Drivers Side Leather
 

I find that the my drivers side leather seat is really showing wear. Especially the left side of the seat where you get in and out. The passenger and rear seats are never used and they look brand new, is there anything I can to to help firm up and undo some of the wear?

I always use BMW Leather conditioner and cleaner on all the seats once every 3 mouths. Also the X5 is always garaged and never outside for more than 8-10 minutes.

Not really....it's just the leather topcoat .....and the way you get in/out to to higher seating...

I've looked into seat cover replacements but there at least $620 ish for either a bottom or back.


Cheaper would be to have a leather guy redye it, but there are drawbacks to this IMO as well--- depending on how picky you are about the details..

To be honest just go to your local AutoZone and pick up some nice looking seat covers, they make the car look and feel brand new :)

I was considering seat covers but it would just feel wrong, I'm going to ask my dealer how much a new seat would cost. I'm surprised I babied the leather compared to my previous M5 which looked new.

I think its because it's in a higher position, I always slide down the seat when I'm exiting the vehicle.

Don't quote but new seats are around 2K....

And the seat covers pricing is still insane...

I had a upholstery shop sew in a new bolster panel in my M3. It came out perfect. In my x5 the entire seat was recovered by BMW, after the seat heater burnt through the seat

If you're ever in the Boston area, I have a leather guy that can re-dye anything to make it look brand new. He just did my steering wheel and it looks like I have a new wheel.

Surflex is an excellent product to repair leather. Quite a hard and long job but the result is impressive and considerably cheaper. Products and instructions here:
Color-Plus : Interior Leather Care, Coloring, Repair and Restoration for the Auto Enthusiast

I second BoomBoom and sfcl: Don't spent money on a new seat, it's not worth it, there are many good products and many talented leather guys who can restore the leather condition for few bucks...

here is my gripes - or OCD about leather repair

In order to do it right, he must sand the leather a bit . This *OCD* detail takes away from the grain/texture. Not sure what color seats you have...but mine are sand beige with brown stitching. Hard to respray and get good blend unless, depending on application and coverage of area to be sprayed in conjunction with the stitching...Each application may vary ..(as in leather color and stitching) that may affect your results..

as sad as this sounds. i have black leather and i just put some shoe polish followed by lexol. worked like a charm

I have used color plus, it is great! You do not have to sand the seat, unless the dye that is on there is flaking off. You certainly do not need to sand to the point of removing grain.

I had the side bolsters done on my e30 in in the oem color cardinal red. My upholstery guy was able to buy the leather from Germany that matched in color and texture. The leather was the same as BMW used I was told. I had to purchase half a hide, but that only cost about $700 and I had enough to do the entire two seats. If you get a good shop it will look factory. I have the same problem on my x5 and will do the same some day.

man i have the same problem.. i thought i was the only one O.o

Get the BMW seat covers from Tishner BMW. Great price. Go to getBMWparts.com Just my .02