What's a Certified Pre-Owned BMW?
A certified pre-owned BMW is one that has been lightly used, thoroughly inspected (and repaired if necessary) and then covered by a manufacturer-backed extended warranty. Keep in mind that this warranty isn't the same as a new car's "bumper-to-bumper" coverage. It's possible to get that type of coverage, but it will cost extra. CPO programs also offer additional benefits, which may include roadside assistance, free maintenance, satellite radio subscription and trip interruption coverage, depending on the program. These benefits are part of your car purchase - you don't buy them separately. Some CPO vehicles may even have low finance rateBMs, offered as promotions that wouldn't be available in a traditional used-car deal.

What Does "Certified" Really Mean? 
Some car dealerships put the "certified" label on used vehicles after they've put them through a basic inspection or reconditioning. These cars are not actual CPO vehicles. They have not met the manufacturer's criteria for inspection, nor do they come with a factory extended warranty. Additionally, only a genuine CPO vehicle can qualify for the additional perks of a CPO program.

The cardinal rule is this: Only a manufacturer's franchised dealer can sell that manufacturer's CPO vehicles. This means that if a dealership can sell new BMWs, then it also can sell BMW CPO vehicles. It cannot, however, offer a Lexus or any other brand as an official CPO car.