Long considered a strong sales incentive, BMW’s Maintenance Program has kept owners of new BMW’s from having to shell out any money for routine maintenance and normal wear and tear parts for the duration of the vehicle’s original warranty.

BMW still maintains its Maintenance Program and it will still save BMW owners a lot of money, but as of July 1, 2014, only the initial owner, purchaser, or lessee will receive the benefit.

Previously, no matter who owned the car, if it was still under its initial warranty, BMW would pay for routine maintenance and parts. But in a change just recently announced, “For model year 2015 or later vehicles sold or leased by an authorized BMW center on or after July 1, 2014, BMW Maintenance Program coverage is provided for the exclusive benefit of the initial purchaser, owner, or lessee of a new vehicle, sales demonstrator vehicle, Aftersales Mobility Program (AMP) vehicle, or BMW Group company vehicle from an authorized BMW center in the United States (including Puerto Rico).”

Reading the fine print reveals one exception that many BMW owners will find convenient and valuable. The Maintenance Program remains in effect if the vehicle is transferred to a household member:

“The sole exception to the non-transferability of BMW Maintenance Program coverage is that household transfer—transfers within the United States (including Puerto Rico) to members of the household of the initial purchaser, owner, or lessee of a BMW vehicle from an authorized BMW center—will not terminate BMW Maintenance Program coverage. Household transfers are limited solely to transfers to a current or former spouse or spousal equivalent, child, sibling, parent, grandparent, or grandchild from the initial purchaser, owner, or lessee of a vehicle.”

So, good news for those keeping their new Bimmers in the family, and bad news for everyone else acquiring a BMW that is still under warranty. Buyers falling into the latter category may want to ask the original owner if the dealer has replaced the wiper blades lately. In other words, a smart seller should make certain that the vehicle has received all allowable service and replacement parts under the BMW Maintenance Program to provide the best possible incentive and value to the new buyer.—Scott Blazey

For a complete description of the BMW Maintenance Program straight from the source, visit http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/bmwmaintenanceprogram.aspx.