Turning in lease - getting deposit back?

[dantm]

Hi,

I've had MSDs with BMW, for a total of ~$2,500. Tomorrow I am returning the car and from my conversations with BMW (phone) I understand that I'll be signing over the mileage form when I take it in to the dealer.

What are the steps for me to get the deposit $ back?

Thanks!

[bmwKbiker]

Dealer will determine any charge(s) for excess wear and tear.
But you have to wait for BMFS to mail your SD/MSDs back.

[Mysticblue325i]

It probably won't take more than a couple of weeks.

[dantm]

So I returned the car on Saturday.

There was some confusion since BMW said I can take it to any dealer on my deadline as long as they are open, but my dealer said that the guy who does the lease turn-ins was not in on Saturday so they could not 'ground the car'. However, one of the managers did a form and said he'd put Saturday's date and they'd notify BMW about the return first thing Monday morning (today).

So that was issue #1.

Second, on the walk-around and car inspection, the manager noted that in general there's nothing wrong with the car, that I'm ~2K miles under my allowance (20K), but he was unhappy about the rear bumper having a few dings from parking. He said the best he could do was to charge for a whole bumper ($400) and that my only other option was to get a 3rd party inspection but that would take a few days (i.e. beyond my lease-end) and he was 'almost sure' that it'd come out the same in evaluation.

Anyway, long story short, I signed but told him I didn't agree with his evaluation and then got another service guy's plastic template for dings/scratches/etc. and did a very thorough documentation showing that the 4 dings are all within the 2" area, and the other 1 ding is far away and small (max is 6 dings/side, etc.). Needless to say that I left on neutral terms with the dealer (but with a relatively sour feel since I do think I took exquisite care of the car - even turning it in with floor mats I had purchased myself ;-). So this is issue #2.

Today I called BMW and they said they had not received any information about the car but that they'd put both of these points in the notes for the vehicle and that if they do not contact me soon to wait for my statement (I have $2.5K with BMW-FS) and call them back.

Can you guys suggest the next steps? I really want to get all my deposit (sans disposition fee) back. BTW, is the disposition fee $350 for all vehicles or is it equal to a security deposit?

Many thanks!

[dlubin]

It'd be nice if they'd allow a transfer of deposit - I had to shell out another batch to cover my new lease!

[ctorrey]

I'm surprised that there wasn't an inspection 6-8 weeks before lease turn in. This would have given you a chance to remedy any oustanding issues or dispute findings. I've leased 2 Audis from Audi Financial Services (AFS) and they always had a formal 3rd party evaluation of the vehicles within 3 months of turn in. The most recent was a 30minute process and the guy looked at everything - even measured paint depth!

[shine012]

I got mine in a week. So it should not take long

[dantm]

Any suggestions on requesting a mileage 'reimbursement'? I don't want the $ but I definitely want to use that as leverage against their claims...

Also, just to make sure - the disposal fee is a flat fee or does it vary according to vehicle and/or lease terms?

Thanks!

[Z4luvr]

Any suggestions on requesting a mileage 'reimbursement'? I don't want the $ but I definitely want to use that as leverage against their claims...

Also, just to make sure - the disposal fee is a flat fee or does it vary according to vehicle and/or lease terms?

Thanks!Check your lease documents. The disposal fee is usually fixed. You won't be getting any credit for the unused, miles, but I am sure BMWFS appreciates it!

[mclaren]

You can request a mileage reimbusement and they will request that you take a hkie. I have heard of people getting something from BMWFS if they were under the mileage though. The lease disposition fee is $350.