ittazvic

I just read a little story on Automotive News that Audi is dropping free maintenance for '07 models. This is what got me into an Audi in the first place. Meanwhile BMW has no plans to drop their plan. For me, it's most likely bye-bye Audi at lease-end.

D3AeighT

<ul><li><a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060212/SUB/60212018&amp;SearchID=73235548825496">Bye Bye - except for greenie</a></li></ul>

D3AeighT

Good used cars

Smith says the side benefit is extremely well maintained lease cars that dealers can purchase from BMW and resell as certified vehicles.

"When we get them back on certified pre-owned, we get a car that has been maintained," he says.

Purves says this is one of the reasons that BMW has gotten the top ratings for residual levels for three years in a row from Automotive Lease Guide.

Having good-quality certified vehicles is important for BMW, which has one of the industry's highest lease rates: 60 to 70 percent, depending on the year, says Harris.

"It is in our interest to make sure those cars are maintained properly," Harris says. "We don't win residual awards for nothing."

BMW has no plans to follow its competitors by trimming freebies or dropping its program. "In fact, quite the reverse has happened," says Harris.

Because of the program's success in the United States, BMW is also offering a free maintenance plan in Germany.

Bragging rights are a factor, too. "As our competitors drop it, the program becomes more of a unique selling proposition for us," says Harris.

And there is little doubt that it helps sell cars, Harris says - particularly entry-level vehicles such as the 3 series, "where the customer is stretching a little bit to get into a luxury car."<ul><li><a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060213/SUB/60210073&amp;SearchID=73235549170110">BMW's thoughts</a></li></ul>

hemants

BMW here I come.

geordie

The free maintenance has been a huge deal for me and dropping this would probably send me to Lexus or BMW. It's not as though the cost would be enormous, but the hassle factor would drive me this way.

allroaddog

Both of the leases for our vehicles end in the next 6 months. Looks as though we will be looking for BMWs.

jprescott

It will never be the deciding factor between two cars. I was bummed that MB dropped it out but I swtched to an A8L from an E500 for looks, drive, comfort, style and about 10 other reasons. With a two year lease I'm already on the hunt for my next car. Would I jump into a 7 series instead of an S, A8, or LS460 because of inluded maintenance? No! At over $1000 a month for a lease the money for an occasional oil change over the 2-4 years is not an issue. I do agree that it would have an impact on resale. I drive 10k miles a year so I'd probaly only bother with my 1st service.

D3AeighT

found this article while doing a 30 day search on the web site.<ul><li><a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060213/SUB/60210144&amp;SearchID=73235555047479">tough going for Audi dealers</a></li></ul>

greenie

Do you mean "except"??????

jpvwaudi

You can buy it at point of sale for MSRP 550.00

The 5k is still free. For 550, you get the 15,25,35,45k services included. So if they don't increase MSRP by the usual percentage for 07, it will be a wash....