Disclosure: This content was produced by an independent editorial party for the purposes of educating our customers, and is not influenced by the other business operations of CARCHEX.

Now that you’re a new BMW owner, it’s important to learn how to maintain your vehicle. Lasting up to seven years or 100,000 miles after the vehicle’s in-service date, a BMW extended warranty can remove the stress of paying for car repairs.

Our team will compare various used car warranty companies to the BMW extended warranty to determine which plan fits your needs best. While CARCHEX offers many of the industry’s leading coverage options, it’s worth comparing plans for your new BMW.

What Is a BMW Extended Warranty?

The BMW extended warranty offers a simple way to offset expensive repair costs once your manufacturer or factory warranty expires. Owners can purchase BMW extended coverage for new, used, or pre-owned BMW models from either the dealership or from a reputable third-party provider like CARCHEX.

If you’ve purchased a new BMW, it’s likely that you spent well over $35,000 for your luxury vehicle. On top of that steep price tag, BMW owners can end up paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars for maintenance and repairs at the auto shop. In fact, the average annual repair cost for a BMW is $968, according to RepairPal.

BMW of North America offers its own BMW extended service contracts, but CARCHEX and other third-party providers have similar vehicle protection plans that are usually more flexible and cost-effective.

What Does a BMW Extended Warranty Cover?

There are three different tiers of the BMW extended warranty: Platinum, Gold, and Powertrain Plus. Below, we’ll outline exactly what’s found in each of these levels:

BMW Extended Warranty Coverage Options

PlatinumGoldPowertrain Plus
New, used, and CPO BMWsNew and used BMWsNew and used BMWs
EngineEngineEngine (limited coverage)
TransmissionTransmissionTransmission (limited coverage)
Final drive assemblyFinal drive assemblyFinal drive assembly (limited coverage)
Transfer case (all-wheel drive only)Transfer case (all-wheel drive only)Transfer case (all-wheel drive only)
Electrical (limited coverage)Electrical (limited coverage)Electrical (limited coverage)
Cooling systemCooling systemCooling system (limited coverage)
Fuel systemFuel systemFuel system (limited coverage)
Induction systemInduction systemInduction system
SteeringSteering
Brakes and ABSBrakes and ABS
Heat and air conditioningHeat and air conditioning
Infotainment systemInterior and exterior (limited coverage)

BMW Factory vs. Extended Warranty

A BMW extended warranty purchased directly from the automaker is called a BMW Extended Service Contract. Here are a few similarities and differences between this extended car warranty and the original factory warranty:

  • Your BMW extended warranty covers your vehicle for up to seven years or 100,000 miles. It takes care of issues related to mechanical breakdowns caused by defective parts or faulty workmanship.
  • While factory warranties only last so long, you can buy a BMW extended warranty before the original warranty expires. That means you have a little time to consider all your options and not feel pressured to make a decision in the showroom.
  • You’ll still have access to 24/7 BMW roadside assistance services.
  • All covered repairs must be performed in BMW facilities by company technicians, using 100% genuine BMW parts.
  • Instead of one standard warranty, your vehicle BMW protection plan options are Platinum, Gold, and Powertrain Plus, with the Platinum plan being the most comprehensive.

The last difference between these two plans: you’ll have to pay for a BMW extended warranty. Contracts purchased from BMW tend to be pricier than those purchased from the best extended car warranty companies.

How Long Does a BMW Extended Warranty Last?

If you’re purchasing an extended warranty from a BMW dealer, your length of coverage has been broken down below.

  • New and used BMWs: Extend your warranty up to three years, for a total of seven years of coverage. Choose between a limit of either 75,000 miles or 100,000 miles.
  • BMW certified pre-owned warranty: Warranties can be extended one, two, or three years based on whether you’re a CPO, CPO Elite, CPO Wrap, or CPO Wrap Elite owner. Like the new or used BMW extended warranty option, you can also select between 75,000 miles or 100,000 miles with a CPO warranty.

Once your BMW factory warranty runs out, turn to CARCHEX to learn about top extended coverage options. We’ll run through various choices for BMW extended vehicle protection, whether the plans are from CARCHEX, BMW, or elsewhere.

What Does a BMW Extended Warranty Cost?

The cost of a BMW extended warranty depends on your chosen level of coverage and deductible amount, with costs increasing as more systems and components get covered. You’ll generally get a better bang for your buck with the more extensive plans, though.

If you purchase a manufacturer’s extended warranty, it typically costs between $1,500 and $2,500. Note that the warranty may be rolled into your auto payment, so you could actually be paying interest on your BMW extended warranty.

With a legitimate independent warranty company, you’ll avoid paying interest on your coverage plan. Additionally, the CARCHEX warranty and other third-party options are known to be more affordable than BMW’s plans.

Should I Get a BMW Extended Warranty?

Unless you have some type of BMW extended warranty, you’ll be stuck paying for costly and unexpected car repairs. Drivers who purchase extended coverage often appreciate the peace of mind that comes from having potential vehicle issues already covered.

Those who have plenty of money on hand to take care of car problems that come out of nowhere may not need coverage. However, most motorists could benefit from having a vehicle protection plan for their used BMWs.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix a BMW?

Generally speaking, luxurious and high-quality cars come with more expensive repairs. BMW is no exception to this rule. While repairs vary considerably by the model, here are some common BMW repairs and their costs from RepairPal:

  • BMW 328i valve cover gasket replacement: $581 to $713
  • BMW M4 radiator fan assembly replacement: $1,770 to $1,893
  • BMW X3 water pump replacement: $889 to $1,087
  • BMW 840i wheel assembly replacement: $$505 to $636

The electrical systems in a BMW are often interconnected, so it can be somewhat difficult to fully resolve issues without needing additional repairs. You’ll likely spend more on issues with your BMW’s air conditioning and cooling systems, induction system, and fuel system than with cars from other automakers.

Why Pick a CARCHEX Extended Warranty?

CARCHEX vehicle service contracts are different from the BMW extended warranty in multiple ways:

  • Longer contracts: While BMW’s options add just a few years to your car’s coverage, CARCHEX offers plans that last up to 10 years and only start after your original warranty has expired.
  • Flexibility with repair shops: You can use your own trusted mechanic instead of needing to get car repairs done at a BMW dealership.
  • More coverage options: CARCHEX offers five levels of coverage with several customizable plans available within each tier. You’ll need to pick between one of three plan options if you select a BMW extended warranty from the automaker.
  • More time to choose: You must purchase a BMW extended warranty from the dealership while the car remains under the new vehicle limited warranty. On the other hand, you can buy extended coverage from CARCHEX at almost any point in your vehicle’s life. We cover new, used, and certified pre-owned BMWs, even if you need an extended warranty for a car over 100k miles.

CARCHEX vs. the Competition

Drivers turn to CARCHEX for its affordable rates, strong reviews from customers and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and transparent claims process. Below is a car warranty comparison between CARCHEX and other popular extended coverage providers.

CARCHEXAutoAssureConcord Auto ProtectEndurance
Years in Business24131017
Instant QuoteYesYesYesYes
BBB AccreditationYesNoNoNo
BBB RatingA+C+D-Not Rated
BBB Complaints (last 36 mo.)1591171602,029
Partnerships/EndorsementsCARFAX, RepairPal, Edmunds.com, Autoblog, SiriusXM, Vehicle Protection Association, and Goss’ Garage.Vehicle Protection Association, Dun & BradstreetConsumer AffairsCourtney Hansen, Katie Osborne, Vehicle Protection Association

Updated September 2023.

Additional Benefits From CARCHEX

A BMW extended warranty from CARCHEX is a great way to protect your investment. For more than 20 years, our team has gone above and beyond to make sure that customers receive the best car coverage possible. Below are some of our priorities:

  • Customer service: CARCHEX promises “Customer Experience Above All” to every one of our policyholders. We hold an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB.
  • Affordability: We strive to keep prices down for drivers in order to make warranty coverage an option for everyone. Those who could struggle with costly car repairs have an easier time managing our low monthly payments.
  • Transparency: Our sample contracts are available online and all claims are paid directly to the repair facility. If you’re not satisfied with our coverage after purchasing, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Extra perks: All of our vehicle protection plans come with 24/7 roadside assistance, towing services, rental car reimbursement, fuel and fluid deliveries, and trip interruption benefits.

CARCHEX Warranty Plans

CARCHEX offers five extended vehicle protection plans that are all easily customizable. Each option is backed by a top-rated auto warranty administrator and our strong dedication to customer service. Our plans are also available in California, something that’s not true of warranty providers like CarShield. Here’s a basic overview of the five CARCHEX coverage plans:

CARCHEX Vehicle Protection Plans

  • Titanium coverage: Our version of a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty, the Titanium plan comes with extremely comprehensive coverage. It’s the most similar choice to your original factory warranty and has only a handful of exclusions.
  • Platinum coverage: This BMW extended warranty plan covers hundreds of specific parts and all major components of your vehicle.
  • Gold coverage: Offering flexible terms and comprehensive coverage, this CARCHEX option is often a good match for vehicles with more than 60,000 miles.
  • Silver coverage: This level of BMW extended warranty coverage includes your vehicle’s major systems and is much more extensive than a powertrain warranty.
  • Bronze coverage: Built to protect your vehicle from the most common and expensive repairs, the CARCHEX Bronze plan covers your car’s powertrain.

Get the Best Car Warranty From CARCHEX

When choosing whether to purchase a BMW extended car warranty, it’s important to do your research and read the fine print. It’s normal to have plenty of questions before you’re ready to commit to a long-term vehicle service contract.

Our team is ready to answer your questions about the BMW extended warranty to instill confidence in your decision. We’d also be glad to speak with you if you’re considering options beyond the CARCHEX warranty. To reach out to one of our representatives, call our office phone number at 866-261-3457.

FAQ: BMW Extended Warranty