Written By: BAVMODS Team
Updated: Oct 11, 2024
Top 5 Best Interior Upgrades for Your BMW
BMW is renowned for its sport-focused interiors, combining meticulous ergonomic design with a blend of analog charm that enthusiasts love. Over the years, models like the E39, E46, E92, F80, and many others have exemplified BMW’s commitment to delivering a driver-centered cockpit. In this post, we’ll explore the top 5 interior upgrades that every BMW enthusiast should consider to enhance the look, feel, and functionality of their vehicle’s interior.
1. Upgraded Interior Lighting
There’s a long-standing debate among BMW enthusiasts: Should you stick with the factory-installed warm halogen bulbs, or embrace the sleek, modern look of white LED lighting? Regardless of personal preference, one thing is clear—upgraded lighting is one of the most impactful, budget-friendly interior upgrades available.
The stock interior lighting can often feel dim, uninspiring, and—most importantly—not very functional. Imagine this: you’re on the side of the road, flipping through your owner’s manual to find an important note, and the factory dome light just isn’t bright enough. Or, you’re paying off a parking ticket at night, struggling to make out the fine print under your car’s insufficient lighting. In both scenarios, the standard lights just don’t get the job done.
Switching to crisp, white LED interior lighting can instantly modernize your cabin, making it look and feel like a newer generation BMW. For as little as $30, an LED upgrade not only enhances visibility but also elevates the overall aesthetic of your car’s interior. At BAVMODS, we offer a full interior LED kit, but no matter where you choose to shop, this is a must-have upgrade for improved functionality and style.
2. Upgraded Steering Wheel
Your steering wheel is the primary point of contact between you and your BMW—there’s no interior component you interact with more. Every input through the steering wheel is directly responsible for where your vehicle’s wheels turn, making it not only a functional piece but also one that should enhance the driving experience.
Unfortunately, many factory steering wheels, especially on older models, are uninspiring, lack grip, and can feel bland over time. For a car as sporty and performance-driven as a BMW, your steering wheel should reflect that same level of excitement and precision. While the F-Chassis and G-Series sport steering wheels improved materials and design flow, many earlier models leave much to be desired. Even the newer models, though improved, often lack the ability to fully customize key elements like trim colors, carbon fiber accents, and stitching details, leaving enthusiasts craving more.
One of the most impactful steering wheel upgrades is opting for a flat-bottom design, popular for its sporty appearance and enhanced grip. Beyond aesthetics, materials play a huge role in the driving experience. For instance, perforated Nappa leather offers superior grip, making it especially useful during winter months when cold or wet hands can easily slip on a standard steering wheel. The luxurious feel of Nappa leather, combined with increased traction, provides both comfort and control, even in harsh conditions.
Similarly, carbon fiber steering wheels have gained massive popularity among BMW enthusiasts for their race-inspired look and lightweight feel. At BAVMODS, we take steering wheel customization to the next level. We offer options that allow you to select from different steering wheel shapes, such as flat-bottom or flat-top, and choose from premium materials like carbon fiber and Alcantara. You can also customize the stitching, stripe colors, and trim to suit your unique style.
For example, attached below is one of our custom flat-bottom carbon fiber steering wheels one of our customers installed on their 2007 BMW E92 Coupe, completely transforming the look and feel of the interior. This is hands down one of the best upgrades you can make to elevate both the driving experience and the aesthetic of your BMW.
3. Upgraded Interior Trim Set
BMW has long aimed to infuse an artistic, luxury-inspired aesthetic into its vehicles, balancing sportiness with elegance. This is evident not only in the design but also in the names of their interior materials, such as “Amethyst-Rosewood” and “Kyalami Orange.” BMW carefully selects the colors, textures, and patterns to create harmonious interiors that appeal to both luxury and performance-minded drivers.
However, when you look at older BMW models, particularly pre-M-series, the standard wood grain trim was often the factory default unless an extra premium was paid for aluminum or carbon fiber trim. While wood grain may have been ideal for those seeking a more traditional, luxurious look, it often feels dated and out of place, especially in sportier BMW builds. This factory-installed wood trim can diminish the modern and aggressive feel that many BMW enthusiasts strive for in their interiors.
One of the most effective upgrades you can make to truly elevate your interior’s aesthetics is to replace the factory trim with a more sporty and elegant option. Upgrading to authentic carbon fiber trim—like the ones we offer at BAVMODS—dramatically enhances the look and feel of your cabin. If carbon fiber isn’t your style, even upgrading to second-hand aluminum trim can significantly modernize the space and complement your car’s sport-oriented nature.
When paired with a custom steering wheel, upgraded trim can completely transform your BMW’s interior. Imagine a flat-bottom carbon fiber steering wheel seamlessly coordinating with carbon fiber interior trim—this combination pulls together colors and textures in a way that exudes a premium, cohesive look. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, sporty feel or a refined, luxury aesthetic, upgrading your trim set is an essential step in making your BMW interior look and feel like it belongs in the modern era.
4. Digital Dashboard Gauge Cluster
For many BMW generations, especially before the G-Series, the factory gauge cluster was a simple, analog setup. The amber-colored physical needles and small screen displayed key information such as MPG, odometer readings, and fuel levels. While functional, this traditional design started to feel outdated as competitors began equipping their vehicles with fully digital gauge clusters, leaving BMW drivers wondering when their favorite brand would catch up. Even with the release of the F80 M3 and F82 M4, BMW still hadn’t made the jump to digital, while other manufacturers had already embraced the future of in-car displays.
Now, however, you can bring your BMW into the digital age with a fully digital gauge cluster, available at BAVMODS. Our plug-and-play solution seamlessly integrates into your vehicle, providing you with real-time access to critical information such as oil temperatures, coolant levels, battery voltage, MPG, and more. Beyond just utility, this digital cluster enhances your driving experience by allowing you to set custom maintenance records and monitor performance with ease.
One of the most exciting features of this upgrade is its customization. You can switch between four different themes to suit your driving style or mood—whether you’re feeling sporty, luxurious, comfortable, or ready for the racetrack. In addition, the cluster offers four color options for each theme, giving you 16 unique combinations to fully personalize your dashboard’s look and feel.
Upgrading to a digital gauge cluster doesn’t just provide modern functionality—it redefines the interior experience and catapults your car into the next generation of tech. Compatible with a wide range of BMW models, including the 1, 3, 5, and 7 Series from the E and F generations, this G-Series-inspired digital dashboard will make you and your passengers question whether your 2007 BMW is, in fact, a 2015 model. This upgrade is truly a game-changer for both aesthetics and performance tracking.
5. Apple CarPlay / Android Auto Multimedia System (iDrive and Non-iDrive)
When it comes to upgrading the interior of your BMW, one of the most impactful modifications you can make is adding Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. These systems aren’t just about keeping up with modern tech—they transform your driving experience in terms of functionality, convenience, and aesthetics.
BMW’s iDrive system, first released in 2001 with the E65 7 Series, was a game-changer for its time. With its intuitive control knob and 8.8-inch screen, iDrive set the standard for luxury infotainment. But as technology advanced, even the industry-leading iDrive began to feel outdated, especially in pre-2017 BMWs that lack built-in smartphone integration.
That’s where aftermarket Apple CarPlay and Android Auto units come into play. These systems, which became widely available in 2014 and 2015 respectively, completely upgrade the look and feel of any BMW’s interior. With seamless integration, these systems allow for wireless or wired connectivity to your smartphone, bringing features like voice-activated navigation, music streaming, hands-free texting, and calls right to your dashboard.
For BMW owners looking to modernize their driving experience, this is a must-have interior mod. In fact, upgrading to CarPlay or Android Auto is one of the most popular modifications for older BMWs, particularly because it combines functionality with enhanced aesthetics. The vibrant, user-friendly interface of these systems adds a sleek, contemporary look to your dashboard, while making your driving experience more streamlined and less cluttered.
The factory iDrive system in older BMW models can feel cumbersome and out of date, but with an aftermarket CarPlay or Android Auto unit, you not only update your car’s technology but also improve its usability. These mods enhance the interior’s appeal and make daily commutes more enjoyable, offering everything from enhanced navigation to easy music control—all while keeping your hands safely on the wheel.
So, if you’re looking to modernize your BMW’s interior, adding Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is one of the best mods you can invest in. It’s an upgrade that checks all the boxes: modern tech, improved convenience, and a fresh, updated look for your car’s interior.
Conclusion
When it comes to refining your BMW’s interior, the right modifications can completely transform your driving experience. Whether you’re enhancing functionality with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, modernizing the look with sleek tech upgrades, or simply making your cabin more driver-focused, these changes can turn an already impressive car into something truly personal. Investing in aftermarket mods like these not only adds value to your vehicle but also keeps it in line with modern standards of convenience and connectivity. So, if you’re looking to bring your BMW up to speed with today’s technology, consider these interior upgrades your first step in blending luxury with innovation.
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