For those in the automotive industry, or individuals aspiring to join brands like BMW, understanding the perks is just as crucial as the passion for cars. One frequently asked question revolves around the BMW employee car program. It’s essential to clarify upfront: being a contractor for BMW is different from being a direct employee. Contractors don’t typically qualify for the same benefits as BMW employees, including the exclusive car programs. BMW, however, does provide attractive car programs designed specifically for its employees, offering various options depending on the employee’s role and employment status within the company and its dealerships. Let’s delve into what these programs entail.
Understanding BMW Employee Car Programs
BMW offers several distinct lease programs tailored for different categories of employees. These programs are designed to provide BMW staff with access to vehicles at significantly reduced rates, often including benefits not available to the general public. The primary programs are:
Job Assigned/Lease Program (JA/L)
The Job Assigned/Lease Program, often abbreviated as JA/L, is primarily for BMW Corporate employees whose roles necessitate the use of a vehicle for their job functions. This typically includes positions like area managers and dealer auditors, as well as management-level employees. A significant advantage of the JA/L program is its comprehensive nature. Historically, as of early 2019, this program included insurance coverage and no mileage restrictions. Employees under this program also had the benefit of upgrading to a new vehicle frequently, approximately every 9,000 to 11,000 miles. The pricing under JA/L is notably attractive. For instance, a BMW 750 XDrive might have been available for around $550 per month, inclusive of insurance. Furthermore, salary grade played a role, with additional monthly discounts ranging from $210 to $550 depending on the employee’s pay grade (PG8-12 as an example from the time). High-performance models were also accessible; for example, a BMW M550 might have been around $500 per month, and even a BMW X6 M could be leased for approximately $775 per month under the JA/L program, again, including insurance.
All Employee Lease (AEL)
The All Employee Lease (AEL) program broadens access to BMW corporate employees, regardless of whether their job directly requires a vehicle. While slightly more expensive than the JA/L program, AEL still offers substantial benefits. Using the same timeframe as a reference, a BMW M550 under the AEL program might have been priced around $650 per month, while a BMW X6 M could be approximately $999 per month. Even high-end models like the BMW i8 were reportedly available for lease under the AEL program for around $999 per month, all figures inclusive of insurance. The AEL program remains a very appealing option for corporate employees looking to drive a BMW at a reduced cost with added benefits.
Center Employee Lease (CEL)
The Center Employee Lease (CEL) program is specifically designed for employees of BMW dealerships. Unlike JA/L and AEL, CEL is structured more like a conventional lease but incorporates a significant pre-negotiated discount. This program is particularly advantageous for models that typically have less aggressive discounts and higher residual values, such as BMW M series cars. For example, in 2016, dealership employees reportedly could lease a BMW M3 for under $600 per month with a sign-and-drive arrangement. This program allows dealership staff to enjoy the vehicles they sell and service, enhancing product knowledge and brand advocacy.
Contractor Discounts vs. Employee Programs
It’s important to distinguish between these employee programs and any potential discounts available to contractors. Contractor discounts, if available, are generally less substantial and may be comparable to, or even less favorable than, deals obtainable through a good car broker or supplier discounts. Years ago, before the proliferation of car brokers offering deep discounts, contractor discounts might have seemed more attractive. However, in today’s market, especially when considering the comprehensive benefits of programs like JA/L and AEL (which include insurance and flexible mileage), the employee car programs stand out as significantly more advantageous for eligible BMW employees. For contractors or those without access to these specific employee programs, exploring options through brokers or supplier discounts might be necessary to find competitive pricing on BMW vehicles.
