Are you looking to upgrade your BMW with the latest driver assistance features? Or did you purchase a BMW without a driver assistance package and now regret it? Whatever the reason, you might be wondering if it’s possible to add a driver assistance package to your BMW after purchase. In this article, we will explore the options available to you and whether it’s a viable solution.
Understanding Driver Assistance Package in BMW
Driver assistance packages in BMW come with a range of features to make driving safer and more convenient. Some of the features include lane departure warning, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rearview camera, among others.
These features use various sensors and cameras to detect the surroundings and provide visual and audio alerts to the driver. Some systems even take control of the car in emergencies, such as automatic emergency braking, which can bring the car to a halt to avoid a collision.
Adding Driver Assistance Package to BMW After Purchase
The good news is that it’s possible to add a driver assistance package to a BMW after purchase. However, the process is not straightforward, and the options available depend on the model and year of your BMW.
If your BMW is a recent model, you might be able to add a driver assistance package at the dealership or authorized service center. BMW offers retrofitting of some driver assistance features, but the availability varies depending on the model and region. Contact your dealership or service center to inquire about the retrofitting options available for your BMW.
Alternatively, you can look for aftermarket solutions to add driver assistance features to your BMW. Many third-party companies offer retrofitting solutions for various BMW models. These solutions range from simple add-ons, such as blind-spot monitoring systems, to complete packages that include multiple driver assistance features.
However, retrofitting aftermarket driver assistance features comes with some caveats. The quality of the installation and the functionality of the features depend on the expertise of the installer and the compatibility of the components with your BMW. Moreover, aftermarket solutions might not integrate seamlessly with the BMW’s onboard systems, leading to compatibility issues or errors.
Cost of Adding Driver Assistance Package to BMW
The cost of adding a driver assistance package to your BMW depends on several factors, such as the model, year, and the options you choose. Retrofitting at the dealership or authorized service center can cost anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the features you want.
Aftermarket solutions can be cheaper, but the cost varies depending on the vendor, the features, and the quality of the installation. Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for retrofitting aftermarket driver assistance features.
Pros and Cons of Adding Driver Assistance Package to BMW
Adding a driver assistance package to your BMW can have several benefits. It can make your driving safer and more comfortable, especially if you spend a lot of time on the road. Moreover, adding driver assistance features to your BMW can increase the resale value of your car.
However, retrofitting driver assistance features also has some downsides. The cost of retrofitting can be high, especially if you opt for the dealership or authorized service center. Aftermarket solutions might not integrate well with your BMW’s onboard systems, leading to compatibility issues or errors.
Moreover, retrofitting driver assistance features might void the warranty of your BMW, depending on the components used and the installation method. Check with your dealership or service center about the warranty implications of retrofitting driver assistance features.
What to Consider Before Adding Driver Assistance Package to BMW After Purchase?
Before deciding to add a driver assistance package to your BMW after purchase, there are several important factors to consider. These include:
- Compatibility and Integration: It is essential to ensure that the package you want to add is compatible with your specific BMW model and year. In addition, you will want to make sure that the new features integrate seamlessly with your existing systems and do not cause any functionality issues.
- Warranty and Liability: Adding a driver assistance package to your BMW after purchase may affect your vehicle’s warranty, so it is crucial to consult with your dealership or a qualified professional to ensure that any installation does not void your warranty. You should also consider potential liability issues if any retrofitting is done incorrectly.
- Budget and Financing: Adding a driver assistance package to your BMW after purchase can be expensive, and the cost will vary depending on the specific features included in the package, the model and year of your vehicle, and the retrofitting method you choose. It is essential to establish a budget and consider financing options before committing to the project.
In conclusion, adding a driver assistance package to your BMW after purchase is possible, but the options available depend on the model and year of your BMW. You can either retrofit at the dealership or authorized service center or look for aftermarket solutions. The cost of retrofitting can be high, and the quality of the installation and the functionality of the features depend on the expertise of the installer and the compatibility of the components with your BMW. It’s important to weigh the benefits and downsides of retrofitting driver assistance features before making a decision.
If you’re considering adding a driver assistance package to your BMW, contact your dealership or authorized service center to inquire about the retrofitting options available for your model. You can also look for third-party vendors that offer retrofitting solutions but make sure to do your research and choose a reputable and experienced installer.
Overall, adding a driver assistance package to your BMW can be a worthwhile investment if you value safety and convenience on the road. However, it’s important to consider the cost, compatibility, and warranty implications before proceeding with retrofitting. With the right choice and installation, you can enjoy the benefits of advanced driver assistance features in your BMW.
FAQs
- Does retrofitting driver assistance features affect my BMW’s warranty? Retrofitting driver assistance features might void the warranty of your BMW, depending on the components used and the installation method. Check with your dealership or service center about the warranty implications of retrofitting driver assistance features.
- Can I retrofit driver assistance features to an older BMW model? The availability of retrofitting options depends on the model and year of your BMW. Contact your dealership or authorized service center to inquire about the options available for your model.
- Is it safe to retrofit aftermarket driver assistance features to my BMW? The safety of retrofitting aftermarket driver assistance features depends on the quality of the installation and the compatibility of the components with your BMW. Make sure to choose a reputable and experienced installer and check the compatibility of the components with your BMW.
- How much does it cost to retrofit a driver assistance package to my BMW? The cost of retrofitting depends on several factors, such as the model, year, and the options you choose. Retrofitting at the dealership or authorized service center can cost anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the features you want. Aftermarket solutions can be cheaper, but the cost varies depending on the vendor, the features, and the quality of the installation.
- Can I retrofit driver assistance features to any BMW model? The availability of retrofitting options depends on the model and year of your BMW. Contact your dealership or authorized service center to inquire about the options available for your model. Some third-party vendors offer retrofitting solutions for various BMW models, but make sure to check the compatibility of the components with your BMW.