Written by: Extended Auto Warranty
Last updated: December 27, 2020
As one of the more affordable luxury vehicle makers in the industry, BMW has continuously offered high-quality vehicles year after year. Since BMW uses some of the highest quality materials on their vehicles, repair costs are typically more expensive than other cars. Having an extended warranty can help save you money throughout your ownership by covering repairs needed due to defects in manufacturing or workmanship.
Today we are going to look at BMW’s factory warranty, what their extended warranty will cover, and the BMW used car extended warranty cost.
What Is Covered By A BMW Extended Warranty?
BMW’s extended warranty offers three different coverage level tiers all of which offer protection from costly breakdowns. Whether you’re looking for total protection or a more affordable package, there’s an option for you.
Powertrain Plus
BMW’s Powertrain Plus extended warranty is going to be the most affordable, lowest level of coverage available. Don’t let that fool you though, this plan is going to cover your most expensive components such as the engine, transmission, cooling, and fuel systems.
Gold
The Gold extended warranty covers the same powertrain components but takes coverage up a notch by also including brakes, steering, A/C, interior and exterior limited coverage as well. This is going to be the mid-level coverage plan that should fit most budgets.
Platinum
If you are wanting the most comprehensive coverage for your BMW, the platinum extended warranty plan is for you. It covers all of the above components while adding the infotainment system and other tech-related components. This is about as close as you will get to a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty for your BMW.
How Much Does The BMW Extended Warranty Cost?
The BMW’s extended warranty cost depends on a few various factors such as the level of coverage you want, type of vehicle, and more. All of these factors play a huge role in determining the final cost of your extended warranty coverage.
Coverage
When looking at extended warranties, one of the first things you’ll notice is the different levels of coverage. Coverage levels vary from basic powertrain warranties up to exclusionary protection such as bumper-to-bumper warranties. With coverages that are going to protect larger amounts of components, you can expect your cost to increase.
Type Of Vehicle
The type of vehicle that you’re trying to get a warranty for is going to play a big role in the overall cost of your extended warranty. For common vehicles, you will see a higher cost in trucks or SUVs when compared to smaller cars. This is due to the increase in cost for parts on larger vehicles. If you have a sports car or a more uncommon vehicle, you can expect to pay a little more as well. For example, the BMW M4 extended warranty cost is most likely going to be greater than the cost of coverage for a 3 series BMW
Deductible
Deductibles are another factor that could increase or decrease the amount of money you are paying for your extended warranty. A deductible is the amount of money you will have to pay for a warranty repair before your warranty company pays the rest. For example, if your deductible is $100 and your repair is $300, you will have to pay $100 and your warranty will pay the remaining $200.
Extra Benefits
The cost of an extended warranty can be influenced by the added benefits or features of the policy. This can include trip interruption, 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car services, and many more. These extra benefits are usually wrapped up in the overall cost, so it is important to find out what is included in the policy price.
What Is Covered Under BMW’s Factory Warranty?
While most manufacturers simply split up their bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties, BMW goes against the grain and offers them all in one. BMW’s factory warranty is one warranty that offers both comprehensive and powertrain coverages wrapped up in one, plus some additional perks.
BMW’s bumper-to-bumper warranty covers up to 4 years or 50,000 miles of coverage. While the name can be a little confusing since it does not mention powertrain, BMW does include engine, transmission, and other drivetrain components in this warranty.
You will also get a 12 year, unlimited mile corrosion warranty to cover you in the case of corrosion due to rust. This is a longer corrosion warranty than most, showing how much BMW takes pride in their work.
BMW also includes an impressive 3 year, 36,000 mile maintenance period that will pay for regular service as noted from the factory during the warranty period.
What Should I Do If My BMW Manufacturer’s Warranty Has Expired?
All good things must come to an end and that includes BMW’s factory warranty. If you have enjoyed having the coverage that this warranty has provided, you may be interested in keeping that protection for years to come. This can be done by purchasing a BMW extended warranty. The extended warranty for your BMW can be purchased through BMW or a third-party company to offer superior protection for your vehicle.
Average BMW Repair Costs
With BMW’s costing nearly $1,000 a year to maintain/repair, it is no secret that these vehicles have a higher repair cost. This is one of the biggest advantages of having an extended warranty for your BMW. To give you a better idea of what to expect, we have listed some of the average repair costs below:
| BMW Repair Part | Average Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,232-$1,787 |
| Power Steering Pump | $656-$1,177 |
| Alternator | $487-$833 |
| Front Shocks | $2,171-$2,288 |
| Wheel Bearing | $636-$805 |
| Front Brake Job | $319-$376 |
*prices derived from repairpal.com
BMW Warranty Benefits
Although BMW wraps their warranty up into one comprehensive coverage, it is quite inclusive when compared to separate warranties offered by other manufacturers. Where other manufacturers overlap coverages across bumper-to-bumper and powertrain, BMW makes it simple with one easy warranty. The 3 year maintenance period is a great addition as you can keep up with your oil changes, air filter changes, and other scheduled maintenance free of charge. This will only help your BMW last longer for years to come.
Shopping For An Extended BMW Warranty
When you decide to shop for an extended warranty for your BMW, there are going to be a few questions that you may have. Let’s review some of the most common questions you should be asking when shopping for an extended warranty.
- What are the exclusions in my policy?
Most extended warranties are going to have exclusions. You must ask about exclusions in your policy so that you fully understand what is and what isn’t covered.
- Does the policy cover wear and tear?
Since BMW’s factory warranty does cover some wear and tear caused by manufacturing defects, it is worth checking to see if it is also covered on your extended warranty.
- Are there other contract levels available?
When looking at the contract you are presented with, you will need to ask if there are other contract levels available. Chances are, there are going to be more comprehensive plans that fit your specific budget.
- What are the factors that can void your policy?
The last thing you want to do when claiming a warranty issue is to find out you may have done something to void your policy. This would mean you are no longer covered and will have to pay for your repair outright. Ask what factors will void your policy so you can become familiar with what to avoid.
BMW Extended Warranty Or Third-Party Vehicle Protection?
When it comes to shopping for an extended warranty, there are many different companies to choose from. However, it all starts with deciding on whether you want an extended warranty from BMW or through a third-party. Each is going to have its pros and cons, and to help you see the main differences, we have put them head to head in the most important categories: cost, coverage, and convenience.
Cost
It is no secret that cost is going to be one of the biggest deciding factors when it comes to an extended warranty for your BMW. After all, purchasing an extended warranty will need to make financial sense when compared to paying for the repairs outright without a warranty.
If you choose a BMW extended warranty, you will usually have the option to roll it into your current payment. This is convenient, but you could be charged interest if your car note has an interest rate.
For those choosing to go with a third-party, you will pay in monthly or yearly increments, but you will not pay interest. Third-party extended warranties are usually cheaper than dealer-issued warranties as there is less overhead.
Coverage
BMW is only going to offer three extended service contracts which are pretty impressive given the competition of third-party companies. Many third-parties will offer 5-6 options to choose from to give you more options for coverages. The BMW contracts are pretty robust, however, when looking at coverage, third-parties are going to provide more choices.
Convenience
Last but not least is the convenience of getting your BMW repaired. BMW’s extended warranties are going to require that your vehicle be serviced at a BMW dealership. While this gives you the peace of mind of BMW-trained technicians working on your vehicle, it is not always convenient for those who do not live near a dealership. This is where a third-party warranty can be more attractive. Most third-party companies are going to allow you to take your BMW to any certified mechanic for warranty work.
Third-Party BMW Extended Warranty Benefits
Now that we have looked at how third-parties rank against BMW extended warranties, let’s look at some of the benefits third-party warranties bring to the table. Third-party companies have a little more flexibility on the benefits they can offer since they have a wide network of shops to choose from when compared to dealerships.
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance—Keeping you safe and providing you with the best service is a priority of most third-party warranty companies. That is why most are going to offer 24/7 roadside assistance standards on all of their policies. Since most car issues can leave you stranded on the side of the road, this is a service you do not want to miss out on.
- Substitute Transportation—Your life doesn’t stop when your vehicle is in the shop. You still need to get to work and home. Many companies are going to offer rental car reimbursement or public transportation reimbursement to help you pay for substitute transportation.
- Trip Interruption—In the event of your vehicle breaking down more than 100 miles from your home, many companies will offer food and lodging reimbursement while your car is repaired.
More About BMW Warranties:
Every car is going to need repair over time, but knowing what problems you may face can help you save yourself some time and money. Many different sites list out all of the known problems, safety issues, and recalls for BMWs. For your convenience, we have listed out a few of our favorite resources below.
General Recalls, Problems, and Defects: NHTSA-Safety Issues & Recalls
BMW Owner Reviews: Car Brands Ratings
BMW Automotive Recalls: https://www.bmwusa.com/safety-and-emission-recalls.html
Frequently Asked Questions: BMW’s Factory Warranty
How Long Does A Standard BMW Factory Warranty Last?
BMW’s factory warranty is going to last for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
Is My Engine Covered Under A BMW Factory Warranty?
Yes, your engine is covered with the BMW Comprehensive Coverage.
Is my BMW Used Car Warranty Transferable?
Yes, but you will need to fill out a transfer form available through BMW.
What Is The Best Extended Warranty For My BMW?
Find the best-extended warranty for your BMW is going to depend on what you are wanting to get out of your policy. Take some time to review the different warranties available to find the best warranty for your needs.
Which BMW Vehicles Are Covered Under An Extended Warranty?
Extended warranties are going to cover just about every BMW vehicle. You will want to check the policy you are looking at for any exclusions of certain vehicles on your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions: BMW’s Extended Warranty
Where Can I Get My BMW Service For Repairs?
This is going to depend on what type of extended warranty you choose. With a BMW extended warranty, you will need to take your vehicle to a BMW dealership. If you have chosen a third-party extended warranty plan, you will get to take your vehicle to just about any certified mechanic for the warranty work.
How Much Does a BMW Extended Warranty Cost in 2020?
The overall cost of a BMW extended warranty depends on the level of coverage you go with, as well as driving habits and type of vehicle. To get the best price, we suggest contact the desired provider directly to see what your options are.
What Do Other Extended Car Warranties Cover That BMW Warranties Do Not?
Third-party extended car warranties are going to offer more benefits than you get with BMW warranties such as roadside assistance, trip-interruption, and rental car reimbursement.
What Extended Warranty Covers The Most For The Best Price?
There are many different extended warranty plans to choose from, so finding the best price will depend on what coverage level you need and what benefits you will get. To find the best price for your specific needs, check out our reviews of the top companies in the business to find one that fits your needs.
How Do I Get A Quote For An Extended Warranty?
Requesting a quote on extended warranty coverage couldn’t be any easier. Simply choose one of the companies listed on our site and request a free quote.
