The motoring world is abuzz with BMW’s announcement that the 7-series will be fully electrified by 2022, with the 5-series soon to follow. For car enthusiasts, this leaves little wiggle room in terms of customizations; however, your insurance company might just thank you for it. Dropped suspension and performance enhancements might seem like a good idea, especially when you join the local bimmer club, if you’re happy with the consequences to your insurance. There are a few tips and tricks to customize your bimmer without having to give up your insurance, although, some might increase your premium. 

Safe Exterior Changes 

While fins and spoilers can improve the aesthetics of the car, they can also affect the performance. Instead, take a look at adding a sunroof or having the bimmer refinished in customized paint, such as a matt finish. Another way to boost the exterior is by swopping those stock wheels for alloy rims and a different profile tire. The value of the rims could affect the insurance cost, so be sure to expect an increase. Headlight conversion kits, for instance, different colors or swopping out halogen for xenon or LED, also allow for an interesting facelift. However, be sure to go with options that are acceptable in your state. This is also the time to give the grille a facelift, along with a sporty body kit approved by your insurer. 

Fully Customized Interior 

The car interior is possibly the safest way to customize the car, without touching the performance. Newer bimmers have lots of fixed features and built-in safety gear, which means that changing the dash, steering wheel, and even seats becomes a little difficult. This leaves room for interesting little add-ons such as in-car mood lighting and extra sound. You may also request customized pedals and shift sticks directly from the dealership; however, that’s as far as the customization goes before reaching the boundaries of the warranty. In older models the options are a little more extreme. It’s possible to have an entirely different dash fitted, along with customized steering wheels and gear stick. Automatic models also have a much easier ride when it comes to changing gears, as there is no clutch control necessary. This means customizing the shift lock release button on automatic models is also possible. 

Ramp Up The Sound 

While pricey, upping the sound of a bimmer is not only an essential right of passage; it also happens to be a great way to add some personal flair without voiding a warranty. Sound and infotainment systems can go as far as video screens for backseat passengers, along with their own audio jacks. This is quite handy for long road trips. Additional speakers and subwoofers permit you to up your sound game and give you street cred. But this also means that you would need to notify the insurer, as these changes increase the value of your car, and you would need to fork out a higher installment to cover that difference. It’s good to know that not all stereo systems are created equally, and some are designed with the layout of the bimmer interior in mind, especially the placement of the speakers. 

There are car modifications and then there are car mods, the latter alluding to something a little more extreme and underground. For those who still need to keep their insurance intact, the prior might be the better option.