RetroFit Leather Seats in BMW 520 E39

Squeaksoutloud

I recently picked up a Sept 2000 reg BMW E39 520i (2.2 litre facelifted version which I think only came out at that time). Anyway its got a cloth seat interior which is looking a little tired and I wouldnt mind sprucing it up a bit.

Anyway was looking at this on adverts.ie:

http://www.adverts.ie/car-parts-accessories/bmw-e39-white-leather-electric-comfort-seats/648711

Basically a set of leather seats for an E39. Now from looking at this thread on bmw-driver.net:

http://www.bmw-driver.net/forum/showthread.php?t=26003

it does seem straightforward to install these with just the electric movement working without the memory and heat which I would be happy with too. Mine has the manual adjustment seats. Even has a number of someone who has done it for €80!

Anyway just wondering if anyone knows if these will work in my E39 (not worried about the memory as I said and keep it simple). Also, my backseat is not the split rear seat so wonder would the rear seat be compatible...not sure if it is a split seat version.

Also have the walnut wood dash and doors in mine so not sure if I should do the doors unless you can replace the walnut strip on the dash.

Any advice appreciated!

Big Nasty

They look tacky to me - what colour is your 5er?

Squeaksoutloud

MCMLXXV wrote: »

They look tacky to me - what colour is your 5er?

Silver. Yeah just wondering what they would look like also...but prob better looking than tired cloth seats and may help with resale having leather seats.

Idbatterim

they leather is such an upgrade on the fabric. I think that interior is lovely, would be fantastic with a black car. if its not your taste Op check out ebay.co.uk for interior, they cost 75 sterling to get shipped over to here.

see below link

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1%257C72%253A4908&rt=nc&_nkw=e39+leather+interior&_dmpt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_sop=3&_sc=1

if the interior you lined to is white, it would look good, otherwise black always goes well with silver...

op take look at below link, Id ask seller to email you pics... the fact you can also bid, means you could get a bargain, ofcourse you have to factor in shipping, like I said thats £75... if that price of E90 you mentioned it to fit all seats, door cards etc its a bloody bargain!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/bmw-530i-520-523-e39-SPORT-leather-SEATS-interior-black-/320712743126?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4aabf818d6#ht_1222wt_905

rebel.ranter

I have retrofitted a leather interior & door cards to an e39 for someone a few years ago. It took me less than 3 hours to do it & I was taking my time, hovering up the carpet, etc. It's very straight forward.
You should be able to get the electric seats & heater element working without too much bother. The electric bit just needs a power supply.
If that colour doesn't suit there are loads on EBay.

Squeaksoutloud

Cheers for the advice. I think white might look ok in a silver car. Will see what condition it is in. Also price seems ok compared to those ebay examples you provided.

The back seat is a non folding split seat like mine so I dont see too many issues with getting these in if it looks ok.

rebel.ranter

Also get yourself over to http://www.bmw-driver.net there's loads of BMW specific information over there & occasionally there are guys selling interiors, etc.
In fact I have a DIY write up over there that wil help with the door card removals (handle illumination is in the title).
Worth a look anyway.