BMW CPO Warranty: What’s Covered?
A BMW certified pre-owned warranty is included for an additional year and unlimited miles with every qualifying vehicle after the factory warranty ends.
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Motor1 Reviews Team Take:
- The BMW CPO warranty covers an additional 1 year/unlimited miles after the 4-year/50,000-mile factory warranty ends.
- The BMW CPO warranty has a few more exclusions compared to the factory warranty.
- BMW has high average repair and maintenance costs so an extended plan can be worth looking into.
Buying a BMW car or SUV through BMW’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program is one way to purchase a luxury vehicle at a substantial discount from the new vehicle price. Every BMW CPO vehicle includes a BMW CPO warranty to provide peace of mind that your used car won’t turn out to be a lemon.
After learning about the BMW CPO warranty, you may decide to purchase an extended warranty plan offered by BMW or a plan from one of the best extended car warranty companies in the industry.
Review one or more of those aftermarket plans and then compare them to what the BMW CPO warranty and any BMW extended warranty plans have to offer. Choosing the right extended auto warranty for your own needs can give you the added peace of mind to enjoy your BMW CPO vehicle to the fullest.
What Is The BMW Certified Program?
Vehicles with more than 300 miles and less than 60,000 miles on the odometer are eligible for the BMW certified program. These vehicles are then scrutinized according to BMW’s 200-point inspection checklist. Technicians check for everything from the appearance of paint to the thickness of brake pads and make sure the vehicle has an owner’s manual.
The BMW CPO certification process weeds out cars that don’t meet eligibility criteria. For example:
- The BMW technicians will first verify the vehicle’s mileage and vehicle history, using a Carfax or AutoCheck report. A “disqualifying” report would prevent certification. Similarly, any BMW found to have inconsistent or incomplete maintenance history will also forfeit certification.
- If the technician finds any non-BMW performance modifications, the car can’t be certified.
- If a vehicle has not been serviced in accordance with any open recalls, that work will be performed.
Checking The Body And Mechanicals
A car’s body condition, fit, and finish, including the exterior and interior, are closely examined for defects. The inspection technician looks closely for any kind of damage and specifies anything that might need a repair or touch-up. The process includes:
- Checking and testing convertible roofs and water drains.
- Checking seats and trim for blemishes or tears, and inspecting weather seals. The functionality of these features will also be checked on the road test, which comes last.
- Testing all door, hatchback, and tailgate latches for proper operation as well as power seats. Checking fluid levels and inspecting for any leaks.
- Replacing any “mismatched and/or non-approved safety-related components,” with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) BMW parts.
- A mechanical inspection where the tech checks all suspension components and exterior lights. If anything has been replaced with a non-BMW part, the correct BMW parts will be substituted.
BMW’s CPO Road Test
All BMW CPO vehicles are subject to a road test as well as an inspection. The road test begins with a review of the BMW’s systems. With the engine running, the tech inspects and tests the functions of every system and control in the vehicle. For example, the heat and air conditioning are tested for effectiveness and maintaining set temperatures. Even the rain-sensing windshield wipers are tested.
All the car’s electronic features, including the audio, iDrive (ConnectedDrive), and navigation are tested for proper function. Likewise, all electrical features are tested, including lights, power windows, heated seats, and sunroof. Anything found not to be working properly will be repaired or replaced.
With that phase complete, the tech will road-test the BMW for no less than 20 continuous minutes and for at least 5 continuous miles. Acceleration and braking are evaluated, and the tech will note any signs of malfunctions, squeaks, rattles, vibrations, or idle roughness.
BMW CPO Warranty
Every BMW CPO vehicle comes with a two-part warranty. First, you get the remainder of the BMW 4-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty. When that portion expires, either by time or miles, a separate, less comprehensive 1-year/unlimited-mile warranty goes into effect.
BMW emphasizes that this is not an extension of the original warranty. There are numerous items excluded from coverage, and the list makes a pretty convincing case to consider purchasing an extended auto warranty in addition to the 1-year/unlimited-mile warranty that is provided for free.
What Does BMW’s CPO Warranty Cover?
The CPO warranty includes powertrain and bumper-to-bumper coverage. Some companies offer longer powertrain warranties than bumper-to-bumper plans, but BMW includes everything under one warranty. The BMW CPO warranty covers major parts of the car, including:
- Air conditioning and heating
- Brakes
- Cooling system
- Electrical
- Engine
- Final drive assembly and driveshaft
- Fuel system
- Interior and exterior features
- Steering
- Suspension
- Transmission
What BMW’s CPO Warranty Does Not Cover
The BMW certified pre-owned warranty does not cover many maintenance and wear parts, which is consistent across other brand warranties in the industry as well. Parts not covered include:
- Engine drive belts
- Brake pads and rotors
- Spark plugs
- Fuses
- Fluids
- Air conditioning refrigerant
- Hoses (including clamps and connectors)
- Windshield wiper arms and blades
BMW’s CPO warranty does not cover tires or wheel alignment, but the tire manufacturer’s warranty may still apply. (Ask your BMW dealer regarding specific CPO vehicles.)
Some items that are not covered and can be expensive to replace include exhaust systems, such as catalytic converters and diesel engine particulate filters.
More critically, the BMW CPO warranty does not cover a large number of suspension components, including:
- Ball joints
- Bushings
- Coil springs
- Control arms and brackets
- Stabilizer bar links and supports
- Strut elements and shock absorbers
- Steering tie rod ends and adjusting sleeves
That doesn’t leave much of the suspension left to be covered. Other manufacturers may cover more suspension components. For example, Audi specifically lists coil springs, control arms, and stabilizer bars as covered suspension components under its CPO warranty.
The list of body-related items not covered by the BMW CPO warranty is also quite extensive. Some highlights include water leaks, various structural parts, body panels, squeaks, rattles, and body seals and gaskets.
Other BMW CPO Warranty Benefits
BMW’s Roadside Assistance covers the basics, including battery jump-starts, delivery of fuel or operating fluids, tire changes, and lockout services. It also provides towing to the nearest authorized BMW dealer for mechanical issues, hazard damage, or even an accident.
Don’t expect a tow truck automatically, however. If your BMW CPO vehicle breaks down for not being able to start, BMW employs what it calls a Master Technician Team to attempt to diagnose the problem remotely. Using the car’s telematics technology to access vehicle data and warning messages, the team may be able to recommend over the phone some steps you can try.
In addition, BMW Roadside Assistance includes trip interruption assistance for certain repairs that leave you without transportation while far from home. This benefit will help arrange alternate transportation or hotel accommodations and will reimburse your out-of-pocket costs up to $1,000 per incident.
BMW CPO Warranty Vs. Other Brands
Automakers have different warranties and CPO warranty programs. Below, you can compare BMW’s program to a few other luxury brands.
| Manufacturer | Vehicle Eligibility | Inspection Points | CPO Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW | Between 300 and 60,000 miles | 200 | Additional 1 year/unlimited miles bumper-to-bumper (with a few more exclusions) |
| Cadillac | Under 4 years/50,000 miles | 172 | Additional 1 year/unlimited miles bumper-to-bumper |
| Audi | Under 5 years/60,000 miles | 125+ | 1 year/20,000 miles bumper-to-bumper |
| Lincoln | Under 5 years/60,000 miles | 200 | 6 years/100,000 miles bumper-to-bumper (factory was 4 years/50,000) |
| Mercedes | Under 6 years/75,000 miles | 165+ | Additional 1 year/unlimited miles bumper-to-bumper |
| Lexus | Under 6 years/80,000 miles | 161 | 6 years/unlimited miles bumper-to-bumper (factory was 4 years/50,000 miles) |
BMW Reliability
Although BMW repair and maintenance costs can be expensive, the brand performed better than average on the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study℠. BMW came in 15th from the top in this study, which measures problems in three-year-old cars. BMW registered 184 problems per 100 cars, coming behind Genesis (144), Lexus (133), and Cadillac (173), but well ahead of Mercedes-Benz (240) and Jaguar (229).
RepairPal also ranks automakers on reliability. Unfortunately, they rank BMW 30th out of 32 auto brands. This ranking takes into account things like average repair and maintenance costs, repair frequency, and breakdown severity. BMW owners pay about $968 per year compared to the industry average of $652 for maintenance and repairs.
According to Jessica Campbell, Director of Marketing at third-party warranty company Endurance, “Transmissions are the most common repair claim, followed by water pumps. Repair costs can vary widely depending on several factors, including vehicle type, model, age, and the complexity of the individual repair.”
Needless to say, you’re more likely to have issues with older vehicles than newer ones.
Is A BMW Extended Warranty Worth It?
As a whole, BMW’s CPO program offers a lower-cost entry into its “Ultimate Driving Machine” experience. In our opinion, the BMW CPO warranty is lacking.
If you’re thinking of buying a BMW CPO vehicle, consider adding more warranty coverage. BMW offers plans to extend coverage up to a total of seven years. We’ve taken a detailed look at the BMW extended warranty plans, and judge them to be good, but expensive.
That said, you should buy a BMW certified pre-owned sedan, coupe, convertible, or SUV because you want the car, not because you like the warranty. Here are three ways to address the BMW CPO warranty’s shortcomings:
- Buy the newest, lowest-mile CPO BMW for your budget. This will get you more of the remaining original new vehicle warranty since the CPO warranty starts when the original BMW warranty expires.
- Buy an extended warranty. BMW offers its own plans, which are good but pricey. Also, with a BMW extended warranty, you must have your vehicle repaired at a BMW dealership.
- Buy a third-party extended warranty. This can offer better value, coverage options, and allow repairs at some 30,000 facilities coast-to-coast, compared to about 340 BMW dealers. We looked at the market and picked what we think are the best extended car warranty providers.
By choosing the third option, we recommend taking time to compare quotes in order to find the warranty that is most ideal for your own needs and budget. The top-rated companies provide generous perks that include roadside assistance with towing and rental car coverage, as well as trip interruption coverage that can pay for lodging and meals – should you need overnight accommodations while waiting for a repair far from home.
Compare free extended auto warranty quotes from several of these providers. We’re confident you’ll find excellent value and added peace of mind.
Our Manufacturer Warranty Survey
In 2023, our team surveyed 1,000 people from across the country who had purchased an extended warranty from their car’s manufacturer. Out of the total, 88 people had bought a BMW extended warranty.
Most BMW owners were satisfied with the extended warranty overall. Here are a few thoughts they shared:
- “I have been satisfied with my warranty coverage. I feel it has done everything I expected it to.”
- “I’m extremely satisfied because it has come in handy for me.”
At the same time, one respondent said they thought BMW warranty coverage was overpriced.
Our Take On The BMW CPO Warranty
BMW offers an extensive CPO warranty for vehicles that are sure to be well-maintained. But the CPO warranty only gives you an extra year of coverage. After that, consider an extended plan to cover repairs.
BMW CPO Warranty: FAQ
Below are a few frequently asked questions about BMW CPO warranties:
Are there any additional costs for the BMW CPO warranty?
Once the BMW CPO warranty kicks in, there is a $50 deductible for repairs.
How does BMW’s CPO warranty compare with other brands?
Some car brands give you more CPO warranty coverage. Jaguar’s CPO warranty, for example, adds 2 years/40,000 miles to the remaining portion of the original new vehicle warranty. Porsche’s CPO warranty adds two years with unlimited miles to the remainder of the original new vehicle warranty.
Is the BMW CPO warranty transferable?
Yes, if you sell your BMW CPO vehicle, there is a $200 fee to transfer the warranty to the next owner.
Methodology
In an effort to provide accurate and unbiased information to consumers, our expert review team collects data from dozens of extended auto warranty companies to formulate rankings of the best providers. Companies receive a score in each of the following categories, as well as an overall weighted score out of 5.0 stars.
- Industry Standing: Warranty providers with a history of strong business practices and endorsements from experts receive the highest scores in this category.
- Coverage: This rating is based on types of extended warranty plans available, coverage terms, and added benefits like roadside assistance.
- Cost: Our research team reviews sample quotes for a variety of plans and vehicles. Companies with lower prices per year of coverage receive the best scores.
- Transparency: This score takes into account contract transparency and the availability of a money-back guarantee.
- Customer Service: We comb through customer reviews and perform our own shopper analysis to get a sense of the responsiveness and helpfulness of each warranty company.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
