What Is BMW's Certified Program?
Purchasing an automaker-backed used car should provide some peace of mind.
BMW
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Buying a used car from a private seller can be a risky proposition, as the seller might withhold important information that could leave you with headaches down the road. But there are also plenty of reasons not to buy new, including a higher price and instant depreciation. Fortunately, there is another option for car shoppers: certified pre-owned (CPO) models. Here's what BMW offers on that front.
What Can I Expect From a BMW-Certified Vehicle?
All certified pre-owned BMWs have between 300 and 60,000 miles on the odometer. The dealer reviews each vehicle's Carfax or AutoCheck report, making sure it is up-to-date on maintenance. Trained technicians then inspect the car and perform any needed repairs (using only genuine BMW parts) before taking it for a road test to ensure all is copacetic.
What Does the BMW CPO Warranty Cover?
Whatever remains of the Bimmer's original four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty transfers to the new owner; after that expires, CPO customers get an additional one-year/unlimited-mile limited warranty. This new coverage is transferable, should you want to sell your CPO BMW to a private buyer.
Keep in mind that this warranty does not cover everything. For cars sold on or after September 1, 2017, regular maintenance parts like brake pads and rotors, spark plugs, and filters are excluded, as are suspension items like ball joints, control arms, tie rod ends.
Moreover, anyone who buys a used electric or plug-in hybrid Bimmer (like the X5 for example), will receive what's left of the model's original eight-year battery warranty with unlimited miles, but that's it. BMW doesn't offer extended coverage on that component.
What Other Benefits Do Customers Receive?
Buy a CPO BMW and you'll also get six years of roadside assistance, a vehicle history report, three months of SiriusXM satellite radio, and, where applicable, an in-car hookup to emergency services. CPO customers may also take advantage of special financing deals from BMW and buy an extended warranty (more on that in a minute). Further, the dealership will provide a loaner car or alternate transportation whenever your car is in for service.
Can You Extend a BMW CPO Warranty?
Should you want to extend your warranty, you can purchase a CPO Wrap package any time while your CPO coverage is active—no claim pre-approval needed. It'll kick in once the one-year limited warranty ends and provide another year or two of coverage.
