How to Lease a BMW

1. Decide what you want to lease. The 2009 and 2010 model years of BMW offer more than a dozen models to lease. Each car has different options and features. Consider whether you want a well-equipped car or a standard edition.
2. Determine your ideal financing and leasing structure. Keep in mind variables such as length of the lease and mileage allowance. One lease advertised by BMW is a 36-month lease, well equipped, for $369 per month. Some leases have a cash offer depending on the model and year.
3. Understand the terms of the lease. Considerations include down payment, first month's down payment, security deposit, acquisition fee and cash due at signing. Some of these factors might be fixed depending on the dealership, but changing any of them usually affects your monthly lease payment or the amount due at signing.
4. Estimate your monthly payment. The BMW website has a robust tool for estimating monthly payments based on the state of purchase, model type and dealer accessories.
5. Decide on financing. Payment options include EasyPay (paying directly through your financial institution), PrePay lease (single upfront payment that is less than the sum of monthly payments on a traditional lease), Multiple Lease Security Deposits (reduced lease payments resulting in a higher refundable security deposit), and Advanced Financing Payments (pay in advance without prepayment penalties).
6. Contact the dealer. Locate a dealer in your area at bmsusa.com and make an appointment; or, to speak to a BMW representative, call toll free (800) 578-5000.
7. Use non-BMW dealership resources. Sites like swapalease.com allow car leaseholders to negotiate exchanges on leases. BMWs swaps are popular. Note that a swap implies that you already hold a lease.