A few years ago, many European manufacturers started including free maintenance during the warranty period. For the 2008 model year, I think only BMW does. Why did they start? Why have they stopped? And what can you do to minimize the high maintenance costs on these cars?

European manufacturers started including four or so years of free maintenance for at least two reasons. First, high maintenance costs were a key reason more people weren’t buying their cars, opting instead for a Japanese or perhaps an American alternative. By paying for the maintenance, this obstacle was removed. Second, many of these European cars were leased, and people who lease are probably less likely to maintain a car well. After all, they aren’t going to own it for long. To avoid damage to the reputation of the brand, the manufacturers encouraged proper maintenance by picking up the tab.

So why stop? I can think of a couple of possible reasons. First, research probably found that the free maintenance wasn’t having a large enough effect on people’s purchasing decisions to financially justify it. TrueDelta didn’t help: I’ve considered factoring free maintenance into our price comparisons, but haven’t done so. Second, the dollar has taken a nosedive, forcing European manufacturers to cut costs. Free maintenance was an easy cost to cut.

So, except for BMW, European car owners once again must pick up hefty tabs themselves. What to do? Check the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. The dealer might add items not called for there; refuse those. It’s also possible that you or a friend who knows cars can perform many of the required items. Most will be the “inspect X” variety. It’s not hard to inspect a tie rod end, for example. There shouldn’t be too many items remaining. Have the dealer or an independent shop perform those, usually for a much lower price than you’d pay if you simply dropped the car off at the dealer and said, “Give me the 15,000-mile service.”