Long term seat care

MTM · 11-19-2017, 10:26 AM

My E92 is my daily driver (>85k miles so far) and am intending to keep it for much longer.

Am getting concerned about long term wear on the driver seat (it is the only one that gets any real wear and tear). So, does anyone have experience with a high end seat cover? Am looking for protection beyond what periodic leather care will provide.

Any thoughts? Don't want it to look cheap...

dparm · 11-19-2017, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTM

My E92 is my daily driver (>85k miles so far) and am intending to keep it for much longer.

Am getting concerned about long term wear on the driver seat (it is the only one that gets any real wear and tear). So, does anyone have experience with a high end seat cover? Am looking for protection beyond what periodic leather care will provide.

Any thoughts? Don't want it to look cheap...

I've never seen an aftermarket cover that looks good or fits right.

My advice: get replacement seat covers (literally, new leather) from BMW and have a shop install them when the current ones are looking too ratty.

Dlpfcb · 11-19-2017, 10:59 AM

Leatheriques will at least pull out all the oils and keep them fresh. Needs to at least warm outside hot is preferred. I would reach out to a leather shop as sometimes they can do a pretty decent job at repairing. Also check junkyards if it worn too badly as you can find driver seats in really good condition for a reasonable price.

Helmsman · 11-19-2017, 11:03 AM

As discussed before; in/out with ease, keep the seat clean/wipe down often, and a clean properly and add some lotion now and then. Will keep the seat.

Route 16 · 11-19-2017, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helmsman

As discussed before; in/out with ease, keep the seat clean/wipe down often, and a clean properly and add some lotion now and then. Will keep the seat.

what type of lotion? I want to keep it shiny and plush, mines starting to look dry

hungryhippo · 11-19-2017, 12:10 PM

I don't keep my cars that long, but i had an e36 m3 with over 200k and the seat still looked great. The previous owner said he used leather conditioner every time he washed it.

///M Power-Belgium · 11-19-2017, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Route 16

what type of lotion? I want to keep it shiny and plush, mines starting to look dry

Shiny ? You actually need the *factory matte look* for your Novillo leather .
Leatherique is the best on the market . Here is mine => http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=768340

shimmy23 · 11-19-2017, 01:06 PM

apply leatherique once or twice a year. wipe off with damp microfiber, wringing it out frequently.

DL7 · 11-19-2017, 07:31 PM

OP, look into Gtechniq L1. It's a protection coating that you apply every few months. Have heard of it but not used it. There is another similar one that I heard of but can't remember the name.

MachinesWithSouls · 11-19-2017, 08:00 PM

I use AMMO Lather to clean, and Mousse to preserve. 7 years in, still looking good.

Spun Crankhub · 11-20-2017, 12:39 AM

Leatherique rejuvenator every 3 months, and when you get in and out avoid allowing your body to compress or rub against the thigh or side bolster.

Helmsman · 11-20-2017, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Route 16

what type of lotion? I want to keep it shiny and plush, mines starting to look dry

I've been using Chemical Guys conditioner for soon a bottle. Seems to work fine and have a nice leather smell. Adds a little shine if you dont wipe it off if thats what youre looking for mate. Again I believe the keeping clean part is the important.

MMMM3 · 11-20-2017, 07:49 AM

If the seats are shiny then they need care- if your product makes the leather shiny you need to toss it.... Leatherique is the pros product...

Yoddha · 11-20-2017, 02:25 PM

If you have access, a steam cleaning machine and a microfibre towel work wonders on leather. It restores that natural matt look and gets rid of all of the sheen. Look up "AMMO Interior Cleaning" on YouTube. There's some great tutorials from this incredible detailer (Larry Kosilla) that have really helped me out.

Cheers

Route 16 · 11-20-2017, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M__3__R__A__G__E

If you have access, a steam cleaning machine and a microfibre towel work wonders on leather. It restores that natural matt look and gets rid of all of the sheen. Look up "AMMO Interior Cleaning" on YouTube. There's some great tutorials from this incredible detailer (Larry Kosilla) that have really helped me out.

Cheers

How about microwaving damp towels, works the same way?

HerbNRacer · 11-20-2017, 06:57 PM

One thing I read from another member I thought was good advice: was to not sit on your wallet, it helps in not getting extra stretch marks in the leather.

Also +1 for Leatherique, just be prepaired to put in some work to get it right. And make sure to follow the instructions!!!

MachinesWithSouls · 11-20-2017, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Route 16

Quote:

Originally Posted by M__3__R__A__G__E

If you have access, a steam cleaning machine and a microfibre towel work wonders on leather. It restores that natural matt look and gets rid of all of the sheen. Look up "AMMO Interior Cleaning" on YouTube. There's some great tutorials from this incredible detailer (Larry Kosilla) that have really helped me out.

Cheers

How about microwaving damp towels, works the same way?

I believe the constant steam of the machine is what opens up the pores. If you use a hot towel, leave it on the seat for a bit to open everything up. You'll have to do a section at a time.

Yoddha · 11-20-2017, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Route 16

Quote:

Originally Posted by M__3__R__A__G__E

If you have access, a steam cleaning machine and a microfibre towel work wonders on leather. It restores that natural matt look and gets rid of all of the sheen. Look up "AMMO Interior Cleaning" on YouTube. There's some great tutorials from this incredible detailer (Larry Kosilla) that have really helped me out.

Cheers

How about microwaving damp towels, works the same way?

I've never tried that method, so I can't provide any input on it. However I will say that the steam machine is extremely effective and is worth the purchase if you love that brand new leather look and smell.

MTM · 12-20-2017, 11:34 AM

Any recommendations for a leather steamer?

nrubenstein · 12-20-2017, 12:02 PM

First and foremost, get in and out carefully, without dragging your ass or your side against the bolsters.

If your seat is black, I have had fantastic experiences with Bryndana Colorbond leather paint for spot repairs on seats that have had dye damage. (It'll feel a little rough at first, but a couple weeks of use will polish it smooth.)

Get lit · 12-20-2017, 03:11 PM

Buy new seat leather when yours wears out...if unavailable have an upholstery shop recover them.

nrubenstein · 12-21-2017, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Get lit

Buy new seat leather when yours wears out...if unavailable have an upholstery shop recover them.

It’s a lot cheaper and easier to take care of the seats in the mean time.

11-19-2017, 10:26 AM	#1
MTM Lieutenant 83 Rep 468 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Houston iTrader: (1)	Long term seat care My E92 is my daily driver (>85k miles so far) and am intending to keep it for much longer. Am getting concerned about long term wear on the driver seat (it is the only one that gets any real wear and tear). So, does anyone have experience with a high end seat cover? Am looking for protection beyond what periodic leather care will provide. Any thoughts? Don't want it to look cheap...
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11-19-2017, 10:59 AM	#3
Dlpfcb Captain 483 Rep 647 Posts Drives: AW E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Idaho iTrader: (1)	Leatheriques will at least pull out all the oils and keep them fresh. Needs to at least warm outside hot is preferred. I would reach out to a leather shop as sometimes they can do a pretty decent job at repairing. Also check junkyards if it worn too badly as you can find driver seats in really good condition for a reasonable price.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-19-2017, 11:03 AM	#4
Helmsman Major General 4488 Rep 7,131 Posts Drives: 2011 AW E90 M3 ZCP Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Stockholm, Sweden iTrader: (0)	As discussed before; in/out with ease, keep the seat clean/wipe down often, and a clean properly and add some lotion now and then. Will keep the seat.
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11-19-2017, 12:10 PM	#6
hungryhippo Private First Class 80 Rep 137 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (1)	I don't keep my cars that long, but i had an e36 m3 with over 200k and the seat still looked great. The previous owner said he used leather conditioner every time he washed it.
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11-19-2017, 01:06 PM	#8
shimmy23 F15 daddymobile 2356 Rep 3,522 Posts Drives: GS X5 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: WA iTrader: (3)	apply leatherique once or twice a year. wipe off with damp microfiber, wringing it out frequently. __________________ -brandon F15 Glacier Silver journal
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11-19-2017, 07:31 PM	#9
DL7 Private 12 Rep 57 Posts Drives: F10 M5 Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: SE iTrader: (0)	OP, look into Gtechniq L1. It's a protection coating that you apply every few months. Have heard of it but not used it. There is another similar one that I heard of but can't remember the name.
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11-19-2017, 08:00 PM	#10
MachinesWithSouls Colonel 4846 Rep 2,445 Posts Drives: 2022 M3 6MT Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW M3 [10.00]	I use AMMO Lather to clean, and Mousse to preserve. 7 years in, still looking good. Attached Images __________________ 2022 M3 6MT - Portimao Blue Metallic 2022 X3 M40i - Tanzanite Blue Metallic
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11-20-2017, 12:39 AM	#11
Spun Crankhub Major General 969 Rep 5,034 Posts Drives: 15 F82 SOLD Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (63)	Leatherique rejuvenator every 3 months, and when you get in and out avoid allowing your body to compress or rub against the thigh or side bolster.
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11-20-2017, 07:49 AM	#13
MMMM3 Second Lieutenant 75 Rep 243 Posts Drives: 2018 f80 6mt Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Ann Arbor iTrader: (1)	If the seats are shiny then they need care- if your product makes the leather shiny you need to toss it.... Leatherique is the pros product...
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11-20-2017, 02:25 PM	#14
Yoddha Captain 251 Rep 817 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (6) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [0.00]	If you have access, a steam cleaning machine and a microfibre towel work wonders on leather. It restores that natural matt look and gets rid of all of the sheen. Look up "AMMO Interior Cleaning" on YouTube. There's some great tutorials from this incredible detailer (Larry Kosilla) that have really helped me out. Cheers
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11-20-2017, 06:57 PM	#16
HerbNRacer Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 146 Rep 230 Posts Drives: 2012 e92 ZCP M3 Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Palmtucky iTrader: (1)	One thing I read from another member I thought was good advice: was to not sit on your wallet, it helps in not getting extra stretch marks in the leather. Also +1 for Leatherique, just be prepaired to put in some work to get it right. And make sure to follow the instructions!!! __________________ 2012 Alpine White ZCP e92, AG wheels with 12.5mm rear spacers, PS4S 255/35-275/35 (No rubbing), 2.5 OEM Exhaust mod
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12-20-2017, 11:34 AM	#19
MTM Lieutenant 83 Rep 468 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Houston iTrader: (1)	Any recommendations for a leather steamer?
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12-20-2017, 12:02 PM	#20
nrubenstein Captain 567 Rep 801 Posts Drives: E30 M3/E36 M3/E46 M3/E90 M3 Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (2)	First and foremost, get in and out carefully, without dragging your ass or your side against the bolsters. If your seat is black, I have had fantastic experiences with Bryndana Colorbond leather paint for spot repairs on seats that have had dye damage. (It'll feel a little rough at first, but a couple weeks of use will polish it smooth.) __________________ 2011.75 E90 M3 \| 2006 GMC Sierra LBZ \| 2004 X5 3.0i 6MT \| 1995 M3 S50B32 \| 1990 325is \| 1989 M3 S54B32 Hers: 1996 911 Turbo \| 1989 325iX
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12-20-2017, 03:11 PM	#21
Get lit HMFIC 372 Rep 522 Posts Drives: 2016 F80 M3 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Charleston SC iTrader: (1) Garage List 2016 BMW M3 [0.00]	Buy new seat leather when yours wears out...if unavailable have an upholstery shop recover them.
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