[rlmesq]

When I returned my last leased car three years ago, BMW had a flat rate guide to body damage with a maximum of $500 per body panel.

Do they still do that? I've decided to keep my 2018 440i. It has some damage to the front bumper cover, which will need to be replaced at a cost of about $2,300. I have a $1,000 insurance deductible.

The plan is to return the car to the dealer and buy it back a few days later as a CPO, which will qualify for some financing incentives. I know that all things are negotiable, but it would help if there was a low ceiling on the maximum charge.

[Burrcold]

If you are planning on buying it back anyways, why not just have the damage repaired now?

[BEM-S4]

Not sure who told you that you need to buy it back a few days later, but BMW has changed the process. Check with your dealer. You can buy it out, pay for an hour or two of shop time to inspect it, get the CPO, also included maintenance often improves your rate with BMWFS to the point that it's free. You can do this all at one time.

[rlmesq]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

If you are planning on buying it back anyways, why not just have the damage repaired now?

Because the repair would cost $2,300. The insurance company cut me a check for $1,300 and I would have to pay the remaining $1,000 deductible.

If the dealer will eat the repair for $500, then I put the remaining $800 in my pocket. Net to me = $1,800.

[alex2364]

Originally Posted by rlmesq

Because the repair would cost $2,300. The insurance company cut me a check for $1,300 and I would have to pay the remaining $1,000 deductible.

If the dealer will eat the repair for $500, then I put the remaining $800 in my pocket. Net to me = $1,800.

That's not going to happen. There's no guarantees the dealer will keep the car. If they don't think it can be sold for a profit, it will go to auction. If they think it can be sold for a profit, it will be reconditioned and they will price it according to market value.

[rlmesq]

Originally Posted by alex2364

That's not going to happen. There's no guarantees the dealer will keep the car. If they don't think it can be sold for a profit, it will go to auction. If they think it can be sold for a profit, it will be reconditioned and they will price it according to market value.

It *is* happening. The only issue is the terms.

Per my orginal post, the dealer is going to certify it and sell it to me. That's a done deal.

And yes, if there is a flat rate per panel damage rate, I can use that to negotiate the end of lease terms. I live in an area of crappy roads and driveways that tend to damage the underside of the freight front bumper cover, and the dealer ate similar damage when I returned my last car and leased this one.

They don't want to try to resell a coupe because two-doors don't move well in this area. My last two cars sat on their lot for almost a year, despite low miles and great condition.

So, back to the call of the question...

Does BMW still have a flat rate for body damage, with a maximum of $500 per body panel, as they did when I returned my last leased car three years ago? There was a published guide at the time. Does it still exist? If it exists, does anybody have a copy?

[TheBingoBalls]

You guys get it good in the States with regards to lease/lease returns/buyouts. Here we don't get to negotiate a buyout, and lease return damage is subject to whatever it costs to repair any damage - no fixed price.