If you’re sitting there with a nearly untouched BMW and just want to get a feel for car-customisation without diving in too deep, this is the guide for you. Modifying your car is a big decision, and quite often a costly one - so not wanting to go straight into a whole-body transformation is understandable, that’s why we’ve put together this list of some moderate upgrades for you to dip your toes into the world of modifications with. We’ve gone with the theme of relatively affordable & easily reversible to ensure peace of mind.
SPRINGS & SPACERS
Springs & Spacers are one of the most “bang for your buck” upgrades you can make. Lowering your car and pushing the wheels out makes such a difference with the stance - they can make an average car look aggressive.
The springs replace your own, and allow for your car's ride height to drop anywhere from 5-35mm (depending on your car and/or kit), while the spacers sit on the hub of your wheel and push your wheels out anywhere from 10-15mm (once again depending on kit and/or car).
Wondering if that will be too firm? The Eibach Spring kits we offer don’t ruin comfortability, they offer improved handling, suspension and better road-feel in intense cornering/handling situations.
This is an upgrade that changes the look and feel of your car, is fully reversible, and can be fitted and supplied for under £1,000 - making for one of the best first-time BMW mods.
Panel Filter
Sprucing up your engine bay, Panel Filters are a fantastic addition to improve performance, airflow, horsepower and engine aesthetics. K&N Panel Filters (our recommended option) harbour protective layers to trap and block harmful contaminants getting into your engine, they last long, with maintenance only required every 75,000 miles, and they contribute to waste-management as they’re reusable. For under £100, this is a must-have if trying to experiment with car-customisation.
Front Splitter
Body styling is where things can get a bit more intense, depending on what you go for. You could find a full body kit for your car that can effectively be stuck on for under £500 and, in the same breath, find a spoiler worth £2,000 that has to be bonded onto your car - so there’s no definitive level of simplicity when it comes to styling. One thing for certain is that you can experiment with less expensive styling just to see how you feel about additions on your car - a front splitter is a great place to start. Maxton Design are one of the leading body styling brands in the country, and you can pick a front splitter up for as little as £129.
A Front splitter will attach itself to the front of your car, giving an impression of the car being slightly lower, as well as just building it up and in some cases making for more of an aggressive look. AC Schnitzer, M Performance and other high-quality industry leaders also offer a range of front splitters, and if you’re interested we list ones for almost every BMW.
Spoiler
Round off the exterior with a spoiler cap, it’ll attach itself to the rear of your car and provide a sleek, flowing look. Just like with the front splitter, this ties the cars’ whole look together. You can really refine the look of your car with a spoiler, there’s OEM+ options that just add the finishing touch, and then there’s spoilers that protrude from the car and make for a spectacle in themselves. Once again, Maxton will be the least expensive option, however AC Schnitzer, M Performance and other parts might not be too far off the price and are worth looking into for high-quality upgrades.
Carbon Arch Guards
Providing practical use and aesthetic value, it would be unfair to forget Carbon Arch Guards from this list. For under £150, you protect your car from tar, stone chips, and anything else you might encounter on the road. Aesthetically, they add a splash of carbon to your vehicle, and make your arches look sleeker.
THANKYOU FOR READING
If you're thinking about modifying your BMW but aren't sure where to start, contact us, and our specialist team can advise you with the help of our extensive product range. Whatever your requirements, we have the advice and knowledge to help. To read about which of these parts you can/can't fit to your car yourself, click here.