When you invest in a BMW, you’re choosing exceptional engineering and driving pleasure. To protect that investment, BMW offers Ultimate Care – a comprehensive maintenance program designed to keep your vehicle performing at its best.
This guide explains everything you need to know about BMW Ultimate Care, helping you determine if this protection program is right for your needs and driving habits.
What Is BMW Ultimate Care?
BMW Ultimate Care is a comprehensive maintenance program that comes standard with every new BMW purchased or leased from an authorized BMW center. The base program covers scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. All maintenance is performed by BMW-certified technicians using original BMW parts to ensure your vehicle maintains peak performance.
The standard BMW Ultimate Care program includes essential maintenance services such as:
- Engine oil and filter changes
- Brake fluid service
- Engine air filter replacement
- Cabin microfilter replacement
- Spark plug replacement
- Vehicle checks and inspections
- Remote control/key battery replacement
- Diesel fuel filter (for diesel engines only)
For 2017 models and newer, BMW Ultimate Care covers all factory-recommended maintenance. For 2016 and older models, it includes scheduled maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles.
BMW Ultimate Care Coverage Tiers
BMW offers several tiers of maintenance coverage to suit different needs and ownership plans. Each tier builds upon the standard Ultimate Care program with extended coverage periods and additional services.
| Program | Coverage Period | What’s Included | Best For |
| BMW Ultimate Care (Standard) | 3 years/36,000 miles | Basic scheduled maintenance | New BMW owners |
| BMW Ultimate Care Scheduled | 5 years/75,000 miles | Extended scheduled maintenance | Long-term owners |
| BMW Ultimate Care+ | 7 years/125,000 miles | Scheduled maintenance plus wear items | High-mileage drivers |
| BMW Ultimate Care Oil Services | 3 years (for vehicles over 60 months/60,000 miles) | Oil service only | Older BMW owners |
BMW Ultimate Care+
For 2017 models and newer, BMW Ultimate Care+ extends coverage to seven years or up to 125,000 miles. This premium tier includes all scheduled maintenance plus replacement of specific wear-and-tear items such as:
- Brake pads
- Brake discs (when necessary)
- Wiper blades
- Manual transmission clutch (if applicable)
- Additional wear components
- Transfer case fluid service
Ultimate Care+ is transferable to subsequent owners if you sell your vehicle, adding potential resale value to your BMW.
Extend Your BMW Protection
Upgrade to BMW Ultimate Care+ for comprehensive coverage of both scheduled maintenance and wear items for up to 7 years or 125,000 miles.
Key Benefits and Limitations
Benefits
- Predictable maintenance costs with no surprise expenses
- BMW-certified technicians perform all service
- Genuine BMW parts used for all repairs
- Transferable coverage enhances resale value
- Comprehensive vehicle inspections included
- Roadside assistance included for 4 years/unlimited miles
- BMW Teleservice for remote diagnostics
Limitations
- Basic plan doesn’t cover wear items like brake pads
- Service intervals follow BMW’s schedule, not owner preference
- Some owners report difficulty getting service approved
- Extended coverage can be expensive compared to independent shops
- Limited flexibility on service timing
- Doesn’t cover accident damage or misuse
“The real value of BMW Ultimate Care comes from the peace of mind knowing that factory-trained technicians are maintaining your vehicle to BMW’s exacting standards, potentially preventing costly repairs down the road.”
How BMW Ultimate Care Compares to Competitors
When evaluating BMW Ultimate Care, it’s helpful to understand how it stacks up against maintenance programs offered by other luxury automakers. Each program has its own strengths and limitations.
| Feature | BMW Ultimate Care | Mercedes-Benz Service Care | Audi Care |
| Standard Coverage | 3 years/36,000 miles | 1 year/10,000 miles | 1 year/10,000 miles |
| Extended Options | Up to 7 years/125,000 miles | Up to 4 years/40,000 miles | Up to 5 years/50,000 miles |
| Wear Items Covered | Yes (with Ultimate Care+) | Limited | No |
| Transferability | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 years/unlimited miles | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/unlimited miles |
BMW Ultimate Care stands out with its longer standard coverage period and more comprehensive extended options, particularly with the inclusion of wear items in the Ultimate Care+ program.
Cost Analysis: Is BMW Ultimate Care Worth It?
When evaluating whether to purchase extended BMW Ultimate Care coverage, it’s important to consider the potential costs and savings. While pricing varies by model and dealer, here’s a general cost analysis:
| Maintenance Item | Typical Cost (Without Plan) | Frequency (First 4 Years) | Total 4-Year Cost |
| Oil Change Service | $175-$300 | 4-5 times | $700-$1,500 |
| Brake Fluid Service | $150-$200 | 2 times | $300-$400 |
| Air Filters (Engine & Cabin) | $150-$250 | 2 times | $300-$500 |
| Vehicle Checks | $200-$300 | 4 times | $800-$1,200 |
| Brake Pads (Front & Rear) | $600-$1,200 | 1 time | $600-$1,200 |
The extended BMW Ultimate Care program typically costs between $1,000-$1,500 for an additional 2 years/14,000 miles beyond the standard coverage. The Ultimate Care+ program, which includes wear items like brake pads, can cost $2,000-$3,000 depending on the model.
Value Calculation: For most BMW owners, the extended maintenance programs can provide value if you:
- Plan to keep your BMW for 4+ years
- Prefer dealer servicing with factory-trained technicians
- Value the convenience of prepaid maintenance
- Drive near the mileage limits of the coverage periods
Calculate Your Potential Savings
Speak with your local BMW center to get a personalized quote based on your specific model and driving habits.
How to Enroll and Frequently Asked Questions
Enrollment Process
Enrolling in BMW Ultimate Care or upgrading to an extended program is straightforward:
- For new BMW purchases, the standard Ultimate Care is automatically included
- Extended programs can be purchased at the time of vehicle purchase or lease
- Existing owners can purchase extended coverage before their current coverage expires
- Contact your BMW center’s service department or finance office to enroll
- Programs can be financed as part of your vehicle purchase or paid separately
Transferability Rules
BMW Ultimate Care programs add value to your vehicle even if you decide to sell it:
- All BMW Ultimate Care programs are fully transferable to subsequent owners
- No transfer fee or paperwork is required
- The new owner simply needs to present the vehicle at any authorized BMW center
- Remaining coverage continues based on the original purchase date and mileage
Does BMW Ultimate Care cover brake pads?
The standard BMW Ultimate Care program does not cover brake pads, as they’re considered wear items. However, BMW Ultimate Care+ does include replacement of brake pads, wiper blades, and clutch components (for manual transmissions) when needed.
Can I purchase BMW Ultimate Care for a pre-owned BMW?
Yes, BMW offers maintenance programs for pre-owned vehicles. If the vehicle is still within the original 3-year/36,000-mile coverage period, you can purchase an extension. For older vehicles, BMW offers the Ultimate Care Oil Services program for vehicles over 60 months/60,000 miles.
How often will my BMW need service under Ultimate Care?
BMW uses Condition Based Service (CBS) technology to determine when maintenance is needed based on actual driving conditions rather than fixed intervals. Your vehicle will notify you when service is required through the iDrive system. Typically, oil changes occur every 10,000 miles or once per year.
Can I get service at any BMW dealer with Ultimate Care?
Yes, your BMW Ultimate Care coverage is honored at any authorized BMW center nationwide, making it convenient for travelers or those who relocate.
Real-World Experiences with BMW Ultimate Care
“I’ve had the Ultimate Care+ program on my X3 for two years now. When my brake pads needed replacement at 45,000 miles, everything was covered without question. The peace of mind is worth every penny, especially knowing factory-trained technicians are handling my vehicle.”
“While the standard Ultimate Care program covered my scheduled maintenance, I found that the dealer was strict about following BMW’s maintenance intervals. For someone who prefers more frequent oil changes, this was limiting. Still, the overall service quality was excellent.”
Service Tip: Even with BMW Ultimate Care, you can request additional maintenance services at your own expense if you prefer more frequent service than BMW’s recommended intervals.
Is BMW Ultimate Care Right For You?
BMW Ultimate Care offers significant value for owners who plan to maintain their vehicles at dealerships and appreciate the convenience of prepaid maintenance. The program’s comprehensive coverage, especially with the Ultimate Care+ upgrade, provides peace of mind and potentially significant savings on maintenance costs.
When deciding whether to purchase extended coverage, consider your driving habits, how long you plan to keep your BMW, and your preference for dealer service versus independent shops. For many BMW enthusiasts, the assurance of factory-trained technicians using genuine BMW parts makes the program worthwhile.
Protect Your BMW Investment
Contact your local BMW center today to learn more about BMW Ultimate Care options for your specific model and driving needs.
