When you invest in a new car or even a car that’s new to you, you might consider the features or the performance of the ride. But something that’s also important to think about is the warranty coverage that comes with it. No one wants to worry about something going wrong with a vehicle, but it can happen and it’s good to be prepared. If you’re considering a BMW, check out the warranty offered by this luxury automaker.
About BMW
BMW, or Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is a luxury automotive manufacturer that’s headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. The company has been around for more than a century, starting as an aircraft engine manufacturer. It briefly returned to its roots, manufacturing aircraft engines between 1933 and 1945, although the company now focuses mainly on high-end automobiles and motorcycles. In 2017, BMW earned the No. 14 spot on the world list of motor vehicle production, producing over 2.2 million models.
The BMW brand is associated with driving performance and luxury. Drivers located across the globe enjoy getting behind the wheel of the vehicles in the company’s lineup. BMW also has a significant history in motorsports, particularly in sports and touring car racing. Its slogan is “the Ultimate Driving Machine,” demonstrating the company’s commitment to the driver’s experience. The lineup currently includes sedans, liftbacks, roadsters, coupes, hatchbacks, and SUVs. BMW has also expanded its offering to include models with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric powertrains.
BMW Standard Warranty Coverage
Every new BMW model comes with standard warranty coverage that protects the buyer from defects in workmanship or materials that originated during the manufacturing process. The standard warranty period begins on the day you purchase the vehicle and lasts for four years unless you drive 50,000 miles before the four-year term expires. If a driver experiences any issues with their vehicle, they can schedule an appointment with an authorized BMW service center for diagnostics.
Along with the standard four-year/50,000-mile new BMW limited warranty, new models include additional coverage. An owner can take advantage of three years or 36,000 miles of no-cost scheduled maintenance. This coverage includes all factory-recommended maintenance services, such as:
- New brake pads and discs
- Fluid changes
- Oil and filter changes
- Spark plug replacement
- Wiper blade replacement
- Wheel balancing and alignment
If a driver experiences an issue while out on the road, they have access to emergency roadside assistance, offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. The BMW warranty doesn’t impose any mileage restrictions for its roadside assistance program. Another included service is access to BMW TeleService, which is part of the BMW ConnectedDrive service that comes with every new model. Drivers can use this technology to contact a BMW service center for assistance or to schedule a service appointment.
All new BMW models include extensive protection against corrosion. Rust is the most common type of corrosion, although it’s not the only type covered under the warranty. A new BMW includes 12 years of protection against corrosion, and the manufacturer will repair or replace any sheet metal on the vehicle that has experienced the effects of corrosion. The corrosion warranty doesn’t include any mileage restrictions.
If you purchase a hybrid model with a high-voltage lithium-ion battery, your vehicle will include additional protection for that component. BMW offers a warranty against any hybrid battery defects related to workmanship or material for eight years or 80,000 miles. A federal emissions warranty is also included on all new models. This warranty spans two years or 24,000 miles, ensuring that the car continues to operate cleanly and reduce pollution as much as possible.
Extended Warranty Coverage
If you want to extend the protection on your BMW, you can opt for an extended warranty. BMW offers several coverage options for new and pre-owned models, including options that provide additional protection on the powertrain. As long as a vehicle has a warranty in effect, BMW will extend the roadside assistance coverage as well. The two main extended warranty options offered by BMW are called Gold and Platinum, which include additional coverage for interior, exterior, and mechanical components. A powertrain extended warranty is also available to buyers of new and pre-owned models.
An extended warranty provides protection for up to seven years or 100,000 miles. This coverage term is in addition to the coverage term provided by the original factory warranty. It’s important to note that any use of non-factory replacement parts in your BMW can void the warranty, so always use an authorized service center for repairs and maintenance.
Certified Pre-Owned BMW Warranty
Buying a pre-owned vehicle can come with some risk, but many automotive manufacturers offer a certified pre-owned program to provide peace of mind to buyers. BMW’s certified pre-owned program includes BMW vehicles that meet strict condition and mileage requirements. All models in the program also undergo a comprehensive inspection by a BMW-trained technician. Every vehicle receives a full reconditioning with genuine BMW parts.
Depending on the age of the model, it may include remaining coverage from the factory warranty, which remains in effect for four years or 50,000 miles. BMW also offers an additional year of limited warranty coverage on its certified pre-owned models with no mileage restrictions. Extended warranty plans are also available at the time of purchase.
How Does the BMW Warranty Compare to Other Warranties?
Many automotive brands that compare to BMW offer similar warranty coverage. For example, the standard new vehicle warranty on a Mercedes-Benz model is four years or 50,000 miles, with an optional extended warranty that adds up to three years or 100,000 miles of coverage. Acura, another luxury brand, offers the same warranty coverage for four years or 50,000 miles. This warranty policy doesn’t include maintenance or coverage on certain components, so it’s important to consider the comprehensive nature of the BMW warranty when making comparisons.
If you decide to purchase the Ultimate Driving Machine, it’s helpful to consider what type of warranty coverage will apply to your new or pre-owned ride. You can also opt for additional coverage to further protect your investment.
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