VEHICLE RETURN

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN RETURNING YOUR CURRENT BMW

Returning Your BMW
Inspection Guidelines
Lease Protection
FAQ
Contact Us

RETURNING YOUR BMW

The time has come to make an important choice: will you keep your current BMW, or return it and choose a new model? If you decide to return your BMW, the information below will help guide you through the experience. Whatever you decide, BMW Financial Services is here to help.

STEP: 1

SCHEDULE A PRE-INSPECTION

BMW Financial Services will contact you when it is time to plan your pre-inspection. However, if you’d like to schedule a complimentary pre-inspection on your own, you can contact your preferred BMW Center. You can also view our inspection guidelines below to have a better idea of what we’re looking for.

Now you can power up your pre-inspection with the NEXT Inspect App. A digital way to examine the condition of your BMW right from your phone.

A QR code that leads to the Customer Inspection App.

The BMW 330i parked in front of a BMW Center.

STEP: 2

ACCESS THE RESULTS

The results of your pre-inspection will be available online – simply sign in to My BMW and access your Vehicle Return Estimate. You'll find a clear and concise summary of estimated charges including recommended repairs, estimates of remaining payments, and more.

If you've really enjoyed driving your BMW, you may find that you've exceeded your contractual mileage. BMW Financial Services offers a Mileage Adjustment Program* that allows you to purchase additional miles at a discounted rate prior to returning your BMW.

Learn More

A BMW customer using MY BMW to access his pre-inspection results.

STEP: 3

MAKE NECESSARY REPAIRS

If your BMW needs some work done, we recommend visiting the experts at your local BMW Center. You can rest assured that all work will be done to the highest standard and using only original BMW parts. This can help avoid unexpected delays or additional charges resulting from the use of unapproved parts.

BMW experts at a local BMW Center repairing a BMW.

STEP: 4

RETURN YOUR BMW

It's hard to say goodbye, but we know you'll want to get into your next BMW as soon as possible.

Contact your preferred BMW Center to schedule your final inspection and vehicle return. During your appointment, you'll also sign a Federal Odometer Statement serving as confirmation of your vehicle return.

If you've taken advantage of the complimentary pre-inspection and made the necessary repairs, you'll be on your way in no time. If not, don't worry – everything will be covered during this appointment.

Find My Local Dealer

A BMW 330i driving on a highway with mountains in the background.

STEP: 5

ACCESS YOUR VEHICLE RETURN STATEMENT

You can view any balance due or refund in process by accessing a copy of your Vehicle Return Statement by signing in to My BMW shortly after you’ve returned your vehicle. A copy will also be mailed approximately two to three weeks after your vehicle is returned.

A BMW customer accessing her Vehicle Return Statement on My BMW.

INSPECTION GUIDELINES

We understand that your BMW might not be in mint condition at the time of return. Follow the excess wear and tear guidelines below to help prepare your vehicle return. Remember, it’s easy to get repairs done quickly and with genuine BMW parts at your local BMW Center.

EXTERIOR

A man looking at an acceptable scuff or scratch on his BMW.

No Problem

Dents 2 inches or less with no paint damage (unless multiple per panel).

Scuffs or scratches 2 inches or less that do not penetrate the paint.

Needs Repair

Broken exterior parts not replaced or repaired to manufacturer’s specification.

Dents or scratches greater than 2 inches.

Cracks, tears, creases or collision damage on any external panel.

Bumpers that are buckled, bent, gouged or deeply scratched.

Aftermarket vinyl wrap not removed prior to vehicle return.

Damage caused by removal of decals.

INTERIOR

No Problem

Minor scuffs to the interior, seats and soft trim.

Needs Repair

Cuts, burns, or tears to upholstery or carpet.

Stains or odors that cannot be removed.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

BMW brake fluid service indicated on th dashboard of a BMW.

No Problem

Brake Fluid service indicator.

Needs Repair

Past due service indicators for Engine Oil or Brake Pads.

Engine or mechanical warning lights.

Damage due to failure to maintain vehicle or excessive neglect.

GLASS AND LAMPS

No Problem

Replacement windshield that meets manufacturer’s specifications (i.e. Rain Sensing, Head Up Display)

Needs Repair

Chips, cracks, scratches, or stars in glass.

Repaired windshield.

Puncture to lamp(s) which results in water penetration.

TIRES AND WHEELS

Painted or chromed BMW wheels free of scuffs and scratches.

No Problem

Same specifications as original equipment supplied on your vehicle (size, speed rating, and run flat, if applicable)

Painted or chromed wheels free of scuffs and scratches.

Minor curb rash.

Needs Repair

Minimum of 4/32 of an inch tread depth from the thinnest tread. Learn how to measure and check tread depth.

Tires that are not the same specification as the original equipment supplied on your vehicle (size, speed rating, and run flat, if applicable)

Seasonal tires.

Original equipment left in vehicle but not installed.

Recapped and re-treaded tires.

Tire sidewall repair plugs.

Mismatched, bent, or broken wheels, wheel covers, or alloys.

Spare tire missing or not matching original manufacturer’s specifications (if applicable).

Painted or chromed wheels that are scuffed or scratched.

Bulges, cuts, gouges, cupping, or any tire damage affecting safe operation of the vehicle.

MISSING PARTS AND AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT

All genuine BMW manufacturer's original interior equipment is present.

No Problem

All genuine BMW manufacturer’s original equipment is present at time of return.

Needs Repair

Missing equipment including, but not limited to: keys, cargo covers, charging cable, and tablets.

Any aftermarket alterations, including original BMW parts added by a BMW Center or non-BMW parts installed by a third party, present at time of return.

Any Structural Modifications installed by a third party, present at the time of return.

A BMW X2 driving smoothly on a slightly flooded street with mountainous landscrape background.

BMW LEASE PROTECTION

BMW Lease Protection can help with potential excess wear and tear fees. Simply visit MyBMW to confirm if your current BMW has Lease Protection.

Contact your preferred BMW Center for details on purchasing BMW Lease Protection for your next vehicle.

Learn More

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT
VEHICLE RETURN

Vehicle Return

What are my vehicle return options?

You have three options available at the end of your vehicle term: choose a new BMW; purchase your current BMW; return your BMW. Please contact your originating BMW Center for more information on the option that is best for you.

Will I receive information about my vehicle return options?

Approximately 90 days from the end of your vehicle term, you will receive a Lease End Mailer. The mailer will outline your options as well as provide an inspection wheel. The inspection wheel can be used to determine any potential excess wear and tear. You should also expect to receive phone calls from both BMW Financial Services and your BMW Center as you approach the end of your lease.

Where can I return my vehicle?

When your vehicle term ends, please contact your originating BMW Center to schedule a return appointment. Please note that the only BMW Center required to accept return of your vehicle is the BMW Center where the contract originated. However, you may return the vehicle to a different BMW Center as long as that center is willing to accept receipt of your vehicle. If you are planning to return the vehicle to a different BMW Center, we recommend contacting them directly to see if they are willing to accept the return and discuss the details of their turn-in process.

Am I required to have a vehicle inspection prior to return?

Yes, please contact your originating BMW Center regarding the vehicle inspection process. Please note: You may be required to complete an inspection through our third-party inspection company based on your originating BMW Center. Should you have any additional questions regarding the inspection, please contact a representative at (800) 959-4269, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.

What do I have to bring with me when I return my BMW?

When you return your BMW, the BMW Center will only be looking for items that came with the vehicle. You will be expected to return all keys, manuals and accessories that the vehicle originally came with. If you had your excess wear and tear items repaired, you can give the coordinator a copy of the paid receipts. You will not have to bring any other paperwork with you.

Am I able to have a pre-inspection prior to my final assessment at return?

Most BMW Centers are able to perform pre-inspections. Contact a coordinator at your local authorized BMW Center for more information. Should you have any additional questions regarding the pre-inspection, please contact a representative at (800) 959-4269, Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.

If I have repairs completed after my inspection, how do I have the charges removed from my end of term invoice?

You may have repairs completed at any authorized BMW Center prior to the return of your vehicle. If your vehicle was pre-inspected at a BMW Center, they will conduct a final inspection at the time of return. If your vehicle was inspected by our third-party inspection company, to have charges removed, you must send a copy of the itemized receipt showing the repair work completed and paid in full. Receipts can be uploaded to My Account by selecting the "Upload Repair Receipts" link on the Vehicle Return Estimate or My Account Dashboard.

If I need to replace my tires, what are the requirements?

If you replace the tires, charges will be assessed for each tire that is not of equal size, quality, and speed rating as your original tires. (You can find the speed rating label on the inside of the vehicle’s door jam.) Also, acceptable wear is a minimum of 4/32 of an inch of depth from the finish tread. Your BMW Center will be able to provide you with a final, more precise measurement using a tire tread depth gauge. Tires with cuts or gouges will result in additional lease end charges. Please note: If your vehicle originally came equipped with run-flat tires, then your vehicle must be returned with run-flat tires. Otherwise you will be charged for new tires.

What do I do with my license plates, after I return my vehicle?

Please contact your local BMW Center or contact your Department of Motor Vehicles for your state's official license plate policy. Your Department of Motor Vehicles requires that you or your BMW Center return the plates to the Department of Motor Vehicles or local state agency and notify them to cancel the registration at the end of your term.

If you live in one of the following states, your Department of Motor Vehicles requires that you or your BMW Center either return the plates to them, or at least notify them to cancel the registration at lease end:

CT*, FL, ID, IA, KS, MA*, MI, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI*, SC, UT, VA, VE, WY*

To reduce your liability for future personal property/vehicle excise tax assessments in CT, MA, and RI, a copy of the registration cancellation receipt or transfer must be forwarded to BMW Financial Services at:

BMW Financial Services
Attn: Tax Dept
P.O. Box 3608
Dublin, OH 43016-0306

If you do not cancel or transfer the license plates as required by your state at the end of your term, you remain liable after termination for all of the tickets, official fees, and taxes billed on that vehicle. This is a critical step in your vehicle return process.

How can I purchase more miles?

To purchase additional discounted miles on My Account, please visit the Account Details page and select Mileage Management.

Can I modify my BMW?

Altering your BMW with non-BMW or Aftermarket Parts is not recommended. This includes but not limited to modifications of the Suspension, Exhaust Components, and Engine Tuning Software. Modifications of all non-approved aftermarket accessories may result in voided warranty coverage on modified components and consequential related damage to other original equipment components as well as additional Excess Wear and Use Charges. Please refer to your Lease Agreement Contract under the ‘Excess Wear and Use’ section for additional details.

Financial

How can I purchase my vehicle?

To view your payoff information, go to the Account Details page for the vehicle you wish to purchase and then select Payoff Information from the navigational menu.

Is my payoff or residual value negotiable?

No. BMW Financial Services does not negotiate payoffs or residual values.

After I payoff my vehicle, how quickly can I receive my title?

The title release policy differs based on your state. Please contact a representative at (800) 959-4269, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET for the most accurate title release information.

Registration and Warranty

How does moving out of state affect my vehicle registration and warranty?

It is your responsibility to register your vehicle in your state of residence. You are also responsible for paying your state's required registration fees and complying with all motor vehicle regulations. If you move to another state, you may be required to re-register within 30 days or less.

To update your address, please visit the Profile page.

You may update your contact information by visiting the Profile page and elect to receive a Move Pack, or notify BMW Financial Services immediately so that we can send you the documentation you need before re-registering the vehicle in your new state. You can also make these changes by marking the box on the front of our account statement, and by completing the back portion (including the section requesting re-registration documents.) Should you have any additional questions regarding your registration, please contact a BMW Customer Service representative using one of the methods listed on the Contact Us page.

How do I renew my registration?

Your state's vehicle registration department will normally send renewal information to the address appearing on the registration, which, in many cases, is BMW Financial Services. If renewal information is sent to us, we will forward it to you immediately.

Please make a note of your registration expiration date. If you do not receive your renewal information 30 days prior to your expiration date from either the state or BMW Financial Services, contact your local department of motor vehicles.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

No matter what your needs may be, we’re committed to providing you with the highest level of service. Our Lease Loyalty Specialists are here to help answer any questions about the vehicle return process.

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COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT
VEHICLE RETURN