Classic Cars: Bling Up That Used BMW

A new BMW is a treasure not to be touched. Built to perfection, there is nothing that can be done to improve it and neither should you try.

However, buy a used BMW from an approved dealership and the world is your oyster to customise and personalise with as much bling as your bank account sees fit.

Many BMW fans have started down the road of personalising their used BMW and, realising the attention it draws from onlookers, they become positively obssessed. Starting with replacing plastic interior trims for chrome trim is a relatively cheap way to start. Door handle covers, inside and out, trunk lid trim, gauge rings and light trims can all be replaced with chrome alternatives as well as gear knobs and tax disc holders.

Aluminium chequer plate mats for the footwells are a popular addition among the younger used BMW owners, along with replacement metal foot pedals. However, once they get this far they then want to draw attention to the adaptations they are making and begin to think about lighting. LED footwell lighting is a start to draw attention to those aluminium plate mats.

An interior is not completely souped up without consideration to the upholstery. Sports seats, harnesses, leather seats and leather trim in various colourways are all optional extras to make your BMW personal.

This obsession soon migrates to the sounds emitted from their used BMW and a new sound system is a must. CD changers, if not already installed, are a must. The latest banging tunes are a definite head turner. And where better to install mega wattage colour coded speakers than in the boot, the aluminium lined boot , that is.

But what is the point of all this if the exterior doesn't look the business?Custom paint jobs are an attractive look that are the ultimate in customization. Virtually any design can be transferred onto the vehicle body and for those for whom money is no object, Swarovski crystals will bling up that BMW to an absolutely star studded head turning creation.

Staying with the exterior, a plethora of alloy wheel trims can be fitted at a reasonably low cost. Body kits and suspension lowering systems for low ground clearance will really soup up your used BMW. Once again, the right lighting is essential and LED is the way to go. Angel eyes ring marker, or halo lights, will install a ring of light around the existing light and can be used in a choice of different colours.

LED ground lighting kits are made from polycarbonate which is the same virtually indestructible material that riot shields are composed of.

So, you've purchased your used BMW from an approved dealership which means you know you're getting a sound investment to start with. Now to customise it!

Picture this. The seats are replaced with sports seats covered in Imola Red leather. This matches the red leather trim on the doors and red LED lights illuminating the aluminium clad footwells. Light bounces from every chromed surface on the interior and as you fire up the souped up, customized engine on comes the sounds. With the bass thumping out from the aluminium lined boot you flick on the exterior lights. LED angel eyes and downlighters emit a warm red glow, just enough to show off your black paint job, applied with the highest shine possible of course. The headlights from other cars are picking out your personally designed picture, composed entirely of red Swarovski crystals on the bonnet and you cruise off down the road turning every head, young and old.

Expert BMW enthusiast Shaun Parker looks into the choices for the customisation of a used BMW to make it unique. To find out more please visit www.cooperbmw.co.uk/

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Classic Cars: Bling Up That Used BMW

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