Z3: New Leather Interior.

The new leather set covers arrived today.

They look pretty good, one popped stitch, but otherwise they are a steal.

Only downside I see so far is that they are full leather backs like the previous Z3 seats, instead of using the plastic caps that go on the back of the M Roadster seats.

It should be interesting to see how well they fit, I will have to start this project this weekend.



I also need to figure out whats going on with the seat SRS sensor, so stay tuned for more pix as I get going on the install.

I will also need to start harassing Leather Z about that the Mark 3 armrest and assorted accessories.

I got extra leather so they could fab up some stuff that matched.

So these are not made by BMW? Are they off-the-shelf or did you get them custom made?

They are Ebay Specials. $400. About a third of what I have been quoted elsewhere.

They will do different color variations, so you can get kinda custom with colors. The sample colors were $12 bucks. Overall, I think it was very reasonably priced.

Lets hope I still think that tomorrow when I install them!

The only discrepancy that is jumping out at me is that the seat has a single line of stitching across it, instead of the double row as shown in the photos.



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1996-...Q5fAccessories

Sweet! I'm interested to see how they turn out. I also thought they were quite a good deal when you originally posted the link.

We still need to order that Spinneybeck, mpire! I'm just broke right now. Between a couple new businesses, and the car getting buttoned up proper at Randy's, the bank account is looking a little famished.

I need to find a black center console and dashboard to finish my interior conversion. The leather will be for the center console hockey stick. Trying to do the last M coupe look, but with estoril.

Wow. Very much looking forward to your impressions of the fit. You are only showing the skins for one seat but I assume from the ad that the price includes replacement skins for both seats?

Love to see the end result with some before and after pics. Good luck.

Originally Posted by gotoschoolhere

Love to see the end result with some before and after pics. Good luck.

Same here I have been looking at these from this same seller on E-Bay for about a year now
hope they are as good a fit as they look.

I just bought yet another set of Coupe seats. So I am considering selling the Estoril/Black M Roadster seats in the roadster and using these as a base.

I just replaced the seat belt guides on the M Roadster seats, so they are brand new. Its a serious pain in the ass to replace the guides.

So do you think there is any interest in the roadster seats?

Also, I have a set of grey M coupe seat covers that I am pulling off these seats. They are in surprisingly good condition. The downside is that they have holes cut into them for a harness. I will include the harness trim pieces if anyone is interested.

I still have the blue ones too...



And will probably consider selling the M Roadster seats with matching door panels...

Are these seat covers(installed over the originals) OR new upholstery to replace the original??

The Estoril and Topaz seats are factory. I did replace all the seatbelt guides on them though and thats more work than it sounds like.

The new seat covers require removing the leather from the seats and then re-installing the new leather.

Originally Posted by Mpire

The Estoril and Topaz seats are factory. I did replace all the seatbelt guides on them though and thats more work than it sounds like.

The new seat covers require removing the leather from the seats and then re-installing the new leather.

Please post a picture of the seat covers when they're installed and you're happy with them. I'm very interested in your impression and perspective.

Well, so far....

Not so good. Looks like its going to be labor intensive on my part to make them look good enough to pass my own personal inspection.

Do you mind showing some pics of the anchoring straps on the seatback cover and the sleeves and anchoring rods on the seat cushion cover? (basically some pics of the covers turned inside out). I'm also guessing you may also need to re-use the rods from your stock seats for anchoring the seat cushion cover. BTW your padding looks to be in nice condition; I had to replace the foam in my seat cushion due to cracking. Don't lose that thin film of plastic that goes over the headrest area, having it in place makes it soooo much easier to slide the new cover over the top of the seat

Yeah, no straps. Thus the problem.

Originally Posted by Mpire

Well, so far....

Not so good. Looks like its going to be labor intensive on my part to make them look good enough to pass my own personal inspection.

We are our own worse critic. I'm sure you'll figure it out.

Originally Posted by Mpire

Yeah, no straps. Thus the problem.

Sounds like these skins were designed to just slide over the entire seat as opposed to being strapped down at multiple points like OEM. As a result the new skin will not be as securely attached to the padding as stock and might sag. You might be able to bring them to an upholsterer with your stock skins as a template and have some straps custom fashioned.

Ok, a quick update....

The seats are missing the loops that the metal rods go through. Basically it looks like clothes hanger wire.

Then the hog rings attach the wire supports to the seat frame.

I got an email last night informing me that they were sending me a whole new set of seat covers with the necessary attachment points.

I am hoping that I can push them to get it right so they will have a superior product and more of us can get seat covers at a reasonable price.

Anyways, moving on.

The seats are stripped...



Here are the seat bottom covers.



Here are the seat backs:



Here are pix with a ruler for distance reference...



So anyways, I am looking forward to the replacement covers that should be on the way. I can't wait to get them on the seats.

I am trying to keep busy with some other projects while I wait for shipping...

I am working on setting up the factory steering wheel buttons to do Bluetooth, among other things.

Aside from the single seam stitches and the obvious lack of anchoring straps and sleeves, those look pretty nice. I assume you are happy with the grade and texture of the leather. I'm really looking forward to your impressions of the fit once they're installed.

i am interested in seeing how this project continues.

Hey Call me I might be able to help. You know I have a sewing shop. I should be able to assist you.

Originally Posted by CarlM

Hey Call me I might be able to help. You know I have a sewing shop. I should be able to assist you.

Be careful what you offer, I might try to put a cot in your shop and move in.

Got the rudimentary box together. Will have to clean it up a bit, but will post pix when I get there.

Plus I am looking for help with the grill first.

Back on topic, the FedEx Label showed up today. I will be returning the seat covers tomorrow and will be awaiting the replacement covers.

how do you get the seat covers off the seat?

best reagrds,
Phil

Originally Posted by RST Driver

how do you get the seat covers off the seat?

best reagrds,
Phil

Very Carefully.