N63 Customer Care Package Expiration: What You Need to Know
The BMW N63 engine found in many BMW models between 2008-2013, including the 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X5, and X6, is well known for its problematic reputation. Issues like excessive oil consumption, leaking fuel injectors, mass air flow sensor failure, and crankcase vent line problems have plagued the N63 and caused headaches for owners now that their cars are aging out of the normal 4 year/50,000 mile BMW warranty period.
In an effort to extend goodwill to owners of older N63-equipped BMWs, the company introduced the special N63 Customer Care Package – an expanded warranty program specific to the problematic N63 engine. This program aims to ease the repair costs of many common issues by extending the warranty coverage for up to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the vehicle’s original in-service date.
However, with these vehicles now 10+ years old, a common question many N63 owners have is: does the N63 Customer Care Package expire? Unfortunately, yes – this extended warranty coverage does not last indefinitely. Read on to learn more about exactly when it expires, what repairs it covers, eligibility requirements, and steps you can take to purchase it before time runs out.
What Does the N63 Customer Care Package Cover?
The N63 Customer Care Package focuses its extended warranty coverage on the engine itself and several related components prone to failure in this problematic power plant. It aims to help ease owner’s minds by covering repair costs for up to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the vehicle’s original in-service date – well beyond the normal 4 year/50,000 mile BMW warranty period.
Specifically, some of the common N63 engine repairs and parts covered include:
- Excessive oil consumption – This is one of the most well known issues on N63 engines. Years of oil consumption testing and top-offs are covered. And if an engine rebuild or replacement is needed due to low compression from oil burning, that substantial cost is covered as well.
- Fuel injectors – Leaking or dripping fuel injectors are prone to fail on the N63. Replacement injectors and labor are covered.
- Mass air flow sensors – The mass air flow sensors on the intake system can deteriorate and fail prematurely. Replacements are covered.
- Timing chain and guides – These commonly fail outside the normal warranty period as well. The chain, guides, and tensioners are covered under the extended warranty if needed.
- Crankcase vent lines – Leaking crankcase vent lines are common and can cause oil leaks. Covered repairs include line replacements and any engine sealing fixes.
- Thermostat and coolant pipe leaks – The thermostat housing and connected coolant pipes tend to leak over time. Repairs for leaks are covered.
- Water pump and radiator – Failure of the water pump and potential leaks at the radiator are also included.
- Electronics – Various engine electronics like the DME control module are prone to failure and related diagnosis and programming is covered.
- Seals and gaskets – Oil leaks from seals and gaskets like the valve cover that dry out and fail over time are covered repairs.
- Turbochargers – Turbo replacements and related piping and boost system repairs are included.
So in summary, all of the notorious problem areas of the N63 engine that can lead to exorbitant repair bills are specifically called out and covered, including related parts like sensors and electronics. This can help offset extremely expensive repairs like complete engine replacements that may be needed due to the excessive oil consumption issue.
What BMW Models are Eligible?
The N63 engine was used across a range of BMW models from 2008-2013. But the N63 Customer Care Package extended warranty only applies to certain model years equipped with this engine. In general, it covers vehicles that have the N63 engine and fall within the 2008-2013 model year range, including:
- BMW 550i – 2008-2013
- BMW 650i – 2008-2013
- BMW 750i – 2008-2013
- BMW X5 xDrive50i – 2008-2013
- BMW X6 xDrive50i – 2008-2013
However, consult your BMW dealer with your VIN to confirm eligibility, as the exact model years eligible can vary. For example, the coverage may only apply to 2009-2013 model years for a certain model, rather than all years from 2008-2013.
BMWs with the N63 engine will be designated with a model badge like 550i, 650i, 750i, X5 50i, X6 50i along with an “N63” insignia on the engine cover. You can also reference your service records or registration paperwork to determine if your car has the N63.
When Does the N63 Customer Care Package Expire?
Now getting to the key question – yes the N63 Customer Care Package does expire! It is not a permanent, lifetime extension of the BMW warranty.
The coverage runs out at the earlier of two limits – 10 years from the vehicle’s original in-service date or 120,000 miles.
For example, if you have a 2011 BMW 550i that you originally purchased new and put into service in 2011, your Customer Care Package coverage would expire in 2021, 10 years from the in-service date. Even if you only reached 70,000 miles in that timeframe, the 10 years limit would apply.
On the other hand, if you bought a used 2012 5 Series with 50,000 miles already on it in 2015, your 10 year expiration from original service would hit in 2022. But if you reached 120,000 miles first in 2020 for instance, that mileage limit would end the coverage before the 10 years timeframe.
So in summary – 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever hits first, is how long the N63 Customer Care Package extended warranty lasts before expiring.
Am I Still Eligible to Purchase It?
If you’re reading this wondering if it’s too late to purchase the extended coverage, first check two key criteria:
- You must be under the 120,000 mile limit
- Your vehicle must be less than 10 years from its original in-service date
If your N63-powered BMW meets both those conditions, you should still be eligible to purchase and take advantage of the Customer Care Package.
However, it’s best to consult your local BMW dealer right away, especially if your mileage or years in service are close to the limits. More than likely they will ask you to bring the vehicle in for inspection just to ensure there are no pre-existing problems or pending issues that would disqualify you from coverage.
As long as that inspection checks out, and you meet the basic model year, mileage, and age requirements, you should still be able to purchase the extended warranty. Acting sooner than later gives you a much better chance at eligibility before you exceed those limits.
How Can I Purchase the Customer Care Package?
If you determine your N63-powered BMW is still eligible based on the age and mileage limits, here are the steps to purchasing the Customer Care Package:
1. Contact your local BMW dealer – Ask to speak to the service department about inquiring about the N63 Customer Care Package. They are familiar with the program and can help determine if you qualify.
2. Provide your VIN – They will ask for your 17-digit VIN number so they can look up your vehicle’s records to verify mileage, service history, model year, and in-service date.
3. Inspection – As mentioned above, BMW may ask you to bring the vehicle in for inspection if your mileage and age are close to the expiration limits just to confirm it qualifies and has no disqualifying issues.
4. Review coverage options – If eligible, the dealer will review available coverage options and terms. Most commonly this is 2 years or 50,000 additional miles beyond your current mileage, but you can discuss other combinations.
5. Pay for coverage – Expect to pay around $1,900 for the 2 year/50,000 mile option, but prices can vary. Confirm the full pricing with your dealer specific to your vehicle.
Once purchased, you’ll have the peace of mind of extended repair coverage for thousands of dollars worth of potential N63 engine repairs for several more years or tens of thousands of miles. Given the common issues with these motors, having the Customer Care Package in place before any major problems arise can be hugely beneficial in saving repair costs.
Don’t Delay – Purchase Before It Expires!
In summary, yes – unfortunately the valuable BMW N63 Customer Care Package extended engine warranty does have a limited lifespan and eventually expires. Whether your 2008-2013 N63-powered BMW reaches the 10 years from original service date limit or the 120,000 mile limit first, this special coverage will end.
That’s why it’s so important to act fast and contact your BMW dealer for next steps to purchase it while you still can. The older your N63 engine gets, and the closer you are to either mileage or age limit, the riskier it is to put off buying the extended protection. Once it expires, it will be too late.
The Customer Care Package can literally save you thousands of dollars down the road on very common and expensive engine repairs. Don’t play a risky waiting game if your N63 is aging and eligible – buy the peace of mind now before it’s expired and gone for good!
Other Common Questions
What repairs exactly does the N63 Customer Care Package cover?
It covers repairs related to excessive oil consumption, fuel injectors, mass air flow sensors, timing chains, crankcase vent lines, thermostats, water pumps, turbochargers, and other engine components prone to failure in N63 motors. BMW wants to help extend warranty coverage on all notorious problem areas.
What are the basic requirements for eligibility?
The vehicle must be a 2008-2013 model year BMW with the N63 engine, such as a 550i, 650i, 750i, X5 50i, or X6 50i. Mileage must be under 120,000 and age must be less than 10 years from original in-service date.
How much does the N63 Customer Care Package cost?
Pricing varies by model but expect to pay around $1,900 for 2 years/50,000 miles of additional coverage. Confirm with your BMW dealer.
Can I still get the warranty if close to the limits?
You can, but BMW may need to inspect the vehicle thoroughly to ensure no pre-existing issues. Act soon before hitting the age or mileage limit to increase likelihood of qualifying.
What should I do to purchase it?
Contact your BMW dealer’s service department and provide your VIN. They’ll check records and guide you through the process to purchase before it expires.
Conclusion
The N63 engine used in many 2008-2013 BMW models has a well-deserved reputation for reliability problems. But the automaker stepped up with an extended warranty program called the Customer Care Package to ease repair costs for owners. Just remember – this coverage does expire after 10 years or 120k miles, so act fast to purchase it while your N63-powered BMW still qualifies. Contact your dealer today to buy peace of mind before it’s too late!