New vehicles bought directly with BMW offer a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first) on standard car batteries through their Basic New Vehicle protection plan. If your battery breaks down while you are covered, the dealer will replace your battery at no charge to you.

With the introduction of BMW’s new line of electric vehicles, it’s important to note that the high-voltage lithium-ion batteries that power EVs have a different warranty from your normal battery. BMW’s powertrain batteries in electric vehicles have an 8-year or 80,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first) that covers you in cases of material defects or workmanship errors.

Figuring out what your warranty covers can be a hassle, especially with luxury vehicles that come with high repair costs. That’s why

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What’s the warranty on a BMW battery?

Every BMW comes with a Basic New Vehicle Warranty which covers, among other things, the car’s battery. This warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles and covers you for a replacement free of charge should the battery be defective.

This warranty does not cover you if the battery is damaged for reasons other than material defects: for example, in a traffic collision. In that case, you’d need to have collision insurance to file a claim to cover the cost of battery repairs.

The typical BMW battery lasts 3-5 years, so you may be able to have it replaced before your Basic New Vehicle warranty expires.

What about EV batteries? You can expect your lithium-ion battery to last much longer than a traditional car battery. BMW expects that their high-voltage EV batteries will last for at least 10 years (possibly up to 20 years depending on usage).

Here’s how BMW’s warranties break down:

Warranty	What it covers	How long it lasts
Standard Maintenance Program	Covers factory-recommended maintenance like oil changes, wiper blade replacement, fluid adjustment, and brake service	3 years or 30,000 miles
New Vehicle Limited	Covers any defects in material or workmanship from bumper to bumper	4 years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty	Engine, transmission, or drivetrain	4 years or 50,000 miles
Corrosion and rust	Covers any rust spots that appear on your car	12 years or unlimited miles
Electric vehicle battery	Covers any defects in material or workmanship	8 years or 80,000 miles
Federal emission warranty	Pays for repairs if your car fails to meet EPA-required emissions standards	8 years or 80,000 miles

MORE: How to decide if you need a bumper-to-bumper warranty

Key Takeaway If it’s defective, your BMW car battery can be replaced at no cost for the first four years or 50,000 miles that your car is on the road.

Signs your BMW battery needs to be replaced

There are multiple warning signs that your battery may need to be replaced, and not all of them are as obvious as your car refusing to start. Here are a few things to check for:

Battery warning light: Every BMW has internal safety systems that check on the integrity and power delivery of your battery. If the computer senses that something has gone wrong, a check battery light will illuminate on your dashboard.

Car won’t start: If your car won’t turn on, the battery is a common culprit. If you are able to jump-start your car, it may be worth a trip to the dealership. They will be able to run a diagnostic on your battery to check for issues.

No power to door locks: The automatic door locks on your BMW are run by power from the battery. If you find that the door refuses to unlock despite pressing the unlock button, your battery could be the root of the problem.

Swollen battery: This is a sign that there is a catastrophic problem with your battery. If you see that the battery has become deformed, immediately stop the car and call your dealer or a mechanic for help. In some cases, this can lead to a release of dangerous chemicals or even start an electrical fire.

How to extend the lifespan of a BMW battery

The best way to maintain your battery (and the rest of your car) is to follow your dealer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Here are a few other tips and tricks to squeeze as much life out of your battery as possible:

Turn off all lights before exiting the car: While many modern cars will automatically turn off headlights and interior lights after you leave the car, it doesn’t hurt to check this before heading inside each night. Running lights will drain your battery while you are gone.

Turn your car on regularly: Many people don’t realize that your battery loses charge over time, either from electrical systems that use small amounts of power while your car is waiting or just due to the chemical nature of batteries. It’s a good idea to have friends or family run your car every now and again if you find yourself away for long periods.

Avoid frequent short trips: Starting up your car is when the battery works the hardest, and the battery only charges when the car runs. Frequent short trips are much more taxing on your car’s battery than long drives.

Scrub your battery terminals: Fight rust and corrosion buildup and keep your battery terminals clean. A great DIY fix is using an old toothbrush dipped in baking soda to scrub the terminals.

Steer clear of extreme weather: Extreme weather (and heat in particular) can damage car batteries, as they can only operate in certain conditions.

MORE: How to refill a car battery

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