Exterior photos get most of the attention, but a good interior photo can show the condition, the options and the character of a BMW. Interior photos are also important when selling a car. This topic shares tips for photographing a BMW cabin with a phone or camera.
Prepare the interior
- Clean thoroughly: vacuum carpets and seats, wipe the dashboard and clean the inside of the windows.
- Remove personal items: phone holders, chargers, papers and anything with personal information.
- Straighten the seats and steering wheel, and align the seat belts neatly.
- Turn on the ambient lighting if your car has it, for a more atmospheric photo.
Light is everything
Soft, even light gives the best results. An overcast day or open shade works well. Strong sunlight creates harsh shadows and reflections on the screens. Opening all the doors can help bring more light into the cabin.
Useful angles
- From the rear door, looking forward to show the dashboard and front seats.
- From the driver's door, showing the steering wheel, instruments and centre console.
- Close-ups of details: the gear selector, the steering wheel badge, stitching, trims and special materials.
- The rear seats and the boot, which matter to buyers and family owners.
A wide-angle lens on a phone helps in small cabins, but avoid placing important details at the edges of the frame, where distortion is strongest.
Screens and instruments
Displays can be hard to photograph. Reduce the screen brightness slightly, avoid reflections and take the photo straight on. If you photograph the mileage for a sale, make sure no personal data, such as the navigation history or a contact list, is shown.
Privacy
Check that no documents, addresses, phone screens or garage door remote codes are visible. Cover any personal details before you upload.
Share your best shot
Reply below with your best interior photo and tell us which tips worked for you. Members love seeing rare trims, BMW Individual colours and well-kept classic interiors.
If you are photographing the interior for a sale, take the photos in the same order every time: front seats, dashboard, rear seats, boot and details. Buyers find it easier to judge the car, and you are less likely to forget an important angle.