Dying Leather Seats

[L0veZHP]

Someone on the forum asked me for before and afters. So I might as well take you guys on the journey with me. I'm changing my black interior to e46 M3 cinammon interior color. Zef is doing it for me he's done it before, he just picked up my car. Zefs IG is __zef__

So I wanted to get a good clean in and show you guys good before and after pictures.

I used Chemical Guys leather cleaner and conditioner
29487

The seats were dirty but I think I probably took off some dye from the black seat
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/Cleaning%202.jpg

Well after cleaning everything here are some pictures of the interior
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/Outside%203.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/Outside%202.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/Ouside%201.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/Outside%205.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/Outside%204.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/Inside%202.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/Inside%201.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/Inside%203.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/Inside%204.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/Outside%206.jpg

Then just a picture of my car! because I love it!
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/My%20Car.jpg


I'll keep you guys updated on the process and any pictures he sends me!

[BMWCurves]

Mmmmm

[san]

Good luck! Interested in knowing the process...


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[704sw]

Subscribed. This is the exact color I have and the exact color I want.

[L0veZHP]

Some updates!!
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4115.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4116.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4119.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4120.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4118.jpg

The process is going to take a little longer because when I cleaned the seats I put too much oil on them. He coats them 7 times and also tests them out after to insure everything is good. Recommended to not use any products on it for a couple of months to make sure the leather cures. Everything is looking good so far! the longest and hardest part is really preparing the seats and making sure everything is sanded down and dry.

[san]

Looking good so far


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[BMWCurves]

Looking good so far


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+1

[Johnmadd]

That is incredible!

[BMWCurves]

How much does something like this run, on average?

[danewilson77]

Looks amazing

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[L0veZHP]

How much does something like this run, on average?

I'm pay $1,000 for him to do my front and rear seats, and my door panels. To be honest I'm not sure if that's a good price or not. At the time I felt like it was inexpensive and I jumped at the chance. He told me he was charging me less than usual because his last car was an e46 aswell and he knew how to do everything easily.

I was looking into reholstering my seats and door panels and that itself cost a pretty penny. I was getting quotes from $2,500 to $3,500. I also looked into Saddle Brown seats which are hard to come by with sport seats and on Ebay would cost just about the same as a dye or even more. So at the end of it all I looked into dying the seats and did some research and found out that after 2 years the seats starts to show wear and supposedly the dye starts coming off. I asked Zef about this and he insured me that he'll cover anything if that ever happens even after two years but he doubts that will happen. He showed me a couple of videos of how durable the dye is and I was impressed.

He showed me a couple of colors from BMW since he gets OEM dye and I was leaning towards an e36 color but went with the e46 color. At this moment I feel it was well worth the money to do this. Imola Red on Cinnamon Interior on a 330i! lol Sounds like a BMW Individual order. On top of that I'm "recycling" my seats, saving money, and after the dye Zef told me the seats will look new. He also gets rid of some of the scratches with another product that he uses. The wearing out and fading might worry me but I trust his work and I rarely have people in my car anyway. Plus it's not something irreversible or something that can't be easily addressed. For the time and effort he puts into his work it's definitely worth it too.

[cakM3]

Damn...they are looking awesome so far! Can't wait to see the finished product! :thumbsup

[fredo]

I like the results. In for more pics. :thumbsup

[UdubBadger]

Wow, this changes EVERYTHING


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[Vas]

Nuts

[704sw]

Wow, this changes EVERYTHING

It really does. Suddenly there's value in the always cheap, usually in great condition, much-maligned Dove Grey.

[UdubBadger]

FYI not dove grey, that's just an E36 color.

I personally like grey, black is boring and hot in the desert.


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[cakM3]

FYI not dove grey, that's just an E36 color.

I personally like grey, black is boring and hot in the desert.


I respectfully disagree Seth. I find Black a "classic" interior color. I would take this over grey any day.

[704sw]

FYI not dove grey, that's just an E36 color.

I personally like grey, black is boring and hot in the desert.

Not to be argumentative (I'm legitimately curious), was the E46 M3 grey not also called Dove?

Edit: looks like literally every single person selling grey M3 interior is wrong.

[UdubBadger]

Correct.

Not actually called dove grey but since most people don't like the grey option they try to make it as enticing as possible.

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1280167-List-Pics-of-e46-m3-interior-colors-materials


Chuck you're welcome to your opinion I just prefer a more dynamic color combo. Cinnamon and TiAg would probably put me into a permanent state of car orgasm if I got to see/drive that every day.


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[cakM3]

Chuck you're welcome to your opinion I just prefer a more dynamic color combo. Cinnamon and TiAg would probably put me into a permanent state of car orgasm if I got to see/drive that every day.

Given what my M3 came with from the factory and the path I chose for it, black is the best choice for me however I will agree a Cinnamon interior is a better choice...color-wise :thumbsup


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[L0veZHP]

I loved my black interior! I loved it more than Saddle Brown! I had a big Black and Red combo going on with the car and the Black interior just helped the car look more sleek and stealth on the inside and you know... RED! on the outside lol. But after 6 years I wanted to change it up. I wanted something different inside. Something that pops! But I as well would pick Black over Grey Interior anyday. I don't know when but I also want to wrap my car in blue! maybe in like 3 years lol

[UdubBadger]

grey doesnt go with everything, I agree it doesn't ALWAYS work but I tend to think it looks really good with blue exteriors for some reason (cool color temperatures of both working together maybe).

Same goes for beige... doesn't always work. Imagine TiAg and beige interior... not much contrast so it would look weird.

just prefer to not follow the default "black" crowd anymore. keep in mind of the 17 cars I've ever owned only 2 have not had black interiors and one was a jeep wrangler sahara, other is my acura now.

But I'm not everyone so, whatever. We can all like what we like and it'll all be ok. Looks like I may have more choices on cars than most people now if I'm willing to take grey or beige. LOL

[Vas]

grey doesnt go with everything, I agree it doesn't ALWAYS work but I tend to think it looks really good with blue exteriors for some reason (cool color temperatures of both working together maybe).

Same goes for beige... doesn't always work. Imagine TiAg and beige interior... not much contrast so it would look weird.

just prefer to not follow the default "black" crowd anymore. keep in mind of the 17 cars I've ever owned only 2 have not had black interiors and one was a jeep wrangler sahara, other is my acura now.

But I'm not everyone so, whatever. We can all like what we like and it'll all be ok. Looks like I may have more choices on cars than most people now if I'm willing to take grey or beige. LOL
I am partial to the grey interiors. Don't hate it but could live with it

[L0veZHP]

This was done today.There are a few spots that were pretty worn tho. A lot of spots you couldn't tell were worn because they were black but now with the cinnamon color you can see a lot more stuff. He's trying to smoothen those spots out as much as possible. As you can see in the picture the bottom part of the rear passenger side still has black on it because he plans to continue smoothing that part out before he continues. The seats arn't clipped on they're just laying there so they don't get dirty.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4154.jpg

That part only has 2 coats but you can see the scratch. He's going to try to smoothen that spot out before he continues.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4155_1.jpg

He also mentioned that the threads on my vinyl seat is almost showing that he has to be very careful trying to get the oils out because these threads can come up and then the seat is literally ruined. He called BMW to send him a special lotion they use to protect the dye even more and help soften up the vinyl after he's done.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4156_1.jpg

I believe and hope everything turns out good but I do say that the color is looking nice! I believe in his work and believe he'll do a fantastic job.

p.s: The color on the chrome parts of the headrest just come right off. So they won't stay cinnamon lol.

[UdubBadger]

Nice


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[nextelbuddy]

you have vinyl seats? i could have sworn ZHPs had standard leather or alcantra


color looks great!

[johnrando]

Very cool. Side note: I love black interiors.

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[az3579]

you have vinyl seats? i could have sworn ZHPs had standard leather or alcantra


color looks great!
You are correct. Unless someone swapped his interior before he got it, he has leather.

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[L0veZHP]

I thought only the Ms came with real leather seats. Our seats are leather but not real I believe. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[nextelbuddy]

our cars have Dakota Leather. it says it on the back of the door panels inserts as well.

newer BMWs came with Nappa Leather.. thats what the M3 has.

[az3579]

I thought only the Ms came with real leather seats. Our seats are leather but not real I believe. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Leather is leather, vinyl is vinyl. Dakota leather is just as real as Nappa leather is, just a different grain and quality.

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[704sw]

newer BMWs came with Nappa Leather.. thats what the M3 has.

Even in the newer BMWs they differentiated between models. My E83 has Dakota while my old man's same year E60 has Napa. Both sport packages for their respective models. Hell, for some reason I think even the "mocha" on the F15 X5 my mom's been looking at (don't get me started) is Dakota...

Leather is leather, vinyl is vinyl. Dakota leather is just as real as Nappa leather is, just a different grain and quality.
Amen, brother.

[RedAtom]

I assume all e46's are the same but the seats are full leather. Most new, even German luxury cars have a mix of leather and vinyl. The seating is leather, and the bolsters, sides and back are vinyl. We have an Audi A7 and it is the same, mix of vinyl and leather, very disappointing for a car that stickered at $74k.

They just don't make em like they used to.

[Ridgey]

I assume all e46's are the same but the seats are full leather. Most new, even German luxury cars have a mix of leather and vinyl. The seating is leather, and the bolsters, sides and back are vinyl. We have an Audi A7 and it is the same, mix of vinyl and leather, very disappointing for a car that stickered at $74k.

They just don't make em like they used to.

Sorry to do this but it made me think of this lol.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtxd27jlZ_g

[az3579]

Sorry to do this but it made me think of this lol.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtxd27jlZ_g
This is the sort of thing I think about as well when someone says "They don't make 'em like they used to". To that my answer is "Good!"

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[san]

This is the sort of thing I think about as well when someone says "They don't make 'em like they used to". To that my answer is "Good!"

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+1


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[RedAtom]

Obviously safety is important, as sell as environment impact, efficiency etc. But I really dislike some of and the amount of plastics other materials used in interiors.




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[L0veZHP]

Updates:
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4177_1.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4178.jpg
Zef will be sanding that part down again and re-dying.

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4179.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4180.jpg

A day later..

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4181.jpg

[nextelbuddy]

crazy how much work and prep work is needed just to dye... how much are you invested so far? time and money?

[Bludsport]

WOW...that's freakin incredible. Who'da thunk it? Very, very nice!!!

[ETAction]

Very nice!

How exciting for you. Be like getting back a new car!

[L0veZHP]

crazy how much work and prep work is needed just to dye... how much are you invested so far? time and money?

I'm not the one doing the job but I know at least 10 hours are taken out to prep each leather piece prior to dyeing. They are dried up with acetone and left under a small temp heat lamp to dry up and are also sanded down, that process is done several times until you feel it's good enough. I also know that it's coated 7 times and the first 2 times are left to cure for a whole day, then others are applied and let to cure too. A protective layer is all applied at the end of it all. I paid $1000 for the job.

[L0veZHP]

Updates:
The start..
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4213.jpg

A day later
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4214.jpg
You can see the black cracks on the seat.. those had to be fixed also my passenger side seat had a lot of key scratches! Those are gone too. [seat to the right]

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4216.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4204.jpg


Started one of the door panels as well
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4217.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4209.jpg

How everything is looking so far..
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4208.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4210.jpg
notice no cracks! Oh I don't have an armrest either I did a delete a while back. If I did have one. I don't think it would have been dyed. It goes black to keep it OEM.

[L0veZHP]

Very nice!

How exciting for you. Be like getting back a new car!

lol I'm SUPER excited!

[BMWCurves]

Damn, that's looking really good! Excited to see how it all looks once it's done and reinstalled.

[Vas]

Soo much work.

[L0veZHP]

I have 20% tints right now. I'm thinking about fish bowling the car now.. then maybe 35% tints all around later on. Ideas anyone??

[nextelbuddy]

looks so killer. please post up full pictures of all of it together when you are done. I so cant wait to see it.

[L0veZHP]

Is there anyway to upload pictures off your phone? I'm on the website thru my phone but it says upload fail. Maybe an app? My "updates" would be faster lol.

[UdubBadger]

tapatalk is the app

[L0veZHP]

tapatalk is the app

Thanks brother!

[L0veZHP]

Updates:
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4227.jpg

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4228.jpg

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4230.jpg

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g473/L0veZHP/IMG_4229.jpg

Still not done, still need a layer of a protective sealant and more time to cure. but O.M.G. :thumbup:thumbup:thumbup

[hcbeck2689]

Wow that looks so good!!!!
As far as your tint question, I would just make sure you have something on it. 20% like you have is what I have and like it, but 35 works well too and a little easier to see at night. I would just want it there for the uv protection on those beautiful seats. Throw some 70% or air 80 on the windshield as well and you'll be set!


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[az3579]

Throw some 70% or air 80 on the windshield as well and you'll be set!




Or put it all around and show off those beautiful seats. :dunno

[nextelbuddy]

Hot damn im jealous. That looks spectacular! Like i seriously regret getting rid of my m3 seats and instead just redying from black to NB or cinnamon.

Congratulations.

[BMWCurves]

Those seats look killer! If the seats look as good as they do in the photos, the $1,000 you paid seems more than fair, especially considering all the good prep work he did plus a 2 year warranty.

Now I want cinnamon seats...but so much money...

http://i.imgur.com/0gXSOBZ.gif

[cakM3]

I like the cinnamon interior with Imola. Looks good! :thumbsup This would have been a very nice color option for the ZHP from the factory :drevil

[704sw]

Now I want cinnamon seats...but so much money...

http://i.imgur.com/0gXSOBZ.gif

Bruh you said it yourself: saving is for suckers.

[UdubBadger]

Looks awesome!

So your buddy is going to give us all the same deal right? Lol


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[hcbeck2689]

Those seats look killer! If the seats look as good as they do in the photos, the $1,000 you paid seems more than fair, especially considering all the good prep work he did plus a 2 year warranty.

Now I want cinnamon seats...but so much money...

http://i.imgur.com/0gXSOBZ.gif

I hate to call you out Curves, but you have used this gif in the past. Gif game is suffering lol
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170402/fe2042d9e5664012ae9ebf7eddfb7b8d.jpg

Edit: that was supposed to be s gif... turns out I don't know how to imbed them :facepalm
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[az3579]

Hot damn im jealous. That looks spectacular! Like i seriously regret getting rid of my m3 seats and instead just redying from black to NB or cinnamon.

Congratulations.
But swapping your seats will last longer than a dye job. Don't feel too bad. Dying has its downsides and upsides just like anything.

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[UdubBadger]

But swapping your seats will last longer than a dye job. Don't feel too bad. Dying has its downsides and upsides just like anything.

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Yeah but this opens up the door to get cinnamon m3 fronts and then just dye the rears and doors if needed


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[BMWCurves]

I hate to call you out Curves, but you have used this gif in the past. Gif game is suffering lol
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170402/fe2042d9e5664012ae9ebf7eddfb7b8d.jpg

Edit: that was supposed to be s gif... turns out I don't know how to imbed them :facepalm
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Coming at my gif game smh

http://i.imgur.com/v96JVT7.gif


But swapping your seats will last longer than a dye job. Don't feel too bad. Dying has its downsides and upsides just like anything.

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What's the risk/downside here, dye fade over time?

[L0veZHP]

lol at the GIFs. I did research on the pros and cons of dying and the most valid information I came upon was there might be fading. Most cases I read, said that after 2 years there might be fading. But Zef will cover this if anything. I did stumble on a forum someone dyeing seats that had no fading and was like perfectly done.. lol I guess it all depends on prep and work mostly. I'll take more pictures once I get the car! I still haven't seen it in person.

BTW: I found Zeff on Instagram like I said before and just started talking to him through there. His IG is __zef__ . Just in case any of you want to do anything. super cool guy and deff an enthusiast!

I'll definitely also keep you guys posted on the leather and how long it lasts. for future reference.

[L0veZHP]

Any Interior Trim Ideas? Zef said brushed aluminum would look cool. I think a glossy carbon fiber would look cool too. I'm open to ideas.

[UdubBadger]

Nothing better than silver cube IMO


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[L0veZHP]

70% - 80% tints? Or a clear tint?

[Go Horns!]

I like the black cubes with those seats. But if you want to change it up, silver cubes is the way to go.

[hcbeck2689]

70% - 80% tints? Or a clear tint?

I would at least put something on there. The uv will definitely cause some fading long term, especially in the back, and especially if they might be prone to fading already.

It's all personal preference but I would think it would be hard for you to go from 20% to 70%. I didn't even thing the 70% was dark enough for the windshield and had to go 50% the next time around, but that's just me. I think the air 80 is tinted a little blue, almost like the Mercedes look.


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[L0veZHP]

I would at least put something on there. The uv will definitely cause some fading long term, especially in the back, and especially if they might be prone to fading already.

It's all personal preference but I would think it would be hard for you to go from 20% to 70%. I didn't even thing the 70% was dark enough for the windshield and had to go 50% the next time around, but that's just me. I think the air 80 is tinted a little blue, almost like the Mercedes look.


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Before I did the whole interior I was thinking of doing 50% front windshield and 20% all around.. I'm in NYC and will get bullshit from the cops for it but fuck it I like the look! Idk now after I did this. I'll figure out what I'm going to do though. Maybe 50% everything and still be legal. Or just keep the 20%s and just do the windshield. Either way I'm not doing anything anytime soon. Time to spend my money on me for a while!

I will be getting some BBS CH Wheels though this summer with red center caps [emoji1360]


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[az3579]

I would at least put something on there. The uv will definitely cause some fading long term, especially in the back, and especially if they might be prone to fading already.

It's all personal preference but I would think it would be hard for you to go from 20% to 70%. I didn't even thing the 70% was dark enough for the windshield and had to go 50% the next time around, but that's just me. I think the air 80 is tinted a little blue, almost like the Mercedes look.


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I have AirBlue 80 all around, including the windshield. It looks exactly like some of the older C Class Mercedes; it's got a blueish tint to it, but this particular film is known for that (hence its name). It looks clear enough to never get a passing glance for any law enforcement, and provides the same UV protection as a darker tint with most of the heat rejection as well. The only downside is that it's hard to find a tint place that carries this film.

Here's an example of how it looks compared to a window down, to give you an idea of light transmission and color. Film is applied to all windows including windshield, but the fronts are rolled down:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/515/31515934325_da221acde5_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Q1Xph2)0522161913 (https://flic.kr/p/Q1Xph2) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



Here it is with ALL windows rolled up:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7630/27254823573_522137f651_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Hwq6vg)0623161953 (https://flic.kr/p/Hwq6vg) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr


Coincidentally, both these pics were taken on the same track weekend, hence the track wheels. :)

[L0veZHP]

I have AirBlue 80 all around, including the windshield. It looks exactly like some of the older C Class Mercedes; it's got a blueish tint to it, but this particular film is known for that (hence its name). It looks clear enough to never get a passing glance for any law enforcement, and provides the same UV protection as a darker tint with most of the heat rejection as well. The only downside is that it's hard to find a tint place that carries this film.

Here's an example of how it looks compared to a window down, to give you an idea of light transmission and color. Film is applied to all windows including windshield, but the fronts are rolled down:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/515/31515934325_da221acde5_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Q1Xph2)0522161913 (https://flic.kr/p/Q1Xph2) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



Here it is with ALL windows rolled up:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7630/27254823573_522137f651_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Hwq6vg)0623161953 (https://flic.kr/p/Hwq6vg) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr


Coincidentally, both these pics were taken on the same track weekend, hence the track wheels. :)

Wow that looks killer and classy! Lol smh I love this forum
Lol this app is kick ass too

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[704sw]

Love the AirBlue, BP. Only reason I didn't go with it myself is because it'd be a little bit too much blue :biggrin

[hcbeck2689]

Before I did the whole interior I was thinking of doing 50% front windshield and 20% all around.. I'm in NYC and will get bullshit from the cops for it but fuck it I like the look! Idk now after I did this. I'll figure out what I'm going to do though. Maybe 50% everything and still be legal. Or just keep the 20%s and just do the windshield. Either way I'm not doing anything anytime soon. Time to spend my money on me for a while!

I will be getting some BBS CH Wheels though this summer with red center caps [emoji1360]


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That's what I have 20/50. I like it a lot.
Those BBS will look goooood.

I have AirBlue 80 all around, including the windshield. It looks exactly like some of the older C Class Mercedes; it's got a blueish tint to it, but this particular film is known for that (hence its name). It looks clear enough to never get a passing glance for any law enforcement, and provides the same UV protection as a darker tint with most of the heat rejection as well. The only downside is that it's hard to find a tint place that carries this film.

Here's an example of how it looks compared to a window down, to give you an idea of light transmission and color. Film is applied to all windows including windshield, but the fronts are rolled down:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/515/31515934325_da221acde5_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Q1Xph2)0522161913 (https://flic.kr/p/Q1Xph2) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



Here it is with ALL windows rolled up:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7630/27254823573_522137f651_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Hwq6vg)0623161953 (https://flic.kr/p/Hwq6vg) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr


Coincidentally, both these pics were taken on the same track weekend, hence the track wheels. :)
That looks good. Your right about the heat/uv. The difference in heat between 5% ceramic and 80% ceramic is too small to notice.



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[L0veZHP]

Nothing better than silver cube IMO


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Just saw some pictures of Silver Cubes it looks nice!! But I also like my Black Cubes.. tuff choice [emoji848][emoji848] or maybe I'll do a glossy carbon fiber wrap.. I want something as shiny as Silver Cubes but as stealth as Black Cubes lol


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[az3579]

Just saw some pictures of Silver Cubes it looks nice!! But I also like my Black Cubes.. tuff choice [emoji848][emoji848] or maybe I'll do a glossy carbon fiber wrap.. I want something as shiny as Silver Cubes but as stealth as Black Cubes lol


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Went through the same dilemma when I swapped in my Natural Brown interior. I had acquired silver cube for the alcantara interior, but went back to black cube for the Natural Brown. I found that the silver clashes a bit with the NB interior, IMO, but it looks fine to a lot of people. I prefer black with this color seat though.

Here are some back to back picture comparisons between when I had the silver cube and what I have now, black:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2942/15150088808_b824253c8a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p5LazJ)20140923-003 (https://flic.kr/p/p5LazJ) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2936/33682892841_2f4cb1c72e_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TjrCxK)IMG_0711 (https://flic.kr/p/TjrCxK) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8358/29852131582_8b231116e7_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MtVYFQ)0926161541 (https://flic.kr/p/MtVYFQ) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2897/33771775996_dde3442025_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TsibpW)0807161905_HDR (https://flic.kr/p/TsibpW) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



Hopefully this makes it easier for you to decide

[UdubBadger]

Yeah the black does looks a little bit better


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[hcbeck2689]

Just saw some pictures of Silver Cubes it looks nice!! But I also like my Black Cubes.. tuff choice [emoji848][emoji848] or maybe I'll do a glossy carbon fiber wrap.. I want something as shiny as Silver Cubes but as stealth as Black Cubes lol


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I like the wrap idea. Carbon fiber would look nice


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[ZHPizza]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2897/33771775996_dde3442025_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TsibpW)0807161905_HDR (https://flic.kr/p/TsibpW) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr


The black does look a lot better.

Are those TMS used-to-be-black pedals?

[704sw]

Buy a cheap wood set if you CF wrap, and sell the Cube. You'll come out ahead financially and you won't destroy a set of Black Cube in the process [emoji1303]

[BMWCurves]

Agreed, keep the trim some flavor of black/gray. Silver is too much contrast IMO. I like silver cube for a black interior, but not a brown interior in the E46

[holyc0w]

Maybe something like the set included here?
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?19896-Misc-parts-for-sale

[az3579]

Are those TMS used-to-be-black pedals?

They sure are. I plan on refinishing them, assuming I can find my stock pedal covers.

[holyc0w]

They sure are. I plan on refinishing them, assuming I can find my stock pedal covers.

How are they? Recommended for street duty?

[az3579]

How are they? Recommended for street duty?

They're great, but if you're only using them on the street then it may be overkill considering the price.
I got them because I got tired of my feet slipping off the rubber pedal covers when doing quick pedalwork on track. These Turner pedals have sharp ridges on them that bite into your shoe. Mine have worn some parts of the ridges off, but they're still pretty grabby.

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-391743-e46-manual-turner-aluminum-pedal-set/?pdk=AQM

[L0veZHP]

Got the car today but couldn't really take good pictures because I haven't had time. But when I get the chance I'll take better pictures. Everything looks legit though!
My LED lights inside don't do the leather justice. Might switch them out for OEM lights or amber LED lights. Not sure yet though.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170407/6078b7fd1e6cfa98cb40c79b993b73ef.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170407/6ec0bf2e1746d0aba88e1a42bd913bb9.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170407/85ce4ec4f56352e0f57ae5f16362cbad.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170407/fdb2c01ecde4618b9d48244beb536a45.jpg




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[ELCID86]

Congrats!

[bandwagn]

Nice!

[BMWCurves]

Where them daylight pics?

:begging

[nextelbuddy]

looks so good. That just sealed the deal for me to change to black cube trim. i was planning on keeping my silver and buy black but might as well sell the silver.

congrats, killer interior.

[L0veZHP]

Sorry about no pics I was involved in a hit and run with my moms car and everything's just been looking for cameras and stuff since then


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[nextelbuddy]

ouch sorry to hear that, hopefully everyone is ok

[BMWCurves]

That's a bummer, hope it works out for the best.

[L0veZHP]

Yeah it happened at night. The guy rear ended me than backed up and left I caught his plates though. And I knew he was in a silver Honda Civic 8th gen post facelift. I reported a claim to Gecio my insurance company. They actually said the person driving the car made a claim too saying that he was parked and when got to his car it was damaged. So now everything is under investigation. Crazy how this guy would say that. I told the lady handling my case that the street is a one way. There's no way he could even park there. Let's see where this goes.... I'll update you guys with pictures of my car when I get the chance though


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[L0veZHP]

The guy apparently also had Geico


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[az3579]

Yeah it happened at night. The guy rear ended me than backed up and left I caught his plates though. And I knew he was in a silver Honda Civic 8th gen post facelift. I reported a claim to Gecio my insurance company. They actually said the person driving the car made a claim too saying that he was parked and when got to his car it was damaged. So now everything is under investigation. Crazy how this guy would say that. I told the lady handling my case that the street is a one way. There's no way he could even park there. Let's see where this goes.... I'll update you guys with pictures of my car when I get the chance though


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I hope this idiot goes to jail for insurance fraud (felony).

[UdubBadger]

Sorry to hear but car looks dope!


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[johnrando]

+1

[joeybananaz18]

Hey can I ask how is the interior holding up?


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[L0veZHP]

I wish I could upload videos but it's cracking on the driver side and some on the passenger side the rest of the car is good. Some of the dye is coming off the driver side, like peeling off.

Zeff had told me that would happen mostly because when I cleaned the seats myself I used a lot of oil. Novice mistake. He assured me he'll retouch them whenever I want. My seats are also 15 years old which I also understand.

At the end of the day am I happy with my product? Yes I am! Lol it still looks awesome to me and to other people. It's not the best route long term I don't think so but for the price and the option of going back to my regular seats or different color whenever I want than maybe. I'm getting it retouched in the spring time. I'm going to take some pictures of the video.

The back seats and the side panels are perfect though no cracks or peels.

- just checked the video but it does no justice. I got you tomorrow morning with pictures

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[L0veZHP]

Hey can I ask how is the interior holding up?


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Sorry I haven’t gotten around yet to take pictures. Tomorrow I plan to wash the car so I’ll take some pictures. Here’s some pictures from the video though for now. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170925/05e27a861017d8ccd17432dee5147a97.pnghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170925/0051af492030f87ec7cc90bb8cfdaf90.png


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[joeybananaz18]

Sorry I haven’t gotten around yet to take pictures. Tomorrow I plan to wash the car so I’ll take some pictures. Here’s some pictures from the video though for now. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170925/05e27a861017d8ccd17432dee5147a97.pnghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170925/0051af492030f87ec7cc90bb8cfdaf90.png


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Ooooo that's not what I was hoping for. I really need to figure something out that is t going to bankrupt me[emoji389][emoji389][emoji389]


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[L0veZHP]

Find a NB set and just swap or get it re-wrapped for lots of money. For me it’s not really that bad since Zeff lives like 30mins from me lol. Plus like I said it’s mostly the driver side seat and some of the passenger. The rest of the car, the side panels and the back seats are perfect.
Honestly the grain on our seats aren’t the best to dye. A swap would be the best route. Long term.


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[az3579]

Ooooo that's not what I was hoping for. I really need to figure something out that is t going to bankrupt me[emoji389][emoji389][emoji389]


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Unfortunately your only options are finding a used set or rewrapping your seats. There is no cheap way out that lasts. :(

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[joeybananaz18]

Ok. I'm racking my brain here. I want to do exactly what you did but don't want to go through having to get it redone. I sent zev pics of my interior and he said it looks like leatherette. i know montana leather was an option on coupes and convertibles, so I'm assuming the same was for sedans. I decoded my vin and i have "standardleder/hellbeige 2 (arbeiten (n6hc)".
when i search for my interior color code (n6hc) i find...
n6- montana leather
hc- sand beige

does this mean that I have real leather in my car? "standardleder" sounds like it would be leatherette.

[nextelbuddy]

standardleder means standard leather which means leather not leatherette.

Our seats are Dakota leather I believe. One had black and 3 seats if natur Braun natural brown and they have all said Dakota leather in the tags.

[L0veZHP]

We have real leather. The thing is that each type of BMW leather has a different grain to them. A different level of quality. The higher quality of grain the leather has the easier it is for that leather to absorb the dye.

E46 M3 leather seats and side panels have a higher quality grain than our regular 3-series. So if you go on forums and search up “Dying M3 Interior” you’ll notice that in the long haul most of those M3s have a longer duration and are more durable with their dye than my car has been. (It also depends on the condition of the seats and the prep taken before dying.)

Even e36 M3 seats have higher quality grains than regular e46 3-series do.


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[L0veZHP]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170926/5087bda014301968de4882afe9b2a5d8.heic
Quick shot though before driving home.. just got out of work.. it doesn’t look bad guys lol
The car is super dirty [emoji102]

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[joeybananaz18]

We have real leather. The thing is that each type of BMW leather has a different grain to them. A different level of quality. The higher quality of grain the leather has the easier it is for that leather to absorb the dye.

E46 M3 leather seats and side panels have a higher quality grain than our regular 3-series. So if you go on forums and search up “Dying M3 Interior” you’ll notice that in the long haul most of those M3s have a longer duration and are more durable with their dye than my car has been. (It also depends on the condition of the seats and the prep taken before dying.)

Even e36 M3 seats have higher quality grains than regular e46 3-series do.


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standardleder means standard leather which means leather not leatherette.

Our seats are Dakota leather I believe. One had black and 3 seats if natur Braun natural brown and they have all said Dakota leather in the tags.

Thanks for this insight guys. I was just under the assumption it was leatherette. Maybe I'll DM him on IG again and see what he thinks. Just as you mentioned, earlier he did say that you had treated your seats with something that made it hard a bit more difficult to prep. Do you think that may have had something to do with why they are cracking?

Also have you been treating your seats with anything to keep them conditioned to reduce the cracking?

I'm just drooling over that last pic.


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[az3579]

The problem with dye, especially on seats that are a significantly different color to begin with, is that as the seat wears, the dye stars coming off the little cracks that form. You cannot prevent this from happening - it will happen on any type of leather, not just Montana.

I haven't seen a single DIY color change dye job last on leather seats, unfortunately. Any time I stumble across a thread that has updates down the road, they say that the dye comes off after a while.

[704sw]

Thanks for this insight guys. I was just under the assumption it was leatherette. Maybe I'll DM him on IG again and see what he thinks. Just as you mentioned, earlier he did say that you had treated your seats with something that made it hard a bit more difficult to prep. Do you think that may have had something to do with why they are cracking?

Also have you been treating your seats with anything to keep them conditioned to reduce the cracking?

I'm just drooling over that last pic.

Have you given any thought to the Lseat replacement covers? I think they have a color that's quite similar to Cinnamon, but it's definitely not exact.


Our seats are Dakota leather I believe. One had black and 3 seats if natur Braun natural brown and they have all said Dakota leather in the tags.

That's weird about the tags. My old man's E60 has Dakota, and it is noticeably softer/more supple than the E46 (think M3 Napa softness but still with texture/grain similar to the Montana).

[joeybananaz18]

Have you given any thought to the Lseat replacement covers? I think they have a color that's quite similar to Cinnamon, but it's definitely not exact.



That's weird about the tags. My old man's E60 has Dakota, and it is noticeably softer/more supple than the E46 (think M3 Napa softness but still with texture/grain similar to the Montana).

As a matter of fact I have. I've reached out to one or two people who have had experience with them. Seems like they last for a little while but the seems become undone over time and need to be stitched up again.

I'm also a glutton for punishment. Not only do I want cinnamon leather, I'm trying to also make a cinnamon lower dash a reality. If I can order it from ecs, I'd be looking at about 3700, which qualifies as absolutely unnecessary. The lower dash has to come out so I can switch my carpet from beige to black. I figure while it's out, I may as well just dye it. I have confirmed with leatherique that their dye will work on the material the dash is made of (which is just rubber, IIRC).

I did see that Lseats actually sells leather to match their seat covers. Don't think that the idea of getting my lower dash wrapped with that leather hasn't crossed my mind.

I'm actually waiting on a sample from them to see what it would actually look like against my Oxford Green.

I think right now I'm just going to focus my attention on trying to get the original leather feel of my front seats back using leatheriques rejuvenator and pristine clean. I'll take it one step at a time after that.


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[L0veZHP]

I think me cleaning my seats with Chemical Guy Cleaner and Conditioner did impact on the amount of prep required and the peeling of my passengers seat. In regards to my driver seat, I Daily my car and expected that to happen sooner or later. Dying my car I knew that I would have to get it retouched probably every year or so.

I have not been treating my seats because in the first 6 months you want the seats to cure. Zef had mentioned that I can buy a product to reduce cracking and maintain the seats for longer duration. I have yet to buy the product. I’ll only wipe my seats down with a micro-fiber towel and water as of now. (It’s been over 6 months)

Since I knew I was going to get it retouched (plan to get it done in the Spring 2018). I decided to break in the dye and just take it to its limits. I put people in the back of seats and luggage sometimes. I purposely but carefully try to see the extent of the dye and what it can take. So I have not been babying my seats at all since the dye.

I plan to baby my seats and get the product that helps them last and I plan to even let my car sit for a good month in Spring after I get it retouched. That’s when I plan to really see how long a dye can last. As of now like I said I’ve just been testing the waters on it.


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[John in VA]

SEM Classic Coat is a line of OEM matched aerosols for renewing or restoring leather and vinyl. SEM Color Coat is a specialty flexible coating formulated to restore or change the color of most vinyl surfaces, flexible and rigid plastics, carpet and velour. Color Coat is not a dye, but a fade resistant flexible and permanent coating.

https://www.semproducts.com

[joeybananaz18]

Any idea what that stuff was he said for you to pick up?

I suppose if it starts to crack a bit over time, little touch ups aren't as difficult as doing the whole interior.

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[L0veZHP]

Any idea what that stuff was he said for you to pick up?

I suppose if it starts to crack a bit over time, little touch ups aren't as difficult as doing the whole interior.

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Ima ask Zef I’ll let you know


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[joeybananaz18]

As per George at leatherique, they recommend their rejuvenator to keep the leather plump and healthy.

I actually just ordered a 16 ouce kit off amazon so I can start softening things up.


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