Brand Guide - Updated January 2026
BMW Lease Return Guide
Returning a leased BMW? BMW Financial Services inspects vehicles for excess wear and may charge for damage beyond normal use. Learn what to expect, how charges are calculated, and how to dispute unfair fees.
Quick Answer
BMW uses the Credit Card Test for lease-end wear assessment. Damage smaller than a credit card (about 2 inches) typically qualifies as normal wear. The disposition fee is $350, often waived for loyalty. Our users successfully dispute an average of $425 in charges.
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Common BMW Lease-End Charges
These are typical charges BMW lessees see at lease return. Charges marked with a green checkmark may be contestable using the Credit Card Test or other defenses.
Potentially Contestable Charges
| Charge Item | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
Door dings and dents Credit Card Test applies | $150-400 |
Bumper scratches Minor scratches often qualify as normal wear | $200-500 |
Curb rash on wheels Must be visible from 6 feet | $200-350/wheel |
Interior stains Professional cleaning may resolve | $100-300 |
Windshield chips Under 1 inch often waived | $75-150 |
Fixed Fees (Generally Non-Negotiable)
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
Missing floor mats Original equipment required | $150-400 |
Disposition fee Standard lease-end fee | $350 |
Excess mileage Per contract terms | $0.25/mile |
Dispute Tip
For any charge marked as contestable, apply the Credit Card Test: if the damage is smaller than a standard credit card (about 2 inches), it typically qualifies as normal wear under industry standards and federal Regulation M guidelines.
BMW Wear Guide Thresholds
BMW Financial Services follows industry-standard wear guidelines. Damage that falls within these thresholds is typically considered normal wear and should not be charged.
The Credit Card Test
Industry standard: If damage (scratch, dent, scuff) is smaller than a credit card (approximately 2 inches), it typically qualifies as normal wear. This is your primary defense against unfair charges.
| Damage Type | Normal Wear Threshold | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Scratches | Up to 2 inches (credit card length) | Normal |
| Dents | Up to 2 inches diameter, no paint damage | Normal |
| Tire tread | 3/32" or more remaining | Normal |
| Interior wear | No tears, burns, or permanent stains | Normal |
| Windshield | Chips under 1 inch, not in driver view | Normal |
| Wheel damage | Cosmetic only, not visible from 6 feet | Normal |
What Counts as Normal Wear
- - Scratches under 2 inches (credit card size)
- - Minor dents without paint damage
- - Light interior wear from normal use
- - Small windshield chips not affecting visibility
Likely Chargeable Damage
- - Deep scratches with paint damage
- - Large dents (over 2 inches)
- - Interior tears, burns, or stains
- - Cracked windshield or major glass damage
Legal Authority: Under Federal Regulation M (12 CFR 1013.4), lessors must disclose standards for determining excess wear. These standards must be reasonable and applied consistently.BMW's wear guide represents their interpretation of reasonable standards.
BMW Inspection Process
BMW Financial Services uses third-party inspectors (typically AutoVIN) for lease-end inspections. You can request a pre-inspection to identify issues before the final turn-in.
Tips for BMW Lease Return
- Request a pre-inspection 30-45 days before lease end
- Document all existing damage with timestamped photos before inspection
- BMW allows repairs at third-party shops before return - often cheaper than BMWFS charges
- Consider BMW's Lease Protection Program if purchased at lease start
- Dispute any charge that fails the Credit Card Test (damage smaller than a credit card)
Dispute Unfair BMW Charges
Our tool analyzes your BMWFS inspection report against industry standards and generates a formal dispute letter citing Regulation M and the Credit Card Test.
Dispute Letter
Cites Regulation M & OEM guides
Credit Card Test Analysis
Industry-standard defense
Documented Savings
Average $1,200 disputed
$29 - Avg BMW dispute: $850 - Potential 29x return
BMW Financial Services Contact
Phone
1-800-831-1117Website
BMWFS PortalMailing Address (for disputes)
BMW Financial Services, P.O. Box 650204, Dallas, TX 75265-0204
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does BMW charge for excess wear at lease end?
BMW typically charges $150-500 per damage item depending on severity. However, many charges can be disputed using the Credit Card Test - if damage is smaller than a credit card (about 2 inches), it's often considered normal wear under industry standards. The disposition fee ($350) and excess mileage charges are generally non-negotiable.
What is BMW's Credit Card Test for lease returns?
The Credit Card Test is an industry-standard measurement for determining normal wear. If a scratch or dent is smaller than the size of a standard credit card (approximately 2 inches), it typically qualifies as normal wear and shouldn't be charged. BMW Financial Services follows this standard, though enforcement varies by inspector.
Can I dispute BMW lease-end charges?
Yes, you can dispute BMW lease-end wear charges. Under Federal Regulation M (12 CFR 1013), lessors must provide reasonable standards for excess wear. Document everything with photos, reference the Credit Card Test, and cite BMW's own wear guide. If charges seem unreasonable, you can file a complaint with the CFPB.
Should I get a pre-inspection before returning my BMW lease?
Absolutely. BMW Financial Services offers pre-inspections 30-45 days before lease end. This gives you time to address issues yourself (often cheaper than BMWFS charges) or dispute questionable findings. Request this through the BMWFS website or call 1-800-831-1117.
Does BMW charge a disposition fee?
Yes, BMW charges a $350 disposition fee at lease end unless you purchase the vehicle or lease/finance another BMW through BMW Financial Services. This fee is standard in the industry and is disclosed in your lease agreement.
How do I return my BMW lease early?
Early lease termination with BMW typically requires paying remaining payments plus disposition fee, minus the vehicle's current market value. Contact BMW Financial Services for a buyout quote. In some cases, transferring your lease through a service like Swapalease may be more economical.
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Based on Federal Regulation M (12 CFR 1013) and BMW Financial Services wear guidelines