Not for nothing, but BMW realizes very little post-first-sale service dollars because they bake that into the price of the car.
If you go and buy a new 3-series this afternoon, you pay for your gas and that's pretty much it. All your scheduled maintenance is included, and you may even end up with a tire plan (wise on some of these cars; Z-rated rubber is pricey, and urban areas can eat tires) so the rubber ends up "included" too.
Sadly, not anymore. In 2017 they replaced the comprehensive 4yr/50k mile "BMW Maintenance Program" with the 3yr/36k mile "BMW Ultimate Care", and it only covers fluids, filters, and spark plugs.
I always just assumed that program was meant to encourage tradeins after the free maintenance period ends. That kicks off the next profit cycle via a used car sale and another new car sale.
Its a trap! And probably one that customers are pretty happy with.
If you go and buy a new 3-series this afternoon, you pay for your gas and that's pretty much it. All your scheduled maintenance is included, and you may even end up with a tire plan (wise on some of these cars; Z-rated rubber is pricey, and urban areas can eat tires) so the rubber ends up "included" too.