Modifying Cars, yay or nay?
Discussion
I've recently acquired my new car, a Z4.
I've had ideas of doing mods to it, mainly aesthetic things, not performance related as that's not my style. The mods I've thought of that I'd like to do, in no order of importance; Change of tyres from flat runs, change alloys to Z4M alloys, same for the steering wheel, get a full alcantara Z4M version, change the floor mats to BMW all weather, change the interior panels and seats from my black heated leather to red heated leather. As the car itself is black, and I think red on black would look amazing!
And I think that was about it, I fancy getting an aftermarket stereo so I can use my phone, wouldn't mind changing the aerial to a smaller one, read about somebody who changed from standard Z4 to a 5" S2000 version.
But I've been deterred by my father who says such modifications would make it unappealing when I come to sell. As these mods aren't changing performance and for the best part, I'm using original parts (for the best part) I didn't think that would put anyone off buying.
Anyone have any insight or opinions they'd like to share from their experiences selling modified cars?
I've had ideas of doing mods to it, mainly aesthetic things, not performance related as that's not my style. The mods I've thought of that I'd like to do, in no order of importance; Change of tyres from flat runs, change alloys to Z4M alloys, same for the steering wheel, get a full alcantara Z4M version, change the floor mats to BMW all weather, change the interior panels and seats from my black heated leather to red heated leather. As the car itself is black, and I think red on black would look amazing!
And I think that was about it, I fancy getting an aftermarket stereo so I can use my phone, wouldn't mind changing the aerial to a smaller one, read about somebody who changed from standard Z4 to a 5" S2000 version.
But I've been deterred by my father who says such modifications would make it unappealing when I come to sell. As these mods aren't changing performance and for the best part, I'm using original parts (for the best part) I didn't think that would put anyone off buying.
Anyone have any insight or opinions they'd like to share from their experiences selling modified cars?
Nanook said:
If you want the Z4M seats, wheels and steering wheel, why not just buy a Z4M?
Personally I found the 3.0 with the open diff a little bit boring.
Because I'm 22 and can't afford a Z4M... 2.5si is the limitation I've been dealt insurance wise and car cost wise for now I'm afraid! Personally I found the 3.0 with the open diff a little bit boring.
ryan1684 said:
Surely modifying a car should be about getting it to a specification that you want, so you can enjoy the car whilst in your ownership, rather than worrying about how much the next owner is going to worry about whether it left the factory with that aerial or not?
If the modifications are fitted well, and in keeping with the OEM styling etc then surely theres no harm? the posters giving off with 'if you want a z4m spec why not buy a z4m' Surely not all of us can afford to own, run and insure the top model of a car, so we buy what we can afford and theres no issue with upgrading a specification a little. Isn't imitation the most sincerest form of flattery?
I do intend to keep all mads to OEM styling, I don't like most mods done outside OEM. With regards to not worrying, well that's Dad's for you! I think he doesn't want me to spend loads of money on things I won't be able to get back when I sell. Which as a Dad trying to advise, I do get. But I do want to make the car more me and I think with all the mods stated I'd certainly be doing that... I think I might not bother with the steering wheel and I've been deterred from the leather interior change. But I'm feeling pretty positive about most of the others! If the modifications are fitted well, and in keeping with the OEM styling etc then surely theres no harm? the posters giving off with 'if you want a z4m spec why not buy a z4m' Surely not all of us can afford to own, run and insure the top model of a car, so we buy what we can afford and theres no issue with upgrading a specification a little. Isn't imitation the most sincerest form of flattery?
Kitchski said:
Mostly, I'm an original bloke. Not so much for newer cars like the Z4, but for older cars. I like to see them preserved how I remember them. I also think it's much, much hard to improve on what a manufacturer achieved than people realise. I get a lot of modified cars in at work, and it's rare that I drive one I think that it's actually better than a standard one.
That said, I have a Hillman Imp with a Saxo VTR engine in the back, so what the hell do I know?!
Well, I'm going to be using BMW parts for everything, so it'll all look original and like it came out of the factory that way... That said, I have a Hillman Imp with a Saxo VTR engine in the back, so what the hell do I know?!
Grebby said:
Phone up your insurance co and mention what you are thinking of doing. Ask them if/by how much it will affect the price?
FWIW I would only modify to enhance functionality/performance but it's your car and money and choice.
I don't think I'd bother calling the insurance company over things like that. Only performance mods FWIW I would only modify to enhance functionality/performance but it's your car and money and choice.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff