The purchase of a used BMW could be a wise way to get the luxuries, performance and technology that the brand has to offer without breaking the bank. But luxury cars for sale can have costly repairs as well, particularly if they are poorly maintained. BMW’s Certified Pre-Owned program can make a difference in this regard. It provides extra concession to the customer by conducting inspection on the vehicle, warranty etc. and other facilities of roadside assistance.
The program is perfect for consumers seeking a used BMW but prefer that there is less uncertainty compared to purchasing a traditional used vehicle. But CPO BMWs typically come with a higher price tag than those that aren’t CPO. So it is up to the buyer to determine the benefit of the extra coverage, compared to the cost. Knowing what to expect during the inspection, and knowing the warranty, roadside assistance and all costs involved will help you make a sound decision.
What Does the BMW Certified Pre-Owned Program Entail?
BMW’s Certified Pre Owned program is a manufacturer supported program that qualifies used BMW vehicles. Eligibility criteria for BMW USA: The vehicles must be 5 years old or newer and less than 60,000 miles. In order to be eligible for CPO status, the vehicle has to adhere to BMW’s standards of condition, maintenance, reconditioning and inspection.
The program’s aim is to provide a better sense of trust to buyers who are considering buying a used BMW. Even a BMW that’s used in a normal fashion may have a great history, but it’s up to the buyer to do the necessary investigation. A CPO BMW has been BMW’s certified and has been given extra warranty and road side assistance. But, CPO does not mean that the car is guaranteed to be trouble-free. Even though the buyer has done the above, one should check the specific vehicle and service record in detail prior to buying.
What is Inspected by the CPO of the BMW?
360-Degree Inspection
The biggest upside to CPO ownership is BMW’s inspection process. BMW claims that Certified Pre-Owned cars are inspected thoroughly by BMW trained technicians in a 360° approach. The inspection includes an examination of the tires, wheels, brakes, body, mechanical systems, diagnostics and operation of the vehicle. The car is also put to the test on the roads prior to certification.
This inspection will minimize a portion of the confusion when buying a used BMW. Technicians can spot issues that might not be noticeable in a routine auto shop visit or test drive. If the vehicle needs to be reconditioned to be BMW standard, repairs can be made prior to certification. Purchasers should be aware, however, that the inspection is conducted at that specific time and cannot be used to determine the condition of the vehicle at any other time. Mechanical issues still may occur in the future and in normal use.
Improving the vehicle’s past and making it look its best for the future.
BMW also checks the history of the car in the certification process. BMW needs to have a current CARFAX or AutoCheck report, as well as check out maintenance data. Only the vehicles that are in good condition and meet the BMW standards in terms of service qualify for certification. This provides an extra resource for buyers to take into account when comparing different used BMWs.
Reconditioning is also essential, as the vehicle might need to be repaired or have replacement parts installed before it is deemed fit. Genuine BMW Parts are used to recondition Certified vehicles, but there may be a few equivalent parts allowed for compliance with applicable rules. This enables the vehicles to be closer to BMW’s expectations before they arrive at the customer.
BMW CPO Warranty Information.
One-Year Unlimited-Mile Warranty
One of the biggest reasons why buyers prefer to buy a Certified BMW as compared with a regular used BMW is the CPO warranty. At this time, BMW USA says Certified will be covered by a one-year limited warranty with unlimited miles once the BMW New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty expires after four years/50,000 miles. This provides buyers extra protection from the manufacturer after the standard warranty.
This coverage may be worth it as repair on luxury vehicles can get costly. BMWs are equipped with advanced engine, transmission, electronics, cooling and driver-assistance systems. The owner can thus save a lot of money if he or she has a covered mechanical issue during the warranty. There are however some exceptions and limitations to the warranty, and it is best not to take it on faith that all repairs will be included, but to read the actual warranty paperwork.
Extended Protection Options
BMW also extends its warranty coverage for customers who wish to go beyond the standard CPO warranty. BMW’s CPO information covers CPO Wrap plus other extended protection plans for the vehicle. Depending on the specific product, the price, coverage, and availability may differ, so it’s important to do some research and compare the extra cost to the length of time you will own the product.
For a BMW owner that plans to drive the car for many years, extended protection might be beneficial. But it shouldn’t be a requirement as such. Before buying any of these plans, customers need to be aware of what it includes, what it doesn’t, if there is a deductible, how long protection is provided, and more. This will make it easier to identify if the extra expense is worth it.
BMW CPO Roadside Assistance
Another great feature with the BMW Certified Pre-Owned ownership is roadside assistance. For up to 8 years from original in-service date, and with no mileage limit, BMW Roadside Assistance will be provided to BMW Certified vehicles, subject to the terms of the program, according to BMW. Services can involve battery jump-start, fuel delivery, tire change assistance, lock out assistance and towing to an authorized BMW Center as appropriate.
Roadside assistance is useful for people who are on the road a lot. When the car breaks down it can be stressful, particularly if the driver is not close to home. If certain requirements are met, BMW also offers some trip-interruption benefits. These benefits complement the CPO program, but buyers need to understand the terms and conditions of the program in order to see when they can get help and reimbursement.
Other Benefits of Buying a BMW CPO
CPO is not just limited to the inspection and warranty; there are a few other benefits included. BMW offers a free oil change, a free vehicle history report, BMW Financial Services financing offers, and Genuine BMW Parts to recondition. Service loaners are also available for certified owners if their vehicle is serviced at an authorized BMW Center (if available and subject to terms).
Those benefits can enhance the ownership experience, but don’t make the purchase of a large CPO premium. While a complimentary oil change is helpful, it’s not quite as significant as say a major repair. The primary considerations are vehicle condition, warranty coverage, maintenance records, mileage, age and price.
Why is the CPO BMW worth more?
CPO BMWs are typically more expensive than similar non-CPO models due to the inspection, reconditioning, documentation, warranty coverage, and other assistance that must be provided to secure the certification. By buying a vehicle which has undergone an additional production process by the manufacturer, the buyer is actually buying a BMW which has been passed through an additional process by the manufacturer.
The amount of the premium varies depending on the model, year, mileage, condition, equipment, and local market. So, it is better to shop around for a similar model instead of the lowest priced BMW. The warranty and inspection may justify the price of a CPO BMW if the vehicle is priced slightly higher than a non-CPO vehicle. However, if your choice is a significantly large difference, you might be better off if you check a non-CPO BMW carefully.
Comparison of the CPO BMW and Regular Used BMW.
If you are an experienced buyer with knowledge of BMW maintenance and a good relationship with an independent mechanic, a regular used BMW may be a good option. The cost of a non-CPO vehicle might be less and the savings may help pay for future maintenance or repairs. Sometimes, a well-maintained non-CPO BMW that has a clean bill of health and a good service history can be a better deal than an overpriced CPO BMW.
Conversely, buyers are attracted to CPO when they’re looking for additional protection and less uncertainty. The ownership can be simplified by the warranty, the inspection, the roadside assistance and the support that is provided by the manufacturer. This will depend on the car in question and the buyer’s financial status. CPO should minimize risk, but not supplant research or careful consideration of the car.
So, is a BMW CPO Vehicle Worth It?
For the many buyers who want to get some of the benefits of a manufacturer’s warranty without the price tag, a BMW CPO may be worth considering. The inspection and warranty may be particularly useful for buyers who have concerns about potential repair expenses. Other ownership benefits, such as roadside assistance, can also make life easier.
CPO is not necessarily the lowest cost option for having a BMW, however. Tires, brakes, insurance, fuel and out-of-warranty repairs are all expenses to take into account when purchasing a motorcar. This premium of the CPO should therefore be compared to the benefits received, and not to the cost of the CPO. However, if the price gap isn’t too significant and the car has a solid history of maintenance, it may be a good idea to splurge on the CPO.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking to purchase a used BMW with extra manufacturer-backed protection, BMW’s Certified Pre-Owned program might be a great choice. Eligibility requirements, detailed inspection, vehicle-history checks, reconditioning, warranty coverage, and roadside assistance are all included in the program. These features can help minimize some of the risks involved in buying a used luxury car.
But, CPO cannot ensure 100% reliability. Even as a buyer, it is important to do research on the BMW, see the maintenance history, compare the price with a similar, non-CPO model, and know how the warranty is applied. If the premium for the CPO is reasonable, then the added protection is worth the money. If you’re on a budget, looking for a car that, while not completely certain, offers less risk than a used BMW, then a CPO BMW might be your best bet.
