Upgrading Your BMW Interior: 5 Used Parts That Make a Big Difference
PAGE
By PAGE Editor
In 2024, over 1.9 million BMWs were registered on UK roads. that number keeps rising. From 1 Series commuters to M Sport family cars, BMW owners across the country are holding onto their vehicles longer than ever. The reason? BMWs are built to last.
But even the most reliable car can start to feel tired. Especially on the inside.
Seats fade. Trims crack. Screens age. And suddenly, your Ultimate Driving Machine doesn’t feel so ultimate anymore.
That’s where used spare parts for BMW come in. At MT Auto Parts, we’ve seen a sharp increase in demand for interior upgrades, particularly for popular newer models from 2012+. More drivers are choosing BMW parts from donor cars to refresh their interiors.
If you're thinking about giving your cabin an upgrade, here are five used interior parts that make a huge difference. And why going pre-owned might be the smartest move you’ll make this year.
1. M Sport Steering Wheel
No other part connects you to the car like the steering wheel. And BMW’s M Sport wheel? It changes everything.
Thicker rim for better grip
Perforated leather or Alcantara finish
Tri-colour stitching that screams M DNA
Optional paddle shifters and multifunction controls
Swapping from the standard wheel to an M Sport is one of the most popular interior upgrades among UK drivers. And the best part? Sourcing a used BMW part saves you hundreds over dealer pricing. With mostly the same OEM quality.
2. Leather or Alcantara Seats
Tired cloth seats can drag down your entire interior. If your bolsters are worn or stitching is giving out, a seat upgrade will transform how your BMW looks and feels.
Used M Sport seats offer:
Better lumbar and side support
Heated options in many models
Premium upholstery that lasts
3. Aluminium or Carbon Interior Trim
Replacing dull or scratched plastic trims is a simple change with a massive impact.
OEM aluminium and carbon-look trims:
Make the cabin feel newer and sportier
Are easy to fit with standard clips
Give your car a cleaner, more upscale finish
4. Larger iDrive Screen & Controller
Still running the small 6.5” screen? Upgrading to an 8.8” or 10.25” iDrive screen adds modern function and style in one go.
When paired with a used iDrive controller, the system feels totally different:
Better navigation view
Split-screen capability
Cleaner, faster interface
And yes, most setups are plug-and-play with a little coding.
5. Digital Instrument Clusters
Nothing updates the feel of a BMW interior quite like a digital instrument cluster. Traditional analogue dials can look dated, while BMW’s newer LCD and TFT clusters bring a modern, high-tech look to the cockpit.
When sourced from donor vehicles, these clusters can give you:
Crisp digital speedometer and rev counter
Customisable display modes (Sport, Eco, Comfort)
Clearer integration with navigation and media info
For many models from 2012 onwards, the swap is relatively simple, requiring only minor coding. It’s a big leap in interior feel without paying dealer prices for brand-new electronics.
Why More UK Drivers Are Choosing Used Interior Parts
The UK aftermarket is thriving—worth over £16.7 billion in 2025. More drivers are realising that quality doesn’t have to mean brand new. At one of the best BMW breakers in the UK, MT Auto Parts, you can find carefully removed, cleaned, and tested parts. That means you get the exact fit and finish of a factory replacement, at a fraction of the price.
From Sheffield to Manchester, customers trust them and their online store for:
Hard-to-find M Sport parts
Full interior sets for newer BMW models
Quick, UK-wide delivery on genuine used spare parts for different BMWs
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to live with worn-out seats, scuffed trims, or outdated tech. The BMW you love can feel fresh again, inside and out.
With the right interior parts and the right supplier, you can upgrade for less, without compromising on quality or fitment.
So before you spend dealer money, check what MT Auto Parts have in stock.
Your better interior starts at mtautoparts.com.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT FASHION?
COMMENT OR TAKE OUR PAGE READER SURVEY
Featured
Tap to read…