BMW Lease Return Tips?

My BMW 328i lease ends in 3 months - August,2017.

I leased the car in Georgia. I now live in California and plan to turn in the car to my local BMW dealer in CA.

The car is in excellent shape except for one thing:

  • There is slight damage to the trim on the front passenger door. A small chunk of plastic has been chipped off. It’s not super noticeable, but definitely visible during inspection.
    (someone took a hammer to break my window, apparently they missed the first time and hit the door trim panel instead)

  • 90% chance that I will NOT lease another BMW when I turn in this car (but I am discussing options with a sales guy there).

  • What is the best way for me to turn in this lease without paying for excess damages ?

  • Should I do an early lease turn-in inspection before the lease ends? How early should I do this? 1 month before , 2 months before ?

  • Any other general tips ?