Understanding the BMW employee car program is key for anyone considering a career with this automotive giant, or for current employees wanting to leverage their benefits. BMW offers attractive car programs designed for different categories of their workforce, going beyond just a standard corporate perk. These programs are structured to provide significant advantages on leasing and sometimes purchasing BMW vehicles. It’s important to clarify upfront that these programs primarily cater to direct employees of BMW, and the offerings can vary significantly depending on employment type.
BMW distinguishes between several employee categories, and their car programs reflect these distinctions. Notably, the most advantageous programs are typically reserved for corporate employees and dealership staff, rather than contractors. Let’s delve into the main types of BMW employee car programs:
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Job Assigned/Lease Program (JA/L): This program is specifically tailored for BMW corporate employees whose roles require them to have a company vehicle. This often includes positions like area managers and dealer auditors, as well as management roles. The JA/L program is known for its premium benefits, including comprehensive insurance coverage and the opportunity to upgrade to a new vehicle frequently, typically every 9,000 to 11,000 miles. Historically, reports indicate incredibly low monthly rates, even for high-end models. For instance, a BMW 750 X Drive might have been available for around $550 per month under JA/L, inclusive of insurance, with further discounts based on employee grade level.
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All Employee Lease (AEL): Extending car program benefits to a wider range of BMW corporate employees, the All Employee Lease (AEL) program offers similar, though slightly less deeply discounted, lease options compared to JA/L. AEL still provides substantial savings and often includes insurance in the lease agreement. While prices are a bit higher than JA/L, they remain very competitive, offering access to models like the BMW M550 or BMW X6 M at significantly reduced monthly rates compared to standard consumer leases.
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Center Employee Lease (CEL): Focusing on employees at BMW dealerships, the Center Employee Lease (CEL) program is structured more like a conventional lease but incorporates a large, pre-negotiated discount. This program is particularly beneficial for models that typically see less discounting and hold strong residual values, such as BMW M series cars. Dealership employees utilizing CEL can often secure very favorable lease terms, potentially leasing high-performance vehicles like an M3 for surprisingly affordable monthly payments.
It’s also worth addressing the aspect of contractor discounts. While BMW may offer some form of discount to contractors, anecdotal evidence suggests these are often less impressive than the dedicated employee lease programs and might even be comparable to publicly available offers or those obtainable through car brokers. In the past, before the rise of widespread car brokerage services, these contractor discounts might have seemed more appealing. However, in the current market, exploring options through brokers could potentially yield more competitive deals than the standard contractor discount.
In conclusion, the BMW employee car program is a significant perk for those working directly for the company or its dealerships. The JA/L, AEL, and CEL programs offer substantial benefits, particularly in the form of reduced lease rates and inclusive features like insurance. While contractor discounts exist, they may not be as advantageous as the programs designed for direct employees, and exploring all available options, including broker deals, is advisable for contractors seeking the best possible terms on a BMW. For individuals seeking to maximize their benefits from driving a BMW, understanding these employee programs is a crucial first step.
