Is BMW Roadside Assistance Free? Coverage And Services Explained

BMW is known for making ultimate driving machines, but what happens when one of those machines breaks down on the road? That’s where BMW’s Roadside Assistance program comes in. But an important question many BMW owners have is – is BMW Roadside Assistance actually free? Let’s take a deep dive into the program.

What is BMW Roadside Assistance?

BMW Roadside Assistance provides 24/7 travel protection and assistance for BMW drivers throughout the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It offers peace of mind that if you experience a flat tire, dead battery, lock out, or other issues on the road, help is only a phone call away.

Roadside Assistance dispatches BMW approved technicians to provide on-site support. So if you have a flat, they’ll change your tire. If you accidentally locked your keys in the car, they’ll help you get back in. And if you need a tow due to an accident or breakdown, your BMW will be transported to the closest authorized BMW service center.

Is BMW Roadside Assistance Free?

The good news is that BMW Roadside Assistance is free for new BMW owners. Specifically:

New BMW vehicles receive 4 years of complimentary BMW Roadside Assistance, with no mileage restrictions.
Certified Pre-Owned BMW vehicles get free Roadside Assistance coverage for up to 6 years from the original in-service date.

No matter when or where you bought your BMW – all 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico – or even if someone else is driving it, Roadside Assistance has got you covered at no additional cost.

So to answer our original question – yes, for at least 4-6 years depending on your BMW’s age, Roadside Assistance comes free with ownership.

When Does the Free Coverage Period Start?

The free BMW Roadside Assistance coverage clock starts ticking from your car’s original in-service date. This is the date when your new BMW was first registered or sold to a retail customer.

For new BMWs, that 4 year free coverage starts from the in-service date. Even if you purchase the car years later as a used car, the original in-service date applies.

And for Certified Pre-Owned cars, the in-service date relates to when it was first sold as a new vehicle, so the free 6 year coverage may have already been counting down when you buy it.

What Services Does BMW Roadside Assistance Provide?

As a BMW owner, think of BMW Roadside Assistance as your knights in shining armor. They offer a vast range of services to keep you safely on the road. These include not only basic assistance like flat tire changes and battery jumps, but also:

Towing – If your BMW breaks down due to mechanical issues or an accident, BMW will dispatch a tow truck to transport your car to the nearest BMW service center. Towing costs related to the incident are covered up to $100.
Lockout Service – If you accidentally lock your keys in your car, BMW Roadside Assistance will send help to get you back inside. Just don’t make a habit of it!
Fuel Delivery – When you’re stranded on the highway after running bone dry out of gas, BMW will deliver fuel to fill up your tank. Fuel costs are your responsibility.
Trip Interruption Benefits – If your BMW breaks down over 100 miles from home, Roadside Assistance helps you handle the interruption by covering up to $1000 for rental cars, hotels, meals, and transportation to get you back on the road.

Having this breadth of covered services gives BMW owners confidence that anything the road throws their way will be smoothly handled at no extra charge.

How Do I Access BMW Roadside Assistance?

BMW Roadside Assistance is available 24/7/365 by calling 1-800-332-4BMW (1-800-332-4269).

For added convenience, BMW owners can also request assistance through:

The BMW Connected App – Available on iOS and Android, the app allows you to quickly request Roadside Assistance to your vehicle’s location.
In-Vehicle BMW Assist – Through the BMW Assist menu on your dashboard display, you can select the Roadside Assistance option and speak hands-free to a specialist.
SOS Button – All newer BMW models feature an emergency SOS button located above the rearview mirror. Press this if you require urgent support and it will connect you directly to BMW Roadside Assistance after sharing key vehicle data.

No matter how you choose to contact them, BMW’s team of experts are ready to be dispatched to your aid day and night.

Why is BMW Roadside Assistance Worth It?

Having access to prompt on-site assistance, towing, and other key services at no extra charge for 4-6 years provides immense value and peace of mind:

BMW Factory Trained Technicians – You don’t want just any old mechanic working on your ultimate driving machine. BMW sends approved technicians specially trained for BMW models.
Quick Professional Repairs – BMW shops have specialized tools and diagnostics to get your car running again promptly. This restores your driving pleasure while maintaining the car’s value.
Support Across North America – Whether you’re driving your BMW in Miami, Anchorage, or Toronto, BMW Roadside Assistance has your back if anything happens.
24/7/365 Availability – Help is always just a call away whenever you need it – holidays included. You won’t be left stranded on Christmas!

While it’s free for 4-6 years, should I look to extend my Roadside Assistance when that period ends? Let’s take a look at what happens next.

What Happens After the Free Coverage Expires?

Once your 4 years with a new BMW or 6 years with a certified pre-owned model is up, access to the Roadside Assistance program does not just cut off. However, you will need to pay to extend coverage.

A few options BMW owners can consider:

Extended Warranty Plans – BMW’s extended warranty packages like Added Security, Ultimate Care, or Ultimate Care+ come bundled with Roadside Assistance. So by paying to extend your car’s mechanical warranty, you continue seamless access to support.
Annual Renewals – According to BMW’s website, you can renew Roadside Assistance annually after the free period based on “a fee of $199 plus applicable taxes”. So individually keeping the Roadside Assistance can be purchased yearly.

When your free years of coverage expire, be sure to evaluate your BMW’s age, mileage, and condition. For newer models still in their prime, extending Roadside Assistance via an extended warranty usually makes financial sense for added peace of mind.

Common BMW Roadside Assistance Questions

We’ve covered a lot of ground on what services BMW Roadside Assistance provides, its duration, and how it works. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Does BMW Roadside Assistance cover accidents?

Yes. If your BMW is damaged in an accident to the point where it cannot be safely driven, BMW Roadside Assistance will dispatch a tow truck to bring it to the closest BMW service center for repair. Any costs related to accident repairs would go through your auto insurance policy if applicable.

Can I use Roadside Assistance if someone else is driving my BMW?

Absolutely. The BMW Roadside Assistance benefits follow your VIN number, not just whoever the registered owner might be. So even if your friend or family member borrows your car and needs help on the road, they’d be covered.

What if I sell my BMW – does Roadside Assistance transfer to the new owner?

Unfortunately no. BMW Roadside Assistance does not transfer upon sale to subsequent owners. Only the original owner whose name is on the vehicle purchase documentation receives coverage.

This underscores the importance of making the 4-6 year duration of free services a part of your ownership period before selling it. Buyers may even see your remaining Roadside Assistance as a selling point!

Take to the Road with Confidence

BMW sets the standard for luxury vehicles – as well as luxury service and support after purchase via the BMW Roadside Assistance program. With access to specialized help 24/7, valuable trip interruption benefits, and over $100 in covered towing per incident, Roadside Assistance allows all BMW drivers to take to the road with confidence for at least 4-6 years after purchase.

So if you find yourself with a flat tire or dead battery miles from home, be sure to call that familiar 800 number – 1-800-332-BMW(4269). BMW Roadside Assistance will quickly dispatch pre-approved technicians to get your ultimate driving machine back up and running!