: 37
From: Folsom, CA
2005 E55 AMG
My warranty has paid itself off in 7 months of ownership :-)
cost was $3,300 - amount paid so far ~$4,100 in repairs
$1,200 for an active headlight alone
cost was $3,300 - amount paid so far ~$4,100 in repairs
$1,200 for an active headlight alone
Last edited by Toadster; Oct 17, 2012 at 11:28 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 385
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From: Honolulu
W211 E55, 911 turbo, 911sc, RX330
AC repair was something like $2500
Fuel pump was @ $1500 (I paid for one pump as the warranty did not cover revised parts
Airmatic strut is unknown as I'm waiting for the part to come in.
My warranty has a max payment on parts cost and labor rate, so I have to cover the difference. AC and fuel pump were done at the dealer, and out of pocket was @ $1200 total. Airmatic is being done at an indy and I just pay my $50 deductible. We are using the Arnott Airmatic which is a little over $600 with shipping, unsure on labor charges.
I paid $2k for my NAC Pinnacle 4 yr/50k, $50 ded. through my credit union.
Fuel pump was @ $1500 (I paid for one pump as the warranty did not cover revised parts
Airmatic strut is unknown as I'm waiting for the part to come in.
My warranty has a max payment on parts cost and labor rate, so I have to cover the difference. AC and fuel pump were done at the dealer, and out of pocket was @ $1200 total. Airmatic is being done at an indy and I just pay my $50 deductible. We are using the Arnott Airmatic which is a little over $600 with shipping, unsure on labor charges.
I paid $2k for my NAC Pinnacle 4 yr/50k, $50 ded. through my credit union.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: tampa florida
19 f-150 limited (w/raptor engine) 06 e55,81SC Targa,08 CLK63 BLK,91 E34 M5
Fidelity warranty is a good one I had it on my x5. I also had one for my range don't remember the name of it but they were crooks. So make sure to go in detail exactly what it does not cover.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 1
From: Queen Creek AZ
2004 E55 AMG
Get the warranty, pays for it self in months. I bought mine from CarMax as they have smoking deals on extended warranties by major companies. (CNA backs mine.) Warranty cost me $2K and they've already covered more than $20K (parts and labor) in repairs.
My $.02.
Alex
My $.02.
Alex
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: NY
'99 ML320, '06 E55
Get the warranty, pays for it self in months. I bought mine from CarMax as they have smoking deals on extended warranties by major companies. (CNA backs mine.) Warranty cost me $2K and they've already covered more than $20K (parts and labor) in repairs.
My $.02.
Alex
My $.02.
Alex
How do you get a repair done, is it as simple as going to an MB delear and having them contact CNA themselves or is it a lot of your own problem to get them to cover it?
The most important question of the day and the reason I made this thread, HOW DO YOU OR ANY OTHER FORUM MEMBERS GET THEM TO STAND BY YOUR WARRANTY W/ ALL THE MODS YOU HAVE? Did you ever have an issue w/ them trying to blame a malfunction on your mods so that they dont have to cover the repair? Thanx in advance fellas
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 1
From: Queen Creek AZ
2004 E55 AMG
Do you think your carmax CNA warranty is just as good or even better than the companies that many people on this site use through their credit unions?
How do you get a repair done, is it as simple as going to an MB dealer and having them contact CNA themselves or is it a lot of your own problem to get them to cover it?
The most important question of the day and the reason I made this thread, HOW DO YOU OR ANY OTHER FORUM MEMBERS GET THEM TO STAND BY YOUR WARRANTY W/ ALL THE MODS YOU HAVE? Did you ever have an issue w/ them trying to blame a malfunction on your mods so that they dont have to cover the repair? Thanx in advance fellas
How do you get a repair done, is it as simple as going to an MB dealer and having them contact CNA themselves or is it a lot of your own problem to get them to cover it?
The most important question of the day and the reason I made this thread, HOW DO YOU OR ANY OTHER FORUM MEMBERS GET THEM TO STAND BY YOUR WARRANTY W/ ALL THE MODS YOU HAVE? Did you ever have an issue w/ them trying to blame a malfunction on your mods so that they dont have to cover the repair? Thanx in advance fellas
For repairs you have to take it to the dealer so the trick is getting in good with the service manager and talk to them about what you've done. Basically say, "Loose lips, sinks ships" and ask him to keep your mods undercover if the adjuster comes out. I've done this to good effect with no issues. Also keep your mods fairly, "Stealth" and you'll be fine. This way unless the adjuster starts actively looking for something the service manager has your back.
Going forward I will only by my MB/AMG at CarMax just so I can get their warranties. I paid $2K for my CNA warranty and it's good from 23K miles to 93K miles or 5 years. I have a $75 deductable at the dealer but the warranty covers are parts/labor with no max payout limit. I even get a free MB loaner from the dealer.
I started a thread on this awhile back so search, "CarMax" and it should all be there.
Thanks.
Alex
Last edited by alextaylor29; Oct 18, 2012 at 02:16 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,066
Likes: 37
From: Folsom, CA
2005 E55 AMG
Do you think your carmax CNA warranty is just as good or even better than the companies that many people on this site use through their credit unions?
How do you get a repair done, is it as simple as going to an MB delear and having them contact CNA themselves or is it a lot of your own problem to get them to cover it?
The most important question of the day and the reason I made this thread, HOW DO YOU OR ANY OTHER FORUM MEMBERS GET THEM TO STAND BY YOUR WARRANTY W/ ALL THE MODS YOU HAVE? Did you ever have an issue w/ them trying to blame a malfunction on your mods so that they dont have to cover the repair? Thanx in advance fellas
How do you get a repair done, is it as simple as going to an MB delear and having them contact CNA themselves or is it a lot of your own problem to get them to cover it?
The most important question of the day and the reason I made this thread, HOW DO YOU OR ANY OTHER FORUM MEMBERS GET THEM TO STAND BY YOUR WARRANTY W/ ALL THE MODS YOU HAVE? Did you ever have an issue w/ them trying to blame a malfunction on your mods so that they dont have to cover the repair? Thanx in advance fellas
Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 8
From: San Diego, Cali
AMG 2002 E55, 1997 E320
Get the warranty, pays for it self in months. I bought mine from CarMax as they have smoking deals on extended warranties by major companies. (CNA backs mine.) Warranty cost me $2K and they've already covered more than $20K (parts and labor) in repairs.
My $.02.
Alex
My $.02.
Alex
- did you get a PPI before your purchase?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: NY
'99 ML320, '06 E55
Yes CarMax has the best warranties at the best prices as they are the number one reseller of used cars nationally. 2 million in annual used car sales. Because of this, extended warranty compaines give CarMax fantastic deals which you can take advantage of.
For repairs you have to take it to the dealer so the trick is getting in good with the service manager and talk to them about what you've done. Basically say, "Loose lips, sinks ships" and ask him to keep your mods undercover if the adjuster comes out. I've done this to good effect with no issues. Also keep your mods fairly, "Stealth" and you'll be fine. This way unless the adjuster starts actively looking for something the service manager has your back.
Going forward I will only by my MB/AMG at CarMax just so I can get their warranties. I paid $2K for my CNA warranty and it's good from 23K miles to 93K miles or 5 years. I have a $75 deductable at the dealer but the warranty covers are parts/labor with no max payout limit. I even get a free MB loaner from the dealer.
I started a thread on this awhile back so search, "CarMax" and it should all be there.
Thanks.
Alex
For repairs you have to take it to the dealer so the trick is getting in good with the service manager and talk to them about what you've done. Basically say, "Loose lips, sinks ships" and ask him to keep your mods undercover if the adjuster comes out. I've done this to good effect with no issues. Also keep your mods fairly, "Stealth" and you'll be fine. This way unless the adjuster starts actively looking for something the service manager has your back.
Going forward I will only by my MB/AMG at CarMax just so I can get their warranties. I paid $2K for my CNA warranty and it's good from 23K miles to 93K miles or 5 years. I have a $75 deductable at the dealer but the warranty covers are parts/labor with no max payout limit. I even get a free MB loaner from the dealer.
I started a thread on this awhile back so search, "CarMax" and it should all be there.
Thanks.
Alex
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: NY
'99 ML320, '06 E55
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 187
From: USA
W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
Get the warranty, pays for it self in months. I bought mine from CarMax as they have smoking deals on extended warranties by major companies. (CNA backs mine.) Warranty cost me $2K and they've already covered more than $20K (parts and labor) in repairs.
My $.02.
Alex
My $.02.
Alex
And is anyong else using CNA?
