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Crash Course:
- BMW’s three extended warranties, the Platinum, Gold, and Powertrain Plus plans, add up to 7 years/100,000 miles of coverage after the factory warranty expires.
- BMW earned a 4.0 out of 5.0 overall in our 2023 automaker extended warranty study.
- A BMW extended warranty may be worth it due to the high repair costs for the brand.
- You can also purchase an extended warranty for your BMW from a third-party provider.
A BMW extended warranty can help cover the notoriously high costs of mechanical repairs to your Bimmer. But in addition to the company’s own plans, you can buy extended coverage from an independent provider. Different options may be a better choice for different BMW owners.
In this article, we share what our experts learned about the cost and coverage of BMW extended warranties. We also provide a few key points to help you decide if an extended service contract is right for you. In addition, you’ll also find a few recommended providers from our 2023 list of the best extended car warranty companies to give you a few BMW extended warranty options to compare.
BMW Extended Warranty Overview
BMW of North America offers extensions to its new car factory warranty known as BMW Extended Service Contracts. These service contracts function just like a warranty and are part of the BMW Ultimate Protection Program, extending your coverage after your factory or BMW certified pre-owned warranty (CPO warranty) expires.
You can purchase extended warranty coverage for your BMW when you buy the car, or at any time before the original factory warranty expires. BMW provides 4 years/50,000 miles of factory warranty protection with all new vehicles.
BMW Extended Warranty Review
In our 2023 automaker extended warranty study, BMW earned a 4.0 out of 5.0. This score ranked seventh of all manufacturers in the study.
In the table below, you’ll find a categorical breakdown of how BMW scored.
| Category | BMW Extended Warranty Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.0 |
| Coverage | 4.3 |
| Cost | 3.6 |
| Accessibility/Usability | 4.3 |
| Benefits | 3.6 |
BMW Extended Warranty Coverage
BMW extended warranties from the dealership cover repairs and replacements due to defects in material or workmanship only – not breakdowns from normal wear and tear. Replacements are made with 100% original BMW parts, and repairs are made at authorized BMW facilities by trained BMW technicians.
BMW extended warranty coverage can range from a comprehensive bumper-to-bumper warranty similar to the factory warranty and covers nearly every component on your vehicle to a basic powertrain warranty that only covers your vehicle’s major systems, depending on which plan you choose.
BMW Extended Warranty Plans
BMW owners have three levels of coverage to choose from: Powertrain Plus, Gold, and Platinum:
| BMW Extended Warranty Plan | Coverage Terms | Covered Components | Exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain Plus | 7 years/ 100,000 miles | Engine, fuel and cooling systems, transmission and drive axle | All-wheel-drive, transfer case and engine induction system |
| Gold | 7 years/ 100,000 miles | Everything included in the Powertrain plan as well as steering, anti-lock brakes, heating and air conditioning systems | Audio, entertainment and navigation systems |
| Platinum | 7 years/ 100,000 miles | Everything in the Gold Plan as well as the navigation system, entertainment system, audio system and certain exterior and interior parts | Wear-and-tear items like brake pads and wiper blades |
You’ll find more detailed information about these warranty plans in the section below.
BMW Powertrain Plus Warranty
BMW Gold Warranty
BMW Platinum Warranty
BMW Extended Warranty Exclusions
While BMW’s extended warranties are comprehensive, they don’t cover everything. Excluded components, systems, and repairs include;:
- Maintenance parts
- Wear-and-tear items (brake pads and wiper blades)
- Cosmetic items like paint and bodyworke
- Damage from accidents
- Repairs resulting from vehicle misses, including abuse or neglect
- Damage caused by environmental conditions
- Aftermarket modifications or accessories
BMW Extended Warranty Benefits
While some warranty providers include several perks with their plans, BMW provides just one. Every warranty plan comes with 24/7 BMW roadside assistance. This includes coverage for emergency roadside services such as towing, jump starts, and fuel delivery.
How Long Does The BMW Extended Warranty Last?
Along with the coverage level, BMW owners who purchase extended coverage from the automaker can choose from several coverage terms. At most, you can continue your coverage for up to seven years or 100,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first.
Drivers can choose from plan options that include up to five, six, or seven years of coverage, extending the original warranty by 1, 2, or 3 years respectively. Customers can also choose between 75,000 or 100,000 miles for each term.
When Does BMW Extended Warranty Coverage Expire?
Remember, this is based on the in-service date, meaning coverage is one to three years after your four-year limited warranty expires – not five to seven additional years. As with other car brands’ extended warranties, those terms include the length of the original factory warranty.
For example, if you choose 5 years/75,000 miles, you get an additional 1 year/25,000 miles of coverage. If you choose a 7-year/100,000-mile term, you add 3 years/50,000 miles of coverage.
BMW Extended CPO Warranty
Used car owners have the same extended BMW warranty options as those with new vehicles. Those with CPO models are limited to the Platinum level plan – the most extensive and expensive option. Term options are different for CPO extended warranties also:
- CPO Elite members can only be covered for one additional year after their four-year limited warranty expires.
- CPO members can be covered for two additional years.
- CPO Wrap and CPO Wrap Elite members can have up to three additional years of coverage.
*When selecting your length of coverage, don’t forget CPO BMWs come with the remainder of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty plus one more year of original warranty coverage.
BMW Extended Warranty Cost
Based on our research, BMW customers can expect to pay between $1,000 and $8,000 for an extended warranty, which is relatively expensive compared to the company’s competitors. Along with a regular monthly payment, the figures above include deductibles of $50, which drivers pay towards a covered repair.
BMW Extended Warranty Prices
As as the estimates above show, the price range for BMW extended warranty coverage varies can vary wildly. One major reason is that BMW dealership are authorized to charge whatever they want for extended warranty coverage. The wide range of extended warranty cost is also reflected in the following quotes, which were reported by BMW customers on popular online BMW enthusiast forums:
- Powertrain Plus: $1,700 for extending their coverage by 1 Year/25,000 miles.
- Platinum: $7,000 for an additional 3 years of coverage.
- Powertrain Plus: 1,700 for an additional year of coverage.
- Platinum: $6,500 for a 5-year/100,000 package.
BMW Extended Warranty Price Factors
Expand the section below to learn which factors affect the cost of a BMW extended warranty.
While the prices above are a strong indicator of BMW extended warranty prices, your specific coverage cost depends on several personal factors, including:
- BMW Model: Because some BMW models are more costly to maintain than others, the specific type of BMW you drive has on effect on the cost of your warranty coverage.
- Vehicle Age and Mileage: Generally, older vehicles with higher mileage cost more to cover because they are more costly to maintain than newer vehicles with lower mileage. The older a vehicle is and the more miles it has on it, there is also a higher chance of breakdowns, leading to more repair costs.
- Warranty Term: The length of coverage you choose affects warranty costs. In nearly all cases, longer coverage periods cost more than shorter ones.
- Coverage Level: It shouldn’t be much of a surprise that the level of coverage you choose is one of the biggest factors that affect your price
- Deductible Amount: While a higher deductible means you will have higher out-of-pocket costs when you need a covered repair, choosing a larger deductible can also lower the amount you pay for the warranty overall.
- Purchase Location: Since BMW dealerships are free to set the price of extended warranty coverage, the dealership you purchase the warranty from has a higher impact on the cost of extended warranty coverage than most automakers.
- Down Payment: Generally, choosing a payment structure with higher down payment upfront will lower your coverage overall.
- Payment Period Length: While longer payment periods can lower the amount you pay for your warranty each month, you can expect to pay more for coverage overall if you choose this option.
- Financing: Most dealerships offer extended coverage as an option to tack on your financing when you purchase a vehicle. Because interest is applied to financing, choosing to finance your warranty coverage can greatly increase the amount you pay.
Is a BMW Extended Warranty Worth It?
An extended warranty may be worth it for many BMW owners because it offers significant value in several ways. Given the high cost of BMW repairs, a vehicle service contract could save you money compared to paying out of pocket for repair work – though there’s no guarantee that it will.
In addition, an extended warranty can transfer to a new owner if the car gets sold. This means having coverage can increase the resale value of your BMW. Extended warranties also provide peace of mind by reducing the risk of having to come up with money for repairs unexpectedly.
Should I Buy a BMW Extended Warranty? What To Consider
While a warranty plan from BMW can be a good investment for some drivers, buying one isn’t the right choice for everyone. Before you decide to purchase additional coverage for your vehicle, there are a few things to think about.
Expand the section below to see some of the main points you should consider before buying a BMW extended warranty.
BMW Extended Warranty Pros and Cons
The table below offers a comprehensive list of the pros and cons of a BMW extended warranty:
| BMW Extended Warranty Pros | BMW Extended Warranty Cons |
|---|---|
| Everything is true BMW – the technicians are BMW-trained and all parts are 100% original BMW. | The dealership’s extended warranty limits you to its specified repair facilities and locations. |
| If you want to sell your BMW, having an extended warranty could be a good way to attract buyers and increase the selling price. | The BMW plans we found were expensive. Unless you’re able to negotiate the price down at the dealership, it’s likely you’ll end up paying more for an extended warranty than you would with a third-party provider. |
| Extended warranties provide peace of mind. You won’t have to fully pay for a pricey repair or replacement. | The dealership only covers your BMW up through its first seven years or 100,000 miles. A third-party provider plan can last well beyond that. |
| You can also purchase a maintenance plan to cover wear and tear items. | The BMW dealership limits you to three plans, not leaving a lot of room for customization. |
BMW Extended Warranty Reviews
As you might expect, people have mixed opinions about BMW extended warranties online. Some customers and others point out that warranty plans generate a profit for BMW, which implies that many people don’t get what they spend on them back in covered repair costs. However, many others say that the chance that a warranty may cover repairs that otherwise would cost thousands of dollars is good enough to justify buying a plan.
These comments are indicative of many of the BMW extended warranty reviews on Reddit that we read for our research:
“[The warranty covered] oil pan gasket, A/C evap, rear seal, some bearings, thermostat. Closing in on 80k miles on an N55. Warranty was ~$3k. Worth every penny.” – u/shipwreckedpiano
“Warranties are a gamble. Maybe you won’t need it but if you do then you are lucky to have it. With all the tech parts in this car I would recommend getting it.” – u/hopelessandhappy
Third-Party BMW Extended Warranties
A BMW Extended Service Contract is not your only option for extended coverage. You can also buy coverage from one of many independent warranty providers. Third-party warranty plans offer similar coverage, but have some differences from branded BMW plans.
Third-Party BMW Extended Warranty Advantages
While they don’t have the official brand support that BMW ESC plans have, independent warranties have some distinct advantages in comparison. These include:
- More repair shop choices: Instead of being limited to to BMW dealerships for services, with aftermarket coverage, you can have covered repairs done at more than 30,000 repair facilities nationwide. With this level of flexibility, you can continue to use your favorite mechanic and still receive coverage. You can also go to the dealership and use its technicians, but it’s not required.
- Price difference: In many cases, coverage from a third-party warranty company is cheaper than official manufacturer extended warranties.
- Plan choices: While the three plans that BMW offers a few choices, many third-party warranty providers offer more plan choices. Some also have add-ons and other options to customize your coverage.
- Added benefits: You won’t miss benefits like roadside assistance when choosing a third-party provider, which includes benefits packages that can last longer. Third-party plans also come with various benefits like towing, gas delivery, jump-starts, and rental car and trip interruption reimbursements.
- Purchase at any time: BMW requires customers to purchase an extended warranty while their vehicle is still covered under a factory warranty. With a third-party warranty, you don’t have to worry about missing that deadline because you can still buy this extended coverage option after the expired factory warranty.
- Purchase from home: You’ll need to buy a BMW extended warranty from a dealership, but that isn’t the case with an independent provider. Most allow you to get free quotes to compare and purchase coverage online or over the phone, without the pressure of being in a dealership.
- Fewer restrictions: Third-party providers can also be more accomodating about the vehicles they cover. You can find plans for older, higher-mileage BMWs that you can’t get from the manufacturer.
Best Independent BMW Extended Warranty Companies
When you start shopping for a third-party provider, getting lost in all the options is easy. Our team did much of the work for you, narrowed our research to the best-extended warranty companies for new and used BMWs, and found several providers we recommend.
We reviewed the best providers for BMW extended warranty coverage. Based on plan options, cost, reputation, and other factors, our team’s top three companies are Endurance, CARCHEX, and CarShield.
Below are just a couple of obvious ways the top-rated aftermarket providers compare favorably vs. a manufacturer-backed BMW extended warranty:
- More coverage options: Compared to BMW’s three coverage levels, CARCHEX has five levels of coverage, Endurance has six coverage levels, and CarShield has four “traditional” extended warranty plans and one specifically for high-tech components. Most plans have customization options to fit your coverage to your car.
- Better prices: In terms of cost, you’ll likely save money by going with a third-party provider. A five-year/100,000-mile plan for a standard car from CARCHEX is under $4,000. While these prices may increase because BMWs are more expensive to maintain, they are still lower than you would pay for a BMW extended warranty.
Best Independent Extended BMW Warranty Plans
While there are pros and cons to purchasing a BMW extended warranty from the automaker or any of the top aftermarket providers, the best provider for a BMW extended warranty overall is Endurance.
The company’s Supreme plan with the Highline add-on is a specialized warranty designed for various luxury models. It’s an exclusionary warranty that covers all mechanical breakdowns unless explicitly excluded in the contract. The Endurance Highline Supreme plan is available for the following luxury BMW models:
Other BMW models (such as the I8 and M8) are eligible for Endurance’s standard plans. The Highline add-on is for performance models only.
BMW Extended Warranties: Conclusion
A BMW extended warranty can be a good choice for Bimmer owners who want to continue their factory coverage. Due to the relatively low reliability and high cost of repairs for BMW vehicles, an extended warranty may offer more value than it would for other brands.
With three plans available, an official BMW ESC is a strong option for extending your warranty. However, it’s worth looking into plans from third-party providers as well. These plans tend to offer more flexibility in how you purchase and use your coverage, come with more benefits, and are often less expensive. The best providers offer free quotes, so you can see what’s available for your BMW risk-free.
BMW Extended Warranty Quotes
When shopping for extended warranties, the best thing to do is call around and get free quotes customized to your specific vehicle. That way, you can compare each company’s prices and get a feel for customer service. To maximize your options and find the best BMW extended warranty to fit your needs, compare quotes from BMW and a at least three top-rated aftermarket providers.
BMW Extended Car Warranty: FAQ
Below are some common frequently asked questions about BMW extended warranties:
Can you transfer your BMW warranty?
The BMW warranty for new and CPO vehicles is transferable. There may be a $200 transfer fee for Certified BMWs, though.
BMW’s extended warranty is also transferable, but there may be few limitations.
Does BMW have a maintenance plan?
BMW offers maintenance plans to cover wear and tear items. There are two options based on whether your BMW is a 2017 or earlier model.
2017 and newer models are covered under BMW Ultimate Care, which lasts for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This comes with new or leased BMWs.
2015 and 2016 BMW vehicles sold or leased by an authorized BMW center on or after July 1, 2014, are covered under the BMW Maintenance Program for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
These BMW maintenance plans aren’t transferable.
Does BMW have other protection plans?
In its Ultimate Protection Program, BMW offers additional protection plans that can be purchased with an extended warranty. Some of these plans include:
Paintless dent repair to fix dings and small dents.
Tire and wheel protection in the case of damage from blowouts, potholes, glass, metal, debris, and other items.
Key protection to provide lock-out assistance and reimbursement when your keys are stolen, damaged, or lost.
Windshield protection in the case that rocks, debris, or other items chip or crack the glass and require a repair.
Can I extend my BWP CPO warranty?
Yes, you can extend your BMW CPO warranty, but those with new and used vehicles have more options.
Can I buy a BMW warranty for a used car?
While you can’t buy the original factory warranty, you may be able to find a used car still under warranty. However, you can buy a BMW extended warranty for a used car, whether from the dealership or a third-party provider.
See what we think are the best used car warranty companies.
How long is a BMW warranty?
The factory BMW warranty lasts four years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The longest you can be protected by BMW is seven years/100,000 miles from the in-service date. This would include the four-year limited warranty coverage plus three years of extended coverage.
Can you get a BMW extended warranty over 100k miles?
Yes, but not from the dealership. Many third-party providers offer extended coverage for BMWs with over 100,000 miles.
Can you buy an extended warranty from BMW later?
You can buy the BMW extended warranty later. While you don’t have to buy it right away, you do have to buy the Ultimate Protection extended warranty from BMW before your factory warranty expires.
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best extended auto warranty providers.
- Affordability: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team performs ongoing secret shopper analyses for different vehicles, mileages, warranty plans, and locations to give this rating.
- Coverage: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that a car warranty company offers an array of coverage options. We take into account the number of plans offered by each provider, term limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, availability, and years in business when giving this score.
- Customer Service: Reputable extended car warranty companies operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We take into account customer reviews, BBB complaints, and the responsiveness of the customer service team.
BMW Extended Warranty
Our team rated BMW extended warranty 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Product Brand: BMW
Product In-Stock: InStock
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