Since the topic is being discussed, I thought I might ask a question. I currently have a BMW i3 lease with a rock chip in the front windshield. Its been there for over a year and hasn’t led to a big crack or anything. I’m wondering if I need to replace the entire windshield before lease turn-in or wait to see how much they might charge for it. My last lease was a Lexus and it had a rock chip at well (right in the drivers line of sight) but I did not get charged for it at lease turn in. I have heard BMW is much more stringent than Lexus is… but what is everyone’s experience with BMW?
Go to Safelite auto glass and get that chip filled in ASAP. It’s cheap, quick and easy. It’ll save you from the chip developing into a crack and an expensive $$$ repair bill.
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I think it all depends on the dealership that you turn into. I used to have a 3 series, there was a tiny rock chip around the windshield wiper sensor( not big enough to repair). They still charge me $700 for that. That’s 1 dealership, the 2nd dealership didn’t charge me anything if the chip is not big enough for repair. So I guess you can take it to multiple dealership for the inspection. Oh and i3 is using 3rd party inspection company named AutoVin. you might be able to call them and confirm it.
Did you get the chip/damage sealed up? Don’t wait- seal it off first or it’s going to keep cracking.
The chip seal repair is cheap (compared to a new windshield), they will come to you and some have a guarantee to pass lease inspection. If done properly by a reputable vendor, you won’t even know that it is there unless you go through the windshield inch-by-inch which the inspector will not do.
It’s not the dealership.
When the vehicle is taken to auction - an inspection happens.
If they find something, they file it against you.
Even though you pass the inspection at first place and sign the release of reliability for the vehicle?
If it’s an early term - that paperwork rarely happens.
When the dealer takes possession (i.e., you leave it on their lot & walk away after the paperwork is signed), they can still come back after you?
that’s kind what I’m wondering too…
I’ve had something similar happen.
We early termed a Lexus and when the truck came - it had a scratch across the fender.
They billed him and a battle ensued.
I think we ended up paying for it though.
The info I got from Ally, my leasing company, was to make appointment with dealer, drop the car off and make sure they sign the mileage statement. They also sent me a guide of what size of the rock chip is acceptable for lease return, unfortunately not my case.
They also said to take pictures of exterior and interior of the vehicle.