Does your bimmer need a facelift? Older cars could use one to stay fresh and contemporary. Fortunately, you have design options from the steering wheel to the backseats.
Here are six tips for a revitalized BMW interior.
1. Condition the Leather
Start with the seats you use every time you get in the vehicle. Daily drives and occasional road trips can wear out your seats, especially leather ones. You can get leather in the 5 Series, the X3 and other bimmers because it’s stylish. However, you should condition it to ensure it stays in good condition over time.
Conditioning your seats requires leather cleaner and conditioner. BMW owners should treat the car like their hair, applying cleaner before the conditioner, which you’ll leave to soak in. Then, ensure you clean them afterward to ensure your seats don’t feel greasy.
2. Light up the Seats
If you want a flashy interior, consider adding ambience with lights under the seats. These fixtures are easy to incorporate into your bimmer and come in numerous color options, including rainbow or neon green. While they offer aesthetics, lights under the seats also increase visibility on your floor, so getting in and out of the car at night is more effortless.
This revitalization tactic requires a light kit with interior strips. Most kits contain LED lights because they’re more efficient than their incandescent predecessors. Experts say these fixtures last up to 25 times longer because their energy transfers into visible light.
3. Add Performance Pedals
How can you transform your bimmer into a racecar? The first step in making your bimmer look like a Rally Dakar winner is adding performance pedals. This interior choice upgrades the aesthetics because they look more sporty. If you enjoy tuning your BMW, performance pedals make sense — they feel different on your feet and enhance practicality.
While aesthetics are essential, performance pedals add functionality to your car. Their ergonomic design makes it easier for your feet to control the throttle and brakes. Lightweight pedals make your BMW feel more responsive when you press them. If you get the correct size, they should be easy to install.
4. Enhance the Smell
When family and friends enter your car, you want them to have a pleasant experience. If there’s a funk, they might not enjoy the smooth ride. Upgrade your BMW’s interior with scents that please the nose and mind. Health experts say smell can elicit emotional responses and affect your well-being, so ensure your car’s aromas are pleasant.
When adding smells, consider the atmosphere you want in the vehicle. Beach lovers may enjoy watery air scents, as professionals say they have widespread appeal while smelling like a new car. Other popular smells for cars include pine, citrus and linen. If your bimmer is clean, these aromas only enhance the tidiness.
5. Replace the Floor Mats
An underrated part of your BMW’s interior is the floor mats. They endure your shoes each time you step in the car, so imagine how dirty they can get. If your bimmer is older, it might be time to replace the mats and get a fresh start. New ones could better protect your carpet and be less slippery when wet.
Installing the new floor mats should be easy, with no tools required. Most placements have a universal fit, making your swap more manageable. When choosing floor mats, consider the material and practicality you desire. For example, thick mats are more durable but could be more challenging to clean.
6. Upgrade the Stereo
Your stereo system is integral to the BMW experience. Music, podcasts and phone calls rely on quality speakers and modern technology. Older bimmers might have primitive devices on the dashboard, emphasizing the need for an upgrade.
If your BMW is over two decades old, it might not have Bluetooth capabilities. Start your interior tech update by replacing the head unit. Ensure the device has Bluetooth, USB ports and other features to match your needs. With an infotainment system, you could make your older vehicle feel new when you crank the ignition.
Improving the Interior and Your Bimmer Experience
If you drive daily, you want your driving experience to be comfortable. Improving your car’s aesthetics and enjoyment starts with the interior.
From the seats to the stereo, BMW owners have numerous options when revitalizing their ride. Start with easy replacements before moving to more involved upgrades.