BMW Warranty Check: How to Know If Your Car Is Still Under Warranty
Have you recently purchased a new or used BMW and want to find out exactly what is covered under the factory warranty? Or maybe your BMW is now a few years old, and you want to verify whether the original warranty has expired. Knowing the ins and outs of your BMW warranty coverage gives you important peace of mind and can prevent expensive surprises down the road.
Checking your BMW warranty status is quick and easy to do yourself online or over the phone. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about checking your BMW warranty status and coverage, including:
- How to easily check your warranty online through BMW’s website
- Checking warranty status by phone and what information you’ll need
- Understanding BMW’s new vehicle limited warranty coverage
- Details on BMW’s available extended warranty options
- Why it’s important to verify your warranty coverage
- What to do when your original BMW warranty has expired
After reading this guide, you’ll understand how to check the status of your BMW warranty to confirm expiration dates, see exactly which repairs and services are covered, determine if an extended warranty makes sense for you, and more. So whether your BMW is brand new or already a few years old, read on to learn how to decipher your BMW warranty coverage.
Checking BMW Warranty Status Online
The easiest way to check your BMW warranty status is online through BMW’s website. Here’s how to find warranty information for your BMW quickly:
- Go to www.bmwusa.com and log into your owner’s account dashboard. If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to sign up first with your name, email, and VIN number.
- Once logged in, click on the “Overview” tab on your BMW owner’s dashboard.
- Under the Vehicle Status section, you will see your BMW warranty coverage details including:
- Type of warranty plan (New Vehicle Limited Warranty, Extended Limited Warranty, etc.)
- Expiration date
- Term length (4 years/50,000 miles, etc.)
- Mileage limit
- Remaining coverage time
- Covered maintenance info
- If no warranty details are shown on your account, it likely means your original factory warranty has expired.
Checking online lets you verify your BMW warranty status any time of day. Within a few minutes you can log in and instantly see what coverage you have, when it expires, and which repairs are covered.
If your warranty info doesn’t populate right away, try again later as it can take up to 10 days after purchase for the warranty to show up in BMW’s system. If there are still issues accessing your warranty details online, you can call BMW Customer Relations to check.
Checking BMW Warranty Status by Phone
In addition to checking online, you can call BMW Customer Relations to check your warranty status over the phone. Here’s how it works:
- Call BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-831-1117.
- When prompted, speak with a representative to check your warranty coverage.
- Have the following information ready to provide:
- Your full name
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Current mileage
- Selling dealership
- The BMW agent can then look up your warranty details in their system. They will verify:
- If your vehicle is still under warranty
- Which warranty plan you have
- When your warranty expires
- What is covered under your plan
- Make sure to ask any questions you have about repairs, maintenance, or extended protection coverage while on the call.
Calling BMW directly gives you the benefit of speaking with a real person who can explain your warranty coverage and options. The agent may also be able to expedite updating any incorrect warranty information they find for your vehicle.
Understanding BMW’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty
When you purchase a brand new BMW, it comes with a New Vehicle Limited Warranty that provides important protection for defects and repairs. Here’s what you need to know about BMW’s standard warranty coverage:
- Length of Coverage: The BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty lasts for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. This covers your new BMW for defects in materials or workmanship.
- Coverage Details: BMW’s basic limited warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair any item on your vehicle that is defective in materials or workmanship. This protects you from having to pay for expensive repairs due to factory defects.
- Maintenance: The new vehicle limited warranty also comes with complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles of ownership. This includes factory-recommended maintenance items and services.
- Repair Reimbursement: If you have qualifying warranty repairs done at a non-BMW repair facility while traveling, BMW will reimburse you for the cost minus any deductible per your plan.
- Transferable Coverage: The 4 year/50,000 mile limited warranty is fully transferable if you sell your BMW to a new owner during that period. This can enhance resale value.
- Exclusions: Items that wear out from normal use like brake pads, windshield wiper blades, and manual clutches are not covered under the defect warranty. Damage from accidents or improper maintenance are also not eligible for warranty repair.
Knowing the ins and outs of BMW’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty helps set accurate expectations for what defects and repairs are covered on your new vehicle. Verify your warranty status before making any repair assumptions.
BMW Extended Limited Warranty Options
Once your New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires after 4 years or 50,000 miles, BMW offers several extended warranty plans you can purchase for continued protection:
BMW Extended Limited Warranty
This plan extends your defect and repair coverage after the original 4 year/50,000 mile warranty expires:
- Length of coverage: 1 or 2 additional years
- Mileage options: Up to an extra 50,000 miles
- Deductible: $0 to $200 per covered repair
- Additional benefits: Roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage
BMW Ultimate Care (Most Comprehensive)
This is BMW’s most extensive extended warranty program:
- Term length: Choose total coverage length of up to 6 years/100,000 miles from original in-service date
- Coverage details: Covers over 800+ components including engine, electronics, drivetrain, steering, brakes, climate control, and more
- Added perks: $0 deductible, 24/7 roadside assistance, trip interruption, lost key replacement
BMW Ultimate Care+
This upgrades BMW Ultimate Care with:
- Extended maintenance coverage for up to 6 years/100,000 miles for oil changes, inspections, brake pads, wiper blades, and more
- Tire and wheel protection (covers replacements from road hazards)
- Enhanced roadside assistance with covered lock out service, flat tire service, and battery jumps
Purchasing an extended warranty from BMW provides peace of mind protection beyond the original 4 year warranty. Carefully compare plans to choose coverage that fits your needs and budget.
Why It’s Important to Verify BMW Warranty Coverage
There are several key reasons why you should periodically check on your BMW’s warranty status and details:
Confirm Expiration Date Has Not Passed
BMW’s 4 year/50,000 mile limited vehicle warranty provides coverage for defects and repairs. But this coverage expires on a set date, so it’s essential to verify that your vehicle’s warranty is still active before sinking money into repairs assuming they are covered.
See Which Specific Repairs are Covered
While BMW’s basic limited warranty covers most defect-related repairs, some exclusions apply like normal wear items. Checking which components and services are explicitly stated as covered under your plan ensures no confusion.
Avoid Paying Out-of-Pocket for Covered Repairs
The whole point of having a comprehensive warranty is avoiding expensive repair bills for things gone wrong through no fault of your own. But you only benefit if you have confirmed coverage before authorizing repairs.
Determine if Extended Warranty Makes Sense
Once you know when your new vehicle limited warranty expires, you can determine if purchasing extended protection for your older BMW is worth the money based on predicted repair costs.
Enjoy Peace of Mind
There’s simple reassurance in knowing exactly where you stand related to warranty coverage. Taking a few minutes to check gives you confidence in your coverage and decisions.
Don’t assume your BMW has warranty coverage without regularly verifying the details. A quick check gives you the facts.
What to Do When Your BMW Warranty Has Expired
Once your original New Vehicle Limited Warranty has passed the 4 year/50,000 mile mark, here are some important steps to take:
- Consider purchasing extended protection while the car is still somewhat new to avoid expensive repairs down the road when out of warranty. BMW’s extended plans provide affordable continued coverage.
- Get any needed or recommended repairs done BEFORE the warranty expires. This ensures defects are covered while you’re protected.
- Start budgeting for future repair costs and minor issues that pop up once the original warranty has expired. Without coverage, maintenance and repairs must come out of pocket.
- Maintain strict care and maintenance of your BMW to prevent avoidable mechanical issues outside of warranty. Stick closely to factory recommended service guidelines.
- Save repair invoices and documentation in case any defects are traced back to when the car was under original warranty. There is sometimes a grace period for latent undetected defects.
Even with proper care, repairs are inevitable as cars age. Losing your warranty protection makes budgeting for these costs crucial. Extended warranties help reduce risk of expensive repairs.
How to Check Your BMW Warranty Status: A Quick Summary
- Check Online: Login to your BMW owner account at bmwusa.com to view warranty status and expiration details.
- Call BMW: Contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-831-1117 and provide your VIN to check coverage.
- New Vehicle Limited Warranty: Standard 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper warranty on new BMW purchases.
- Extended Warranties: BMW offers extended protection plans once factory warranty expires for 1-2 years. Ultimate Care plans provide up to 6 years/100,000 miles coverage.
- Verify Coverage: Regularly check warranty status to confirm expiration date, covered repairs, and determine if extended warranty is needed.
- Expired Warranty: When warranty lapses, budget for repair costs. Consider extended protection while car is still somewhat new.
Knowing your BMW warranty status provides reassurance about which repairs are covered. Follow this guide to easily check your vehicle’s warranty details online or by phone. Verify remaining coverage to make the most informed decisions about your BMW’s protection needs.
Other Questions About BMW Warranty Coverage
Many BMW owners have questions about checking their warranty status and understanding BMW’s repair coverage. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
How do I activate my new BMW warranty?
BMW’s new vehicle limited warranty is activated on the purchase date when your new BMW is reported sold by the dealer. Coverage lasts 4 years/50,000 miles from that point. You don’t need to manually activate anything.
What maintenance is covered under the BMW warranty?
The 4 year/50,000 mile limited warranty includes free scheduled maintenance prescribed by BMW for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles. This includes oil changes, inspections, fluid checks, filters, belts, etc.
Does a BMW warranty transfer to a new owner?
Yes, BMW’s new vehicle limited warranty is fully transferable to subsequent owners if you sell your BMW within the 4 year/50,000 mile coverage period. This can enhance resale value.
What voids a BMW factory warranty?
The warranty can be voided if maintenance procedures are not properly followed resulting in an issue. Modifications to the drivetrain or computer systems can void coverage as well. Accident damage is also not covered.
How much does an extended BMW warranty cost?
The cost for a BMW extended warranty depends on factors like mileage, coverage length, and chosen plan. Expect to pay $2,000-$4,000 for 2 years/50,000 miles of extra protection beyond the original warranty.
What’s the difference between a BMW extended limited warranty and a certified pre-owned warranty?
The extended limited warranty continues defect/repair coverage beyond the original new car warranty expiration. Certified pre-owned warranties provide protection on used BMWs that meet certain standards when purchased at a dealership.
Verifying your BMW warranty coverage helps avoid confusion and unexpected costs down the line. Use the tips in this article to check your warranty status online or by phone. Reach out with any other questions!