For the maintenance problem of intelligent series system with buffer stock, a preventive maintenance model based on the threestage time delay theory is proposed. Firstly, the intelligent series system is decomposed into n − 1 virtual series systems by using approximate decomposition method. The impact factor is introduced to establish the failure rate and maintenance rate model of each virtual machine. Secondly, a preventive maintenance model based on the three-stage time delay theory is proposed for each virtual series system. The machine state from normal operation to failure stage is divided into three steps: initial defect, serious defect, and fault, and different distribution functions are defined in different stages to simulate the degradation process of the machine. Based on the three-stage time delay theory, the machine cost ratio model was established by taking the machine monitoring time and buffer stock as decision variables and the minimum unit time cost rate as objective function. Finally, the rationality and validity of the model are verified by an example analysis, which provides a basis for the maintenance of the intelligent series system.