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Some tips for the smooth return of your BMW.
Should you decide to return your BMW, we are here to help you get it in tip-top shape and make the process as easy and straightforward as possible. We have clear and fair guidelines and we’ve summarised the key points to ensure everything runs smoothly. To help avoid unexpected surprises, we also give examples of what is considered fair wear and tear and the kind of damage you may be charged for.
Good condition or needs repair?
When a vehicle is in use, it is subject to quite natural wear and tear and will show this accordingly. The vehicle changes from being a new car and in mint condition, to becoming a used car. Signs of wear and tear resulting from use in normal road traffic are inevitable and can generally be classified as acceptable.
What are acceptable signs of use?
These are light traces of normal use that do not negatively affect the overall visual appearance of the vehicle.
What are unacceptable signs of use?
Damage that has not resulted from normal vehicle use and has a negative impact on the overall visual appearance of the vehicle and/or effects its technical capability. Any damage that diminishes the value of the vehicle will be subject to charge.
DAMAGE VISUALIZER FOR EXTERIOR.
Our easy-to-use damage visualiser gives you an idea about acceptable or not accepted damage to the exterior which could lead to extra charges.
Front bumper and flank protection.
ACCEPTABLE.
Light paint abrasion (mostly in the rounding area) or slight scratches which do not go completely through the paint and are shorter than 25 mm in length or less than 10 without paint damage – per part.
UNACCEPTABLE.
Ruptures, cracks and scratches > 25 mm except for the base material. Distortions that are visible from a normal viewing distance or where a component is not correctly affixed to the car.
Glass and lamps.
ACCEPTABLE.
Isolated stone chips (less than 25 mm) and/or chips outside the driver's field of vision. Scratches that are not noticeable from the specified viewing distance.
UNACCEPTABLE.
Fractures and/or cracks. Stone chips in the driver's field of vision. Broken headlights,taillights and housings. In the event that a windscreen is replaced, please ensure that only BMW Approved Windscreens are fitted (e.g. rain sensor on the windscreen).
Tyres and rims.
The following damage to wheels and rims, fall outside of acceptable fair wear and tear and may result in a charge:
Scuffs on alloy wheels that are longer than 50 mm or deeper than 10 mm. Damage to wheels, spokes and hub, sidewalls, tread, and rims. Wheels with a tread less than 2.0 mm. Tyres and rims that don't comply with the vehicle's recommendations. All tyres must be replaced with the same tyre brand and type; for example, run-flat tyres must be replaced with run-flat tyres, and not normal tyres. Tyres must meet the specifications as set out in the owner's handbook.
Body.
You may be charged for dents and scratches where:
There is a more serious dent over 10 mm, dents have broken the paint surface, or there are dents on the roof. You may also be charged if your scratches total more than 25 mm or have exposed the primer or metal underneath.
Paint work.
You may be charged for scratches where:
The paint surface is broken and requires paint to be applied, or there is a colour mismatch between panels, or changes to the original vehicle colour. Decals or wrapping of vehicles should be removed on delivery or removed by an ARC.
Rear bumper and flank protection.
ACCEPTABLE.
Light paint abrasion (mostly in the rounding area) or slight scratches which do not go completely through the paint and are shorter than 25 mm in length or less than 10 without paint damage –per part.
UNACCEPTABLE.
Ruptures, cracks, and scratches > 25 mm except for the base material. Distortions that are visible from a normal viewing distance or where a component is not correctly affixed to the car.
DAMAGE VISUALIZER FOR INTERIOR.
Our easy-to-use damage visualiser gives you an idea about acceptable or not accepted damage to the interior which could lead to extra charges.
Upholstery.
ACCEPTABLE.
Normal wear and tear on the floor covering and upholstery (light scratches and abrasions) due to normal use. Colour abnormalities that can be removed by professional cleaning.
UNACCEPTABLE.
Cracks, cuts, burn holes, singed areas, holes, breakages, etc. or deformations of moulded parts. Cracks or detachments from door and flap seals.
Mechanics.
ACCEPTABLE.
Normal wear and tear in accordance with vehicle age and mileage ensuring traffic and operational safety.
UNACCEPTABLE.
Due service not carried out according to the recommended service interval and the repair work resulting from the failure to do so. Damage or excessive wear and tear on the vehicle mechanical and electrical parts.
Electronics.
ACCEPTABLE.
Normal wear and tear in accordance with vehicle age and mileage ensuring traffic and operational safety.
UNACCEPTABLE.
Due service not carried out according to the recommended service interval and the repair work resulting from the failure to do so. Damage or excessive wear and tear on the vehicle mechanical and electrical parts.
BMW RETURN GUIDE IN 3 STEPS.
Returning your BMW at the end of your contract can be a straightforward and stress-free experience when you follow our clear and practical BMW Return Guide in 3 simple steps.
Step 1: BMW recommends a complimentary Pre-inspection.
Take advantage of a free pre-inspection. Simply make an appointment with your BMW retailer 4-6 weeks before the end of your contract to determine the current condition of your vehicle. You will receive clear information about the repairs, servicing and maintenance work still required before the final return.
Step 2: Repair of Excessive Damage – Just to be sure.
We don't expect your BMW to be perfect on returning it, but if there's any damage outside fair wear and tear, these may be subject to charge[1]. After the inspection you'll receive a vehicle condition report detailing any damage found. It will also include recommendations for repairs. If your vehicle requires any work, please contact your BMW retailer and insurance company so that this damage can be repaired before the end of the contract.
Step 3: Ensuring a smooth Vehicle Return.
Simply contact your BMW retailer to schedule the final inspection and vehicle return. Please ensure the car is in the contractually agreed condition, clean on the inside and on the outside and contains a minimum of a quarter tank of fuel or corresponding electric charge. The inspection will also record the final mileage against the contractual mileage limit (if any) on your agreement.
[1]Please note that if the vehicle is returned in an unrepaired condition, the corresponding repair costs will be included in the contract settlement. However, this may result in differences between the damage charged by us and the claim settlement paid by the insurance company, which will be passed on to you.
Return Checklist.
Here’s a useful checklist to give you an overview of what you need to avoid any unexpected charges when returning your BMW. Please ensure you have the following:
[2] Please note: You can return your BMW to your preferred BMW Retailer. Any equipment missing will be subject to charge. Any documents, spare parts and other components returned after settlement will not be considered. If the contract kilometre limit has been exceeded, an excess mileage charge of XX per kilometre will be applicable.
FAQ: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON SIGNS OF USE AND DAMAGE.
Get an overview of acceptable or unacceptable damages to your vehicle that are subject to charges.
ALWAYS AT YOUR SERVICE.
Your key contacts at a glance.
Should you have any questions about your leasing contract or returning your BMW, we are only happy to help. Simply contact your BMW partner. If possible, please have your contract number or the registration number of your vehicle to hand.
BMW FINANCIAL SERVICES: WE ARE HAPPY TO HELP YOU.
BMW Financial Services is here to help you every step of the way, from offering a free BMW pre-inspection and assisting with vehicle configuration to providing valuable trade-in information.
Free BMW Pre-inspection.
As easy as it gets: simply make an appointment with us. We will check all relevant functional parts of your BMW free of charge. This way, any defects and faults can be detected and repaired well in advance.
Configure your Vehicle.
Configure your own personal dream vehicle and find out about prices, leasing rates and financing offers.
BMW Trade-in.
Discover all the benefits of the BMW trade-in and calculate the estimated value of your vehicle now. Free of charge and without any obligation.