Retrofitting BMW cars with additional options

What does BMW car retrofitting consist of?

Each BMW and Mini car has an individual configuration. Usually, at the stage of ordering a car from the dealer, we choose which elements of equipment are to be included in our chosen model. For each model version, the manufacturer provides basic equipment and options that can be additionally installed. With most automobile manufacturers, including BMW, choosing additional equipment at the production stage is cheaper than adding it to an already manufactured car.

Which BMW cars can be retrofitted with additional options?

All BMW and Mini models can be retrofitted with additional options. However, not all options are retrofittable. The equipment design of today’s vehicles requires equipment components to be connected to the CAN on-board network, and very often to the MOST fiber-optic network.

An additional complication is also the need for additional controllers to work with current controllers and equipment components. Checking whether my car can be retrofitted with a selected component involves reviewing the factory configuration. It is this that determines the possibilities of optional configurations.

What can my BMW be retrofitted with?

A list of factory-prepared retrofit versions can be found in the official ETK catalog. Using the VIN number, you can see if BMW offers a retrofit kit for my vehicle. Such a factory kit contains all the necessary components to install and achieve full functionality. In addition, the factory documentation includes a detailed installation diagram and software and coding requirements.

In addition to components offered by BMW AG, we offer many components from reputable third parties. These include all kinds of improvements, upgrades and legal modifications that improve the safety and functionality of your car. Examples of types of retrofitting:

• Installation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in BMW
• BMW air quality – service, repair, replacement and installation of better cabin filters
• Installation and repair of security systems in BMW
• Installation of alcohol interlocks

What can’t be installed in my BMW?

It is not possible to properly retrofit your BMW with components that have been removed from another vehicle. All controllers of modern BMW and Mini models require coding tailored to a specific body number and software updates throughout the vehicle.

Installing components that are not compatible is very risky. It can damage other controllers and is disproportionate to the desired results. Such an action is unprofitable and not recommended.

In addition, before deciding to retrofit a BMW, it is necessary to check the factory configuration and inspect the physical equipment of a particular unit.

Can I retrofit my BMW if I have a car under manufacturer’s warranty?

The terms of the warranty detail the possibilities of interfering with the construction of the vehicle. In the case of BMW and Mini warranties , any retrofitting of fixed equipment items requires the warrantor’s approval and should be done at an ASO.

In what time will the BMW retrofit service be performed?

We determine the time of the retrofit service individually before the work begins. It includes:

• the type of configuration retrofit,
• factory equipment,
• model,
• manufacturer’s requirements.

It can take from a few hours to several days for advanced designs and vehicle programming requirements.

Does BM Cars offer a warranty on retrofitted components and what does it cover?

We offer a two-year warranty on all parts and services sold at our service center.

What elements make up the cost of a BMW retrofit service?

We always calculate the cost of a retrofit before we start performing the service and includes the cost of the retrofit kit (parts, drivers installation components) along with the cost of performing the service (installation, programming, coding).