7 Worthless Accessories On Most BMW’s
BMW is among some of the more luxury car brands. Like other top brands, BMW has a range of cutting-edge technology in its cars. However, not every feature adds value to the ride. Some BMW accessories are just unnecessary. Most do little more than drive up the price. Here are seven of the worst accessories BMW has introduced in its vehicles.
1. Gesture Control
BMW’s gesture control sounds futuristic, but in reality, it’s more of a party trick than a functional tool. The feature allows drivers to adjust volume, answer calls, and navigate menus by waving their hands, but the sensors often misinterpret gestures. Many drivers find themselves frustrated when random movements accidentally change the settings. Plus, using traditional buttons or steering wheel controls is often quicker and more reliable.
2. Run-Flat Tires
Run-flat tires seem like a great idea—no more pulling over immediately after a puncture—but they come with major downsides. They’re significantly more expensive than regular tires and provide a rougher ride due to their stiff sidewalls. Many BMW owners complain that they wear out quickly and are difficult to replace, especially since not all tire shops carry them. Unlike traditional spare tires, run-flats only allow a limited driving range after a puncture, usually around 50 miles.
3. Touchscreen-Only Climate Controls
BMW has increasingly moved toward touchscreen-based controls, but removing physical climate buttons was a mistake. Adjusting temperature and airflow through a touchscreen while driving is distracting and inefficient. Physical buttons allow for quick, precise adjustments without taking your eyes off the road. Many BMW fans have expressed frustration over this design choice, arguing that it prioritizes aesthetics over functionality.
4. Over-the-Top Fake Engine Sounds
BMW’s artificial engine sounds, known as Active Sound Design, attempt to make modern models feel sportier. This system pipes fake exhaust noise through the car’s speakers to enhance the driving experience, but for many, it feels unnecessary and even annoying. Enthusiasts prefer the natural sound of an engine rather than a digitally enhanced version. Some BMW owners go as far as coding their vehicles to disable the fake sounds altogether.
5. Expensive Carbon Fiber Trim
Carbon fiber trim pieces look aggressive and lightweight, but in most BMWs, they serve no functional purpose. Unlike race cars where carbon fiber reduces weight, in luxury BMWs, it’s purely cosmetic. The cost of adding these trims is often excessive, sometimes reaching thousands of dollars for minor accents. Many BMW owners find that cheaper aftermarket alternatives offer the same look without the hefty price tag.
6. BMW Display Key
The BMW Display Key, which comes with high-end models, features a touchscreen and advanced controls, but it’s far from practical. It’s bulky, awkward to carry, and offers features that most drivers rarely use. While it can remotely park the car or show fuel levels, most of these functions are already accessible via the BMW app on a smartphone. The high replacement cost, often exceeding $1,000, makes it even less appealing.
7. The BMW Perfume Dispenser
One of the strangest features in some BMW models is the built-in fragrance system. While luxury car scents might seem like a nice touch, most drivers find them unnecessary, especially since they cost extra to refill. The scent cartridges are expensive and don’t last long, making them a recurring cost for a feature that air fresheners can easily replace. Many BMW owners don’t even realize their car has this feature or forget to use it.
Are These Accessories Worth the Hype?
Brands like BMW are known for innovation, but not every new feature is going to be useful. Many of these BMW accessories left drivers scratching their heads because they didn’t offer any real-life value. Before you purchase a new car, especially one as expensive as a BMW, make sure you understand which features are actually worth the money (and which aren’t). Most of the time, these BMW accessories aren’t worth it.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.