We chose to publish this information because being transparent with lease end charges is something that no one else in the industry does. We’re still looking for something like this for Mercedes, Lexus, Audi, insert-brand-here.
Important Disclosure: The information below is based on 2021 guidelines and is subject to change without notice. In addition, the guidelines are only effective when you turn in the lease, and can increase or decrease by time of return. However, we will make every effort to keep this information up-to-date and accurate, because we use it in our training manuals. There is a section in the BMW lease agreement about making sure maintenance is completed, and the responsibility of the lessee for any charges outside of normal wear and tear based on the estimate to repair. But first, a few things you need to know about the dealership’s role in a lease return.
When we’re trained to do lease-end inspections, we practice on a lot of vehicles, of varying conditions. We also get spot-checked and mystery-returned (does that make sense?) for our work by BMW Financial Services. In a word, we are accountable for every inspection we submit to them.
We know cars are meant to be driven and the road isn’t always a forgiving place, so we’re not about going over the car with a white glove and measuring tape. The inspection guidelines don’t really lend themselves to that level of inspection either.
On occasion, we may need to have a representative from BMW Financial inspect the vehicle on our behalf. We do this if you as the customer disagree with our assessment, or when there is a level of damage that we are unable to discern. For example, mechanical problems, dings/dents/scratches over 8’’, hail damage, and improper repairs may prompt the need for a 3rd Party Inspection.
In the event of a 3rd Party Inspection, you sign an odometer disclosure at the dealership ending the lease, and then a representative from BMW Financial Services inspects the vehicle. If there are any damages, a bill is sent separately.
With that in mind, read on.
When you lease your BMW, there is a $925 acquisition fee to start the lease. BMW dealers are not able to waive, increase, or decrease this amount. Mercedes Benz charges a $795 acquisition fee, Lexus charges $795, Audi charges $895 and Porsche charges $995. However, most of these brands will allow dealers to increase the acquisition fee by up to $300 more.
When you return your BMW, there is a $350 disposition fee. However, if you decide to lease or purchase another BMW through BMW Financial Services, that fee is waived. Mercedes Benz charges a $595 disposition fee, Lexus charges $350 but up to $400 depending on model, Audi and Porsche charge $495.
When you start your lease with BMW, you can choose between 10,000 / 12,000 / 15,000 miles per year for your lease as standard options, with special programs for anything over 15,000 miles per year. If you find yourself driving more than expected, you can purchase additional miles during your lease as well. Depending on the model, this costs between $0.20 to $0.35 per mile.
If your mileage is over the maximum number of miles allowed on your Lease Agreement (plus any additional miles purchased midterm), an excess mileage charge will be assessed at vehicle return. Refer to your Lease Agreement for the per-mile rate.
You will need to return your BMW with all original equipment, including both sets of keys, cargo
covers, charging cables, and floor mats. The one exception is that user manuals do not need to
be returned.
| Tire Size | Originally Non-Runflat Tire, but below minimum tread depth or unsafe. | Originally Runflat Tire, but below minimum tread depth or unsafe. | Rim is gouged, cracked, or bent. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15’’ | $100 | $300 | $300 |
| 16’’ | $100 | $300 | $300 |
| 17’’ | $200 | $300 | $300 |
| 18’’ | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| 19’’ | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| 20’’ | $300 | $400 | $400 |
| 21’’ | $300 | $400 | $400 |
| 22’’ | $400 | $500 | $400 |
The windshield must be free of cracks, scratches, and stars. Filling is not a remedy. Standard glass is a $300 charge, rain-sensing is a $600 charge.
When assessing damage on the exterior and interior of the vehicle, these are the damage sizes and charges that may apply. A good rule of thumb is, if a credit card can cover the damage, it will not be charged.
| Size of dent or scratch | Body Panel | Rocker Panel |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 2’’ | No Charge | No Charge |
| Small - 2’’ to 4’’ | $100 | $75 |
| Large - Greater than 4’’ | $400 | $200 |
| Maximum per panel | $400 | $200 |
