Everyone who owns a new, used, or certified pre-owned BMW should know that they can select a BMW extended warranty that suits their needs and budget. This type of warranty offers coverage after the vehicle’s initial warranty expires. An extended warranty is designed to give a BMW driver greater peace of mind by offering protection in the event of an array of problems and circumstances.
While coverage will vary based on the BMW extended warranty that is chosen, the automaker offers clear and detailed information about the three coverage levels. Once you’ve learned about the choices that you have, you can make empowered decisions about your BMW warranty.
Why Buy a BMW Extended Warranty?
When you drive a new BMW off the lot, the warranty that comes with it won’t last forever, although it will be comprehensive. It will provide coverage for four years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first). While this coverage level is impressive, some drivers want more. If you prefer to have longer protection, you can choose an extended warranty. These policies are available at BMW dealerships and through some third-party vehicle warranty firms. When purchased from BMW, an extended warranty is called a BMW Extended Service Contract.
When you purchase a certified pre-owned BMW, you’ll get a two-part warranty. The first part will be what remains of the original “new car” warranty. When part one expires, based on miles or time, a one-year warranty with an unlimited mileage clause will be activated. That’s the second part of the warranty. If you wish to purchase more coverage for your certified pre-owned BMW, you’ll need to buy an extended warranty.
A used BMW is a little different from a certified pre-owned BMW since it hasn’t gone through the rigorous inspection process of a certified pre-owned BMW. However, if you buy a used BMW, you should still have access to any remaining factory warranty on that vehicle.
Buying a BMW extended warranty is about getting more coverage, which can help protect you from certain expenses related to vehicle ownership. Since policies vary, it’s important to understand what type of protection you will receive when you choose Platinum, Gold, or Powertrain Plus coverage. It’s also important to understand exactly what a BMW extended warranty covers.
What Is a BMW Extended Warranty?
A BMW extended warranty goes into force when a factory warranty expires. This type of warranty is designed to help BMW owners offset repair and maintenance expenses for a longer period of time. Without extended warranty coverage, a driver may need to pay more for repairs and maintenance. There are three tiers of extended warranty protection and a trio of warranty length options. These three choices are Powertrain Plus, Gold, and Platinum.
Facts About Powertrain Plus Coverage
The lowest tier of BMW’s extended warranty is Powertrain Plus coverage. It provides limited coverage for the transmission and the engine’s major components, including the:
- Drive assembly
- Cooling system
- Fuel system
Two components have comprehensive coverage, and they are:
- Engine’s induction system
- Transfer case, if the vehicle features all-wheel drive
Discover the Gold Coverage Level
A Gold coverage level BMW extended warranty offers mid-tier protection. With this plan, in addition to the Powertrain Plus coverage, you’ll receive comprehensive coverage for the following components or systems:
- Heating and air conditioning system
- Anti-lock brakes
- Steering
- Engine
- Transmission
However, electrical parts will have limited coverage. At the Gold level, the following BMW systems will not be covered:
- Navigation
- Entertainment
- Audio
Learn about Platinum Coverage
The highest level of BMW extended warranty is Platinum coverage. It features extensive coverage of most major vehicle components. Components included in the warranty are:
- Engine
- Final drive assembly
- Brakes
- Transmission
- Electrical cooling system
- Steering
- Transfer case (only for all-wheel drive vehicles)
- Fuel system
- Induction system
- Suspension system
- Infotainment System
- ABS Heat and A/C
- Exterior
- Interior
How Long Does Extended Warranty Coverage Last?
BMW makes it easy for drivers to select the extended warranty duration that is right for their customers. You may choose from coverage that lasts for five, six, or seven years at Powertrain Plus, Gold, or Platinum levels. You may also select their preferred mileage limit for the extended warranty, which can be for 75,000 or 100,000 miles. After you buy a warranty, the warranty will be in force until the specified number of years is up or you hit the mileage limit, whichever comes first.
How Much Does a BMW Extended Warranty Cost?
The cost of this type of warranty can vary. Many factors go into determining the cost of purchasing the protection provided by one of these warranties. The mileage on a vehicle is one element, and the age of the car also matters. The tier of coverage that you choose, as well as the contract time frame that you select, will also play a role in how much you need to pay. Other factors that may influence the price of a BMW extended warranty are how much the deductible is, and where you purchase the extended warranty.
A BMW Extended Warranty Can Be a Smart Investment
Buying a BMW extended warranty may be the right choice for you. If you’re interested in extending coverage to minimize or eliminate the risk of needing to pay for certain vehicle repairs, you should consider signing on for added coverage. Now that you know more about what this type of warranty is, which coverage options are available, and how to access a BMW extended warranty, you’ll be one step closer to making a wise and informed decision.
If you do decide to buy one, having extended coverage may save you a lot of money in the long run. Without extended coverage, you’ll need to pay for any repairs yourself, and the cost of these fixes may be high. Even if repair costs are minor, they can add up over time.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
