Lease-End Options
Your Lease Options
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 need to return your BMW, the information below will help guide you through the experience.
If you find that you’re interested in keeping the vehicle that you’ve been driving under contract, and you’ve reached the end of your term, you’ll need to execute a lease-end buyout.
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If you like driving the latest BMW every few years, leasing may be the most flexible option. With BMW Financial Services, you can personalize term lengths, mileage needs, and more with low monthly payments.
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Contact BMW of Darien 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.
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Your Next Steps
Below is a short checklist of actions you’ll need to take in order to ensure your Lease-End experience goes as smooth as possible.
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Schedule a Pre-Inspection – You’ll be contacted by BMW Financial Services when it’s time to set up a pre-inspection, but you can take care of it early by scheduling a complimentary pre-inspection on your own.
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Check Your Inspection Results Online – Sign into My BMW to access your Vehicle Return Estimate, a summary of estimated charges for recommended repairs and lease-end payments.
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Make Necessary Repairs – Your vehicle may require repairs in order to be eligible for BMW lease return. If so, we recommend visiting BMW of Darien’s Certified Service Center where all work done on your vehicle will be performed by Certified BMW Technicians using OEM replacement parts.
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Return Your BMW – Finally, contact BMW of Darien to schedule a final inspection and return your vehicle. You’ll sign a Federal Odometer Statement at this appointment, so be sure your mileage is under the limit set by your lease term at this time.
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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.
No matter what you decide to do with your BMW Lease, performing an inspection and determining whether your BMW needs to be serviced or undergo repairs is the best first step to learn about what following action you’ll take in the lease-end process.
Take advantage of BMW’s complimentary pre-inspection services or gauge your vehicle’s condition yourself. Below is a simple guide to help you know what to look for.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
There’s nothing quite like that new car smell.
Once you’ve completed your inspection and made any necessary repairs, it’s easy to find your next ultimate driving machine. Feel free to stop by BMW of Darien to browse our showroom selections, View Our New Vehicle Inventory online or contact us below.
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Fell in love with your BMW? It happens more often than you think. If you’ve reached the end of your lease term and want to want to keep your BMW, make sure you can confirm the following before you buy it out:
- You love the vehicle you’ve been driving, and no other vehicle at a similar or lower price would satisfy you.
- The vehicle has held up well in your possession, and you haven’t been saddled with numerous repairs or extra responsibilities.
- Your vehicle’s real estimated value is higher than the lease buyout price that’s listed in your leasing contract.
If this sounds like the option for you, schedule an appointment with one of our Client Advisors who will be able to take you through the next steps in financing or paying off your BMW.
It’s hard to say goodbye, but we’ll always be here if you change your mind about driving anything but the best.
Before you return your vehicle, its overall condition will be evaluated to determine if there is any excess wear or repairs that need to be made. To help you assess the condition of your vehicle, please refer to the Inspection Guidelines above.
Remove any personal items from the vehicle. Check areas including:
- Seat backs, sun visors and under seats
- Compartments (e.g. center console, glove box, eyeglasses holder, spare tire)
- Media and devices (e.g. CD, DVD, USB, MP3)
Gather items that came with your vehicle including:
- All keys and key fobs
- DVD headphones and remote
- Navigation media (e.g. DVD, memory card)
- Cargo covers and luggage crossbars
- Floor mats
- Owner manuals
- Wheel rims on the vehicle at lease origination
- Items unique to hybrid/electric vehicles (e.g. charge cords)
- Any other items that came with the vehicle
Please note: Failure to complete lease-end transactions by your lease-end date could result in additional charges as described in your Lease Agreement.
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 BMW of Darien 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 BMW of Darien regarding the vehicle inspection process.
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.
How do I remove repair charges 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 Ding-O-Meter can help you to identify whether or not your tire falls within our guidelines. 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 BMW?
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.