Converting to leather - ridiculous or worth it?

Compudaro · 24-10-2009 1:01pm #1

The 1 regret I have with my 3 series BMW is that I didn't opt for leather seats. 2 years on and I discover cartronics.ie who can put that right.

Does anyone know (roughly) how much they charge for leather seats and is it actually worth getting done? I assume factors like the seat airbags are unaffected?

Any advice appreciated.

Owen · 24-10-2009 1:05pm

They charge about 2k + Vat to do it, and their finish is superb. A lot of BMW main dealers use them to retrofit leather.

mullingar · 24-10-2009 1:31pm

Get a second hand kit WITH the door cards.

I did this to my OH 2006 Focus. €500 delivered for a perfect condition cream leather (heated & electric) with the cream /black door cards.

Totally transformed the car

Compudaro · 24-10-2009 1:38pm

Where did you get the kit?

VolvoMan · 24-10-2009 1:52pm

This breaker in the UK most likely has an interior: http://www.fabdirect.com

They are very well regarded on the BMW scene and apparently do mail order all over the world.

rebel.ranter · 24-10-2009 2:05pm

I bought a set of leather seats from the UK for a mate of mine for an e39 5 Series, I think they cost no more than €600 delivered. Keep an eye on EBay.

Try FAB, Quarry Motors, Traynors, etc. There are a load of specialist BMW breakers in the UK. It would be worth buying a copy of Total BMW or BMW Car as they have a lot of advertisments from these types of companies so you could get contact details there. I would advise phone calls over emails when dealing, you'll be taken more seriously.

rebel.ranter · 24-10-2009 2:09pm

In fact of you are in the Cork area I will do the conversionfor you for a reasonable price (it would all depend on how much the seats could
be gotten for).

cascade35 · 24-10-2009 2:40pm

There is a company in Dundrum Co.Tipperary who retrim car interiors, i saw an old 3 series beemer they retrimed in cream leather and put a few personal touches in that the owner asked for.

Top quality work , as i remember its a husband and wife team that do the work, i havent a number and cant remember what they are called but i can find out if you want.

Anan1 · 24-10-2009 2:58pm

OP - It really depends on how important leather is to your enjoyment of the car, as you'll never see the money back on resale.

Crackity Jones · 24-10-2009 3:06pm

Anan1 wrote: »

OP - It really depends on how important leather is to your enjoyment of the car, as you'll never see the money back on resale.

Yep I agree. I have leather on mine but it is bloody cold in winter and sticky in the summer! I bought car second hand and it does look great but I sure wouldnt pay 2K for it.

Carstuck · 24-10-2009 3:08pm

Anan1 wrote: »

OP - It really depends on how important leather is to your enjoyment of the car, as you'll never see the money back on resale.

Exalty, its not going to add value to your car, unless you are going to keep it for a long time. Other than that I think its dead money. I know what I would do is buy leather seat covers

O7Pat · 03-11-2009 11:19pm

cascade35 wrote: »

There is a company in Dundrum Co.Tipperary who retrim car interiors, i saw an old 3 series beemer they retrimed in cream leather and put a few personal touches in that the owner asked for.

Top quality work , as i remember its a husband and wife team that do the work, i havent a number and cant remember what they are called but i can find out if you want.

Cascade would you have name or number for that crowd?

Converting to leather - ridiculous or worth it?

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