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BMW DAMAGE VISUALIZER AND VEHICLE RETURN GUIDE.
A GUIDE FOR THE SMOOTH RETURN OF YOUR VEHICLE
UNDERSTANDING THE CONDITION OF YOUR VEHICLE.
ASSESSING THE EXTERIOR DAMAGE TO YOUR VEHICLE.
This easy-to-use damage visualizer gives you an idea about acceptable versus unacceptable damage to the exterior of your vehicle which could lead to extra charges.
Front bumper.
ACCEPTABLE.
Light paint abrasion (mostly in the rounded area) or slight scratches which do not go completely through the paint and are shorter than 25 mm in length.
UNACCEPTABLE.
Cracks, deformities, and scratches more than 25mm long or those that go through to the base material. Components that have not been correctly fitted to the car.
Glass and lamps.
ACCEPTABLE.
Light scratches and minor chipping outside the driver’s field of vision. The windscreen must be able to pass a roadworthy inspection. Minor scuff marks or scratches around the exterior lamp glasses/lens.
UNACCEPTABLE.
Cracks or damage within the driver’s line of sight. Broker headlights, tail lights and housings, and holes or cracks in the glass or plastic covers or lamp units. If the windscreen needs to be replaced, please ensure that only BMW Approved Windscreens are fitted.
Tyres and rims.
The following damage to wheels and rims, fall outside of acceptable fair wear and tear and may result in a charge:
Scuffs on alloy wheels that are longer than 50 mm or deeper than 10 mm. Damage to wheels, spokes and hub, sidewalls, tread, and rims. Wheels with a tread less than 2.0 mm. Tyres and rims that don't comply with the vehicle's recommendations. All tyres must be replaced with the same tyre brand and type; for example, run-flat tyres must be replaced with run-flat tyres, and not normal tyres. Tyres must meet the specifications as set out in the owner's handbook.
Body.
ACCEPTABLE:
Minor dents (20mm in diameter) as long as the paint surface has not been penetrated so that bare metal is visible or corrosion has set in.
UNACCEPTABLE:
Multiple dents occurring on a single panel (no matter how small). Scratches or dents that have exposed the primer or metal underneath.
Paint work.
ACCEPTABLE:
Minor stone chipping, door edge chipping, and light scratches (up to 25mm in length) as long as they have not penetrated through the base metal and caused corrosion.
Decals and wrapping of vehicles should be removed on delivery or removed by an Authorised Repair Centre.
UNACCEPTABLE:
Colour mismatch between panels and changes to the original vehicle colour. Paint corrosion and scratches where the paint surface has been broken or are longer than 25mm.
Rear bumper.
ACCEPTABLE.
Light paint abrasion (mostly in the rounded area) or slight scratches which do not go completely through the paint and are shorter than 25 mm in length.
UNACCEPTABLE.
Cracks, deformities, and scratches more than 25mm long or those that go through to the base material. Components that have not been correctly fitted to the car.
ASSESSING THE INTERIOR OF YOUR VEHICLE
This easy-to-use damage visualizer gives you an idea about acceptable versus unacceptable damage to the interior of your vehicle which could lead to extra charges.
Upholstery.
ACCEPTABLE.
Normal wear and tear on the floor covering and upholstery (light scratches and abrasions). Colour abnormalities that can be removed by professional cleaning.
UNACCEPTABLE.
Cracks, cuts, burn holes, singed areas, holes, breakages, permanent staining, stitching that has come apart, or distortion of moulded parts. Cracks or detachments from door and flap seals.
Mechanics.
ACCEPTABLE.
Normal wear and tear in accordance with vehicle age and mileage to maintain operational and road safety.
UNACCEPTABLE.
Failure to adhere to the required servicing schedule and any repairs that are required due to this. Damage or excessive wear and tear on the vehicle’s mechanical and electrical parts.
Electronics.
ACCEPTABLE.
Normal wear and tear in accordance with the vehicle age and mileage to maintain operational and road safety.
UNACCEPTABLE.
Failure to adhere to the required servicing schedule and any repairs that are required due to this. Damage or excessive wear and tear on the vehicle’s mechanical and electrical parts.
BMW RETURN GUIDE IN 3 STEPS.
STEP 1: BMW RECOMMENDS A COMPLIMENTARY PRE-INSPECTION.
Take advantage of a free pre-inspection. Simply make an appointment with your BMW retailer 4-6 weeks before the end of your contract to determine the current condition of your vehicle. You will receive clear information about the repairs, servicing and maintenance work still required before the final return.
STEP 2: REPAIR OF EXCESSIVE DAMAGE – JUST TO BE SURE.
We don't expect your BMW to be perfect on returning it, but if there's any damage outside fair wear and tear, these may be subject to charge[1]. After the inspection you'll receive a vehicle condition report detailing any damage found. It will also include recommendations for repairs. If your vehicle requires any work, please contact your BMW retailer and insurance company so that this damage can be repaired before the end of the contract.
STEP 3: ENSURING A SMOOTH VEHICLE RETURN.
Simply contact your BMW retailer to schedule the final inspection and vehicle return. Please ensure the car is in the contractually agreed condition, clean on the inside and on the outside and contains a minimum of a quarter tank of fuel or corresponding electric charge. The inspection will also record the final mileage against the contractual mileage limit (if any) on your agreement.
